Juan Matute Guimon receives the Premier Equestrian Award with Quantico Ymas his 5-star Grand Prix partner. (Photo courtesy of JRPR, no photo credit necessary)
Wellington, FL (February 15, 2018) – Week five of Florida’s legendary Adequan Global Dressage Festival saw Premier Equestrian, its long-time patron and renowned arena-footing specialist, give its coveted award for outstanding contributions to the sport of dressage to young Spanish phenom Juan Matute Guimon, Jr. Premier Equestrian is known for honoring riders who exemplify all the admirable traits that add to a positive show atmosphere, demonstrating good sportsmanship as well as excellent horsemanship.
The 19-year-old son of three-time Spanish Olympian Juan Matute, was very happy with the three horses he showed this week. “I’m riding Quantico Ymas in the 5-star Grand Prix and Diego Ymas in the 3-star Grand Prix. For Copernico Ymas, my 8-year-old, this will be his second CDI in Young Riders. So I’m quite looking forward to see what happens going forward.”
The Matute family has lived in Wellington, Florida, for the past few years, and their eldest son has impressed the dressage world with his remarkable talent. He has been very successful showing in Europe, and just this week at Adequan Global Dressage Festival he rode Copernico Ymas to win both Young Rider tests with over 71%. On Don Diego Ymas he won the two Under-25 tests with over 72 and 71%. With Quantico Ymas, he placed fourth in the Grand Prix with almost 70%, and in the Freestyle he scored a whopping 75% and placed third just behind veterans Tinne Vilhelmson and Shelly Francis.
Matute Guimon’s goals at Adequan Global Dressage Festival are consistent with Premier Equestrian’s philosophy: “In my rides, I’m trying to develop even a more sensitive feel—lighter and more subtle aids,” he says. “And I try to have my horses enjoy their time and performances in the ring and to eliminate as much tension as possible. Some horses, for example, like Quantico Ymas in particular, get fired up very easily and it can be difficult for me to keep him under subtle aids and soft riding, but like I said, it is one of my goals.
“Copernico Ymas turns 8 years old this year,” he continues. “This is his first FEI CDI Young Riders season, and the first week was unbelievable. So I’m hoping to keep up the scores and perhaps even make them increase a little bit, but my primary goal for him is to gain experience and get mileage.”
This young man takes winning the Premier Equestrian Award quite seriously. “I think it is very important to have a good impact on the people around you,” he explains. “It really tells a lot about the person. I believe true horsemanship and sportsmanship are all about being who you are, of course, but they are also about trying to enjoy the moment. It is important to realize that you are very fortunate to spend time around our lovely horses and the interesting and lovely people you meet in this sport. It’s important to always maintain your level of humbleness. I think that’s the key, and to realize that we are very fortunate to have the people and opportunities we have around us.” To see more follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_bGB3quyVk
Premier Equestrian will continue to reward deserving dressage competitors with the Premier Equestrian Award throughout the rest of the show season. In addition, the company also focuses on the equipment that makes riding safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Premier Equestrian is known for its advanced arena footing solutions that can improve horses’ performances while always keeping their well being in mind. To learn more about Premier Equestrian, please visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call (800) 611-6109.
