From Stanford to the Show Ring: The Inspiring Career Journey of Alec Lawler

A Strong Foundation in Education and Athletics

Alec Lawler’s journey to becoming a world-renowned show jumping athlete and respected equine entrepreneur is a story shaped by discipline, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Before stepping into the international spotlight of FEI competition, Alec built a strong academic foundation at Stanford University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems. His studies gave him a deep understanding of global systems, environmental reasoning, and analytical problem-solving—skills he later carried into his equine business and competitive strategies.

While balancing rigorous academics with elite sport, Alec learned the importance of long-term planning, precision, and adaptability. This unique combination of intellect and athletic commitment became a defining characteristic of his career and continues to influence every decision he makes in training horses, managing clients, and developing international networks.

Rising Talent: Early Competitive Success

Alec’s riding career began long before Stanford, with early achievements signaling a future filled with promise. As a junior and young rider, he earned team gold and silver medals at the North American Junior Rider Championships in 2008 and 2009 and secured a top-six finish at the North American Young Rider Championships in 2010. These accomplishments placed him among the most talented young athletes in the sport and sparked a passion for international competition.

His early experiences exposed him to world-class trainers, competitive environments, and advanced training philosophies. By the time Alec graduated from Stanford, he had already laid a foundation that combined academic discipline with elite competitive training—setting the stage for larger opportunities on the global show jumping circuit.

International Breakthroughs and Grand Prix Victories

After completing his education, Alec fully committed to building a professional career in international show jumping. His dedication paid off with major FEI victories, including the CSI 3* Grand Prix of Lummen, Belgium (2016) and the CSI 3* Grand Prix of Traverse City, Michigan (2022). These wins highlighted his ability to perform against top athletes from around the world and solidified his place within the international show jumping community.

In addition to these prestigious wins, Alec has collected top finishes across North America’s most respected circuits, including the National Grand Prix of Woodside, the National Grand Prix of the Desert, and multiple FEI ranking classes. His consistency, technical precision, and intuitive connection with horses have earned him the respect of trainers, breeders, owners, and fellow competitors.

The Vision Behind Lawler Show Jumping LLC

In 2019, Alec launched Lawler Show Jumping LLC, driven by a vision to create a business that combined competitive excellence with intelligent equine investment. Through the company, Alec built a model centered on selecting, importing, developing, and selling elite sport horses while fostering meaningful relationships with international partners.

Today, Lawler Show Jumping is known for its professionalism, transparency, and ability to deliver well-developed horses with strong competitive potential. Alec personally oversees every step of the process—from evaluating young prospects in Europe to training and competing horses across North America.

Developing Horses the Right Way

Alec’s training philosophy centers on patience, balance, and long-term growth. Each horse receives a personalized plan that focuses on foundational flatwork, mental confidence, and progressive exposure to technical challenges. His approach allows horses to mature into talented, adaptable, and reliable competitors. This method has produced horses that excel with riders from amateur athletes to professionals on major circuits.

A Leader in Global Equine Investment

Beyond competition, Alec is widely regarded for his expertise in international equine investment. His network of breeders, agents, and trainers across Europe and North America allows him to identify valuable opportunities not readily available to the public. He evaluates horses with a trained eye for potential, temperament, and resale value, guiding clients through strategic decisions with clarity and experience.

A Career Defined by Excellence

From the lecture halls of Stanford University to the global show jumping arena, Alec Lawler’s journey reflects ambition, intelligence, and a deep commitment to the sport he loves. As an athlete, entrepreneur, and industry leader, he continues to inspire riders and investors alike—proving that with vision, hard work, and integrity, exceptional achievements are always possible.