Olympic Dressage Hopeful Supports Local Boys & Girls Club Youth
Powerful Message Dressage phenom Juan Matute Guimón has witnessed many changes over the past year, as he lives with one foot firmly planted in Wellington and the other in Madrid, Spain. Matute Guimón, 21, was born in Spain but moved to Wellington’s equestrian community when he was 10 years old. Last year, he became a U.S. citizen, but he also decided to move back to Spain to earn a university degree. Despite this life-changing decision, Matute Guimón is determined to stay rooted locally by continuing to help the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. “I’m still closely connected to the Wellington community even though I am living in Spain,” Matute Guimón said. “It’s like my home even though I moved away. I hold onto my Wellington family while I have my Spanish roots.” He’s excited to return to South Florida this winter. In February, Matute Guimón will be one of nine star players competing in the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon, which benefits the local Boys & Girls Club. Matute Guimón said that the event is special for him because he is able to have fun with some of the world’s most renowned equestrians while impacting the lives of more than 1,200 children who are members of the club. “It’s one of the highlights of the season for all of us,” he said. “We meet many families whose children enjoy a safe place to go after school. It’s a great
feeling that as we are competing, we are also helping the future progress and connecting new individuals.” The third annual World Championship Equestrian Triathlon will be held Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at Deeridge Farms in Wellington. It features elite dressage, show jumping and polo athletes from around the world. The twist is that the athletes do not compete in their sport of expertise, which makes the event even more exciting for the competitors and the spectators. Matute Guimón and his team will be defending their championship title next year. Earlier this year, they were crowned victorious over equestrian ce-
lebrities such as Nacho Figueras, Andy Kocher and Lerin Zubiaurre. Always the gentleman, Matute Guimón plays coy when asked if he wants to hold onto his title for a second year. “We all have a competitive edge about us, but it’s most important that we raise money for the organization,” he said. “If we win, it’s even better!” Matute Guimón is used to winning. Throughout his dressage career, he has achieved significant accomplishments at a young age both in the U.S. and Spain. He started competing in Wellington in the national ring in 2010 and the international ring two years later. In 2015, he won the FEI gold medal at the
Dressage rider Juan Matute Guimón with polo star Nacho Figueras. PHOTO COURTESY ALDEN CORRIGAN MEDIA wellington the magazine | december 2019
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