Michael Matz

Graduate of Governor Mifflin High School, Michael has become an international celebrity as an equestrian rider and trainer. He began riding at the age of 14 (1965) and made a rapid progression through the ranks. He has won the Cleveland Grand Prix (1972), finished third in the American Gold Cup (1973), finished second in the amateur championships in Great Britain (1974), won the Rheingold Grand Prix and took the bronze medal in the individual competition at the Pan-American Games (1975). Matz won the Mexican Grand Prix, toured Europe with the U.S. equestrian team, was a member of the four-man U.S. team at the Washington International and competed for the United States at the Olympics in Montreal (1976). He won the American Gold Cup (1977-79), finished third in the World Championships (1978), won the gold medal in the Pan-American Games (1979) and won the World Cup in London (1981). Recently, he trained the Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro (2007).