is a collaborative effort between three organizations; CONFEPASO, Paso Fino Horse
(SRPFHA). This year, the United States is the host country and Ocala, FL has been
selected as the venue.
Confepaso Mission: Planning relevant strategies to maintain sustained growth in
existing and future trade associations that develop culture and promotion of the Paso
horse worldwide.
PFHA Mission: Paso Fino Horse Association, or PFHA, mission is to protect and
promote the best interests and welfare of the Paso Fino horse, to protect and maintain
the integrity of the Registry along with the natural characteristics and heritage of the
Paso Fino horse, promote and enhance the appeal and versatility of the Paso Fino
horse and provide and support member services.
SRPFHA Mission: Southern Regional Paso Fino Horse Association mission is to
enhance the Paso Fino breed by providing local, regional, national and international
competition and events.
The CONFEPASO Youth Equitation Mundial was the vision of a young boy with
cancer, Felix Santiago Oliver, who petitioned the board of CONFEPASO in 1995,
requesting a world championship that would bring the youth of the world together
in their love of horses to compete in equitation classes and develop life long
friendships. CONFEPASO approved this request, developing a show for male and
female riders ages from 4-24 in 1996, which is held every other year. Sadly, Felix
lost his battle to cancer in 1997 at the age of 17; however each Youth Equitation
Mundial is held in his honor to keep his dream alive.
The Youth Equitation Mundial is unlike any other horse show. It is an Olympic style
event, complete with opening and closing ceremonies, where the rider compete in
classes broken out by their s*x and age to earn medals for their country. The actual
competition spans 4 days, two for girls and two for boys and their are additional
classes dedicated to handicapped riders for each. The top three riders in each class
receive Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and a ceremony on the podium is held,
complete with the first place country National Anthem. Medal counts per country are
tallied for this prestigious event.
