JustWorld International Executive Director, Jessica Newman, presents the trophy to 2008 Mexican National Show Jumping Champion and JustWorld Rider Ambassador, Federico Fernandez, riding Zorro. Photo by Eduardo Tame

December 21, 2008 – Queretaro, Mexico – JustWorld Ambassador Federico Fernandez claimed the Mexican National Show Jumping title at the Balvanera Horse Show held November 27-30 at the Balvanera Polo and Golf Club in Queretaro, Mexico. JustWorld International is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world.

Fernandez’s win was all the more fitting as it was the first time that JustWorld International had partnered with the Balvanera show, of which Fernandez is an organizer. The Mexican National Championships were staged over three days, with a speed leg followed by two days of two-round competitions. Fernandez claimed the national title riding his 2008 Olympic partner, Zorro.

“On the first day, he had one rail, and then he jumped the next four rounds clear,” said Fernandez of the nine-year-old black German-bred stallion that he has owned for the past year and a half. “I am very happy.”

On the final day of competition, between the first and second rounds, a special retirement ceremony was held for Bohemio, Fernandez’s long-time partner. The 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding carried Fernandez to two World Equestrian Games appearances in 2002 and 2006, the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and the 2003 Pan American Games where they were members of the Silver Medal Team and placed fifth individually. During a show jumping competition this summer at Spruce Meadows, which he won, Bohemio was injured, forcing his retirement.

At the conclusion of the National Championships, Fernandez donated all of his winnings to JustWorld International.

“I like the fundamentals of JustWorld and admire that Jessica, who has no need to work, has dedicated herself to this cause,” said Fernandez of his motivation to become involved with JustWorld International, both as a Rider Ambassador and as a show organizer. “With our show, we wanted to make the venue available to Jessica to use in any way that she could think of. We made announcements about JustWorld’s work between classes, and we held a JustWorld class with Jessica as the presenter. We are working together to develop a very special event for JustWorld next year. This year, the first step was to have Jessica come here and see the show, and then we will move forward in developing a real fundraiser for JustWorld in the future.”

The Balvanera Horse Show is organized by EquSport, of which Fernandez is the President while another Mexican Olympian, Enrique Gonzalez, is the General Director. EquSport organizes eight international-caliber competitions each year using four different arenas, making it a show circuit comparable to those found in the United States. On the initiative of Fernandez, JustWorld International was been named the official charity of all EquSport events, taking a step towards involving the Mexican equestrian community in its fundraising efforts.

“Federico is a true JustWorld Ambassador in every sense of the word,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “He is one of the kindest, most generous human beings I know. It was a privilege for JustWorld to be invited and treated as the guests of honor at his horse show. His entire organizing team was helpful and supportive, giving JustWorld center stage in order to raise awareness about our mission. I am very excited about the future of JustWorld in Mexico, particularly in partnership with Federico’s events and EquSport.”

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.