Team Ecuador and Julio Mendoza became the gold medallists of the 2022 Bolivarian Games, held in Valledupar, Colombia, on 1 - 3 July 2022.
The equestrian part of the 2022 Bolivarian Games took place in Bogota at the same Military base as in 2017.
Bolivarian Games
The Bolivarian Games are a regional multi-sport event held in honour of Simón Bolívar – known as "El Libertador" - the leader of several independence movements throughout South America, collectively known as Bolívar's War. To this day he is credited with leading the fight for independence in what are now the countries of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia.
The event is open to these 6 countries liberated by Bolívar or those born from these. It is held every five years.
Team Gold for Ecuador
With only three countries competing in the team challenge, it became a repeat affair for Ecuador which won team gold back in 2017.
He anchored the Ecuadorean team to gold with Maria Jose Granja and her 20-year old Brazilian bred Emiliano AP placing second with 67.294% and Carolina Esponisa on Findus K, a 13-year old Hanoverian by Fidertanz x Pik Bube II, landing 6th place with 64.676%. Ecuador totalled 202.896 points for gold. The scratch score was from the rookie on the team, Julio's son Dealan Mateo Mendoza.
The silver went to Team Colombia with 196.383 points. Their team was spearheaded by Andrea Vargas on the 11-year old Lusitano Milonga with 66.618% (3rd) followed by Diego Perez on the 20-year old Hanoverian First Fisherman (by Fishermans Friend x Rouletto) with 66.000 (4th) and Juliana Gutierrez on her 12-year old Rhinelander Flanissimo (by Flanagan x Ferragamo) in fifth place with 65.235%.
The bronze was for Venezuela with 167.471 points, led by Alejandro Gomez on the 9-year old Oldenburg bred Middleton (by Millennium x Donnerhall) with 64.265% (7th)
Individual Gold for Mendoza
on the individual podium
The pair won the Intermediaire I with 72.206%, five percent ahead of the runner up (Andrea Vargas - 67.118%) and was a league of his own in the Inter I Kur to Music with 79.640%. He averaged an individual score of 77.295% for the gold medal.
The individual silver and bronze went to two riders from Colombia. Diego Perez and First Fisherman got silver with 67.750% and 73.720% (average 70.735%), while Andrea Vargas and Milonga slotted in third overall with 70.595% after posting 67.750% in the Inter I and 73.440% in the Kur.
Photos by Jonny Quintero
Related Links
Scores: 2022 Bolivarian Games
Ecuadorian Team Announced for 2022 Bolivarian Games
Colombian Team Announced for 2022 Bolivarian Games
Previous Winners
Ecuador and Julio Mendoza Win Gold at the 2017 Bolivarian Games
Colombia Sweeps the Board at the 2013 Bolivarian Games