JustWorld International Executive Director, Jessica Newman, presents to one of the competitors in the Guatemala Horse Festival. Photo Credit - none required
Michelle and Juan Andres Rodriguez and Jessica Newman visit JustWorld’s new Guatemalan project site, Los Patojos. Photo Credit - none required

November 30, 2008 – Guatemala – JustWorld International and the Guatemala Horse Festival of Cortijo partnered to bring JustWorld’s vision to Central America throughout the two-week horse show. JustWorld International is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world.

With over 250 horses competing including 53 international entries, the sixth annual Guatemala Horse Festival featured many unique classes including the popular ‘Ride and Drive’, a team competition comprised of junior, amateur and professional riders and a six-bar high jump as well as the traditional derby and grand prix classes. A Mini Prix was held in JustWorld’s honor, and other JustWorld activities, such as the Horseless Horse Show where people compete on foot, added to the line-up of fun and entertaining events.

On Wednesday evening, the horse show organizing committee held a welcome reception where JustWorld was the guest of honor. Horse Show organizers Juan Andreas Rodriguez, one of JustWorld’s newest rider ambassadors, and his father, Wilder Rodriguez, introduced the work of JustWorld, showing a specially compiled dvd featuring JustWorld’s project sites. Afterwards, all guests were encouraged to get involved and do their part to change the world.

On Friday evening, the horse show organized an ‘Asado’ BBQ and a Calcutta for Saturday’s team competition was held with 10% of the total pot being donated to JustWorld for its newest project site, Los Patojos, in Guatemala. Calcutta winners Rodriguez and FEI course designer Benjamin Fernandez of Mexico donated their winnings back to JustWorld, bringing the total amount raised close to $4,000 US. Throughout the show, a donation box in the main office was full at the end of every day. Paintings from JustWorld’s painting project in Honduras were also on display for sale.

On Saturday, the first Horseless Horse Show was held in Guatemala and attracted 63 participants who tried their luck over tracks set by Fernandez. Four children’s classes were offered as well as one class for adults that saw several of the grand prix riders participating. The traditional grand finale was the horseless ‘puissance’. Held in the dark with car headlights illuminating the way, the winning height was 1.46m.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Juan Andres when he was competing at the Olympics this summer,” explained Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “We spoke about JustWorld and he was very interested. A few weeks later, he called to invite JustWorld to partner with the show that he and his family organize in Guatemala. I was so impressed, it was one of the nicest shows I have been to, and compares with some of the best shows in Europe and North America.

“The concern, dedication and enthusiasm of the organizing team in bringing JustWorld to the forefront transformed the show into a fundraising event and raised awareness among prominent equestrians and their families throughout Central America,” continued Newman. “To have an Olympic rider such as Juan Andres become a Rider Ambassador and bring JustWorld to his country to start an initiative to raise money is an example which I hope many will follow.”

Founded in 2002 by former grand prix show jumping competitor Jessica Newman, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International and its upcoming fundraising events, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.