I recently had the pleasure of accompanying the Guatemalan Endurance Team to the World Equestrian Games in the United States. Five riders, grooms, family members and technical support people made the long journey to Kentucky. Forty one people in total. Over the past year and a half I have seen these riders and their trusty mounts train tirelessly for this event overcoming obstacles along the way separating themselves out as the elite Endurance riders of Guatemala.
As an American my sense of patriotism towards my home in the U.S. was strong as I arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park. The grounds were perfectly manicured and the excitement of the impending World Equestrian Games was in the air. One could not help but be overcome by the greatness of Equestrian sports.
Upon my arrival at the horse park I was immediately greeted with open arms by the members of the Guatemalan Endurance Team. This did not surprise me as I have always been treated as part of the Endurance family even though I am new at the sport. The veterans of the sport are always willing to impart their knowledge and share their experience. There were some very serious roadblocks along the way to Kentucky.
But despite the long journey and the seven grueling days the horses spent in quarantine, the Guatemalan team was an impressive lot to behold proudly displaying their national colors.
They looked refreshed, confident and ready to take on the challenge of the course set in front of them. The competitions here in Guatemala have always been well organized and well run. And the American veterinarians that I have met here in Guatemala enjoy coming to teach and to learn. Emmett Ross overseer of the Endurance portion of the World Equestrian Games speaks very highly of the Guatemalan Endurance team. Clarissa de Wit and family with particular fondness. And while the individual team members were not able to complete the entire course of 160km, they were not the only ones. Of 117 riders to start the race, only 55 completed the course.
One thing I always take away from Endurance events is the camaraderie shown both in the vet gate as well as out on the trail. Don't get me wrong, this is a very competitive sport and we are in it to win it. But at the end of the day we can all enjoy a beer together and share stories from the road.
Your fellow Guatemalans represented you well in Kentucky. Be proud and supportive of them. There were some difficult challenges and disappointments along the way but they handled them graciously. I will always be a proud member of team Guatemala!
Pictures: Ignacio de Wit
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Source: Guatemala News-El
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