Thoughts from the Arena...
A space to hear more about my journey, personality, and ideas.
From Panama to the World: My Show Jumping Journey
Growing up in Panama, horses were never just animals to me — they were my teammates, my teachers, and my window into the world. I began riding at a young age, inspired by the energy and elegance of show jumping. It started as a passion, but quickly became a lifestyle. From my earliest lessons in local Panamanian stables to the international competitions I now participate in, this sport has shaped every part of who I am.
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As I progressed through the national ranks, I realized that show jumping offered more than medals — it offered a global community. I had the privilege of representing Panama internationally for the first time in Bogotá, Colombia in 2015. That experience opened my eyes to the scale of talent and infrastructure that exists beyond our borders. I was hungry for more. In 2022, I proudly competed in the Bolivarian Games in Bogotá, riding alongside top athletes and gaining insight into the political and organizational elements that often go unnoticed behind the scenes.
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One of the most transformative chapters of my journey began when I moved to Wellington, Florida — the epicenter of equestrian sport in the Americas. Wellington is where Olympic dreams are formed. It’s a place where young riders train next to world champions, where horses are treated like elite athletes, and where the sport is managed at a level that I had never seen before. Living and riding there has been a game-changer.
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Being in Wellington didn’t just improve my riding — it sharpened my vision. I’ve learned from some of the world’s best coaches, including Pablo Barrios, Leslie Burr Howard, and Alejandro Karolyi. I've watched how equestrian sport is run from the inside. I understand how governance, investment, athlete support, and marketing all play a role in building a sustainable ecosystem. That’s knowledge I plan to bring home.
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The truth is: Panama has incredible riders and a growing equestrian scene. But we are falling behind in terms of organization, structure, and global positioning. I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible — and I know we can do better. My dream is not just to ride for Panama, but to help Panama ride toward a better future. I want to modernize how our federation operates, inspire young athletes, and position Panama as a competitive force in international equestrian sport.
Show jumping gave me the world. Now, I want to bring the world back to Panama.
How Sports Taught Me Leadership
Sports have always been more than competition to me. While I love the adrenaline, the technical precision, and the beauty of show jumping, the greatest lessons I’ve learned have been about myself — and about leadership.
My equestrian career has been filled with highs and lows. Injuries, pressure, setbacks, and self-doubt have tested me more times than I can count. But each challenge has also taught me how to lead — not just others, but myself. Leadership, I’ve come to learn, starts with discipline and self-awareness.
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Time management is one of the first skills you’re forced to master as an athlete. Balancing school, training, competitions, and travel required careful planning and the ability to prioritize. As I grew older, those skills translated into professional habits. I became more organized, more proactive, and more reliable — traits that are just as valuable in the office as they are in the arena.
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I also learned about investing in myself. Riding at a high level requires constant growth: physical conditioning, mental focus, technical refinement, and strategic decision-making. Every ride is an investment of time, energy, and emotion. That mindset carried into how I approached school and work. I began to see every task, every opportunity, as part of a bigger picture.
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Managing stress and anxiety has also been a critical part of my development. Before big competitions, I’ve felt the weight of expectations. But I’ve learned to embrace the pressure instead of fear it. Breathing techniques, visualization, and mindfulness practices helped me regain control. These techniques later helped me in situations like public speaking, managing academic deadlines, and working under pressure.
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My coaches have played a huge role in my leadership development. Training under riders like Pablo Barrios and Leslie Burr Howard taught me more than riding — they taught me presence, communication, and resilience. They modeled how to lead by example, how to be generous with knowledge, and how to stay humble even after achieving success.
Outside the arena, I’ve taken on leadership roles in community service and media. I co-founded El Parloteo Ecuestreduring the pandemic, using Zoom and social media to engage young riders across Panama and Latin America. I’ve also worked with Student United Way and Casita de Mausi, leading charitable projects and promoting causes I believe in.
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Leadership isn’t just about having a title. It’s about consistency, responsibility, and the courage to keep showing up — for yourself and for others. Sport taught me all of that. It gave me the tools to become the person I want to be, on and off the horse.
The Future Of Sports In Panama
Panama is a country full of talent — and nowhere is that more evident than in our sports community. As someone who has grown up in this space, both as an athlete and an aspiring leader, I truly believe we’re on the edge of something great. But to reach the next level, we must act.
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In equestrian sport specifically, we are seeing more depth in talent and horsepower than ever before. Riders are traveling, competing internationally, and returning with experience. The quality of coaching, horse training, and ambition has grown tremendously. We have momentum — and we must capitalize on it.
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Right now, there’s an opportunity to inspire and mobilize the next generation of athletes in Panama. Kids need role models who not only compete, but lead. They need better infrastructure, support systems, and access to knowledge. And we need sports institutions that are modern, transparent, and forward-thinking.
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That’s where I see my future. My goal is to serve Panama’s sports community from within — starting with a leadership role in our national equestrian federation and eventually working with Pandeportes, our government’s national sports authority. I want to build programs that develop athletes from the ground up, connect Panama to international federations, and bring events and visibility to our region.
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Long-term, I dream of holding a position in the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) where I can advocate for smaller nations and help diversify the global equestrian landscape. I believe Panama can become a true competitor on the world stage — not just in show jumping, but in how we run, market, and invest in sport.
Why does this matter?
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Because sports aren’t just games. They’re education. They’re discipline. They’re identity and opportunity. When run well, sports teach kids to believe in themselves, to fight for their goals, and to represent something bigger. Panama’s youth deserve that — and I’m determined to help deliver it.
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The future of sports in Panama is bright, but only if we choose to lead with courage, collaboration, and clarity. I’m ready to be part of that movement.