Olympic Dressage Hopeful Supports Local Boys & Girls Club Youth Powerful Message

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 celebrities 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 Young Rider European Championships. He continues to earn spots on medal podiums at some of the most prestigious competitions.

Currently, he’s working to represent Spain at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The added stress and necessary practice makes for a hectic schedule, but Matute Guimón is passionate about making it to the Olympics. Representing Spain during the games would be a dream come true. “It has been my goal since I was a little boy, and now I’m ready to make it happen,” he said.

Off the field, Matute Guimón is focused on a second career that builds off his international dressage experience. “I’m studying international relations at Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid,” he explained.

The academics are a different type of challenge, but it is one that he’s facing with the same kind of determination that he exerts while on horseback. “It can be difficult at times with the competition, travel and training for the different shows. I take it step-by-step and focus on my goals,” Matute Guimón said.

His experience of having a dual career in the dressage world and the academic world has changed his perspective and even the advice that he gives to younger fans. He’s aware that his age allows him to have a more significant influence on children. This is one reason he looks forward to competing in the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon. “With me being so young, I hope that I can inspire others to participate or even volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club,” Matute Guimón said.

The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club has more than 1,200 members with 300 kids served daily. It features a learning center with a computer lab, certified teachers as tutors, college and career readiness programs, STEM programs with robotics, as well as art courses, health and wellness education, dance classes, voice lessons, a gardening program, athletics and much more.

“Always have a clear idea of your dreams and don’t be afraid to pursue them,” Matute Guimón says when advising young club members.

He knows that many of the club children face challenges every day and that their personal attitudes can help them reach their goals in the future, no matter their situation in the present. His recent commitment to juggling schoolwork and qualifying for the 2020 Olympics has underscored his strong belief in the importance of dedication and determination.

Both characteristics were taught to Matute Guimón by his father, also a well-known dressage rider. He’s quick to note that his main role model in life has always been his father. In fact, they continue to have a close relationship even as the young champion moves into adulthood.

Matute Guimón understands that not every situation allows a child to have their father as their role model, and that’s another reason why he supports the local Boys & Girls Club, which provides children positive role models and mentors. “I think it’s extremely important for the kids to always have a person that they can look up to,” he said. “It has made a big difference in my life, and I want all kids to have the same experience to push themselves to be better.”

Despite his very rigorous university coursework, Matute Guimón is not easing up on travel, competing and charity work. He looks forward to 2020 being his most exciting and possibly rewarding year yet. With the Olympics at the end of July, his schedule will likely ramp up and make his goal of attaining his degree a little more challenging to achieve. But Matute Guimón is sure to follow the advice that he gives to the Boys & Girls Club children: “If you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible!” 

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