Juan Matute Guimon Jr. is a dressage rider from Spain who has lived more than half his life in Wellington. With three-time Olympian Juan Matute Sr. as his father, coach and trainer, Matute Jr. continues to make an international name for himself. Sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas, the young rider continuously proves he can ride with the best in the world. He works six to seven horses a day, six days a week, and each gain the correct basic training for a strong career ahead. Training and competing in Wellington is the precursor to the Spanish National Championships held each May, where Matute Jr. works to qualify to represent his country at upcoming championships. His three main competition horses for 2018 are Quantico Ymas, Don Diego Ymas and Copernico Ymas. He arrived back in Wellington after a successful 2017 summer with key European wins on the Under 25 circuit. He is a perfectionist by nature in a sport where timing and discipline mean everything. He works to present a performance that looks as easy as possible. Organization plays a role in helping Matute Jr. handle those moments of pressure, and he sticks to his routine on competition days. A superstar of a rider and young man, Matute Jr. one to watch in 2018.
