Jumpers

Website: alexanderzetterman.com

“I have a talent and a passion for what I do, a team with great knowledge, experience and a stable of horses in the top class. The conditions are more than good. I am humble and thankful for this and I know that this is why I can reach my goal – a medal at the Olympic Games. “

AS A ZETTERMAN

Alexander is half Swede and half Irish. He grew up on the Springfield farm with his family, all of whom  are or have been professional riders in show jumping. Together they have over 45 championship medals, including a silver in the world championship.

His father Royne is by far the most successful horse dealer in Scandinavia and one of the most prominent in the entire world since the last 20 years. He has competed in three World championships 1994 in The Hague, 2002 in Jerez and 2006 in Aachen. Alexanders brother Daniel is five years older and together they make a perfect team as they travel to shows worldwide. Alexanders mother Aisling has also competed at high levels with great results. Today she works full time with being the manager too her sons, and continue to develop the world-famous company she and Royne once started – Springfield Showjumpers AB.

A LIFETIME OF PREPARATION – CLIMBING THE WORLD RANKING

When Alexander was 10 years, he won his first gold in the Swedish championships. After watching the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Alexander decided he wanted to be a professional rider and compete at the Olympic Games and at the age of 12 the goal was clear. As he ended his pony career at the age of 14 he had already won 5 gold medals at the Swedish championships and in total 12 medals including a team silver medal at the European championships.

At the age of 16 he left school to become a professional rider and went on to compete in four European Junior Championships. In 2009, he improved his performance dramatically and went from 426th to 128th place on the senior world ranking – as a junior. After that year he became part of the Swedish Olympic talent program, which meant a lot of economic support to help him stay at the top and train and compete with the best in the world. Today he is one of the riders in the Swedish team, the youngest professional on the tour that competes worldwide, with focus on a Olympic medal.

MORE THAN THE RIDING – A BUSINESSMAN IN HIS OWN RIGHT

Alexander is more than a talented rider, he is a young businessman. He wants to improve the show jumping industry, and the ability for future talents, increase media interest and get more guys to adopt the challenges of the sport. One of the businesses he works primarily with today is to increase the value of horses, by training them, and then resell them to other riders. But he also acts as a broker between other horse dealers and buyers.

ONE OF HIS BUSINESS

Alexander focuses most of his time competing and training the horses from Springfield Showjumpers, but he has started out holding clinics and trainings also. This has been very appreciated and this is something that Alexander loves to do. He has a passion for everything to do with development in his sport, and to help future stars achieve their goals and give something back to the sport inspires him a lot.