Adventure in D'Paso Fest 2024 – Barrileras, Inc. in Lima, Perú

From October 1 to 8, a group of our beloved riders from Barrileras, Inc. had the privilege of experiencing one of the most enriching and exciting moments in our team's history: participating in the D'Paso Fest 2024 in Lima, Peru. With great courage and preparation, our admirable horsewomen—Nora Marrero, from Dorado, and Xiorimar Melendez, Rocío Santiago, and Keyri Lee Matta, all residents of Fajardo—became ambassadors of our equestrian passion in Peru.

During seven days filled with adventure and learning, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich Peruvian culture, forging connections that transcend borders. This journey not only celebrated our love for horses but also allowed us to merge our skills as riders with the equestrian traditions of another nation, truly reflecting the international spirit we seek to foster at Barrileras, Inc. of Puerto Rico. We are deeply grateful to each of our participants for their dedication and for proudly representing our organization at this memorable event.

Second Cultural Encounter at D'Paso Fest

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

The first day was filled with excitement and anticipation. We were greeted by private transportation at the Lima airport, which took us to the beautiful agricultural facilities of the Murphy family, a family well-known among the organizers of D'Paso Fest and great promoters of the Peruvian Paso horse. Upon arrival, we were impressed by the organization and structure of the breeding farm. The facilities were exceptional, with large outdoor spaces that allowed the animals to enjoy a healthy and natural environment.

In addition to the majestic Peruvian Paso horses, we encountered an incredible variety of other animals. There were elegant Lusitano horses, showcasing their strength and poise, as well as various mules and donkeys that were essential to the daily tasks on the farm. The diversity of animals further enriched the atmosphere of the hacienda, creating an environment where each species had its own space and purpose.

What delighted us the most was seeing how the broodmares lived freely in vast fields, while the foals played non-stop, running and enjoying the outdoors. It was a scene where equine life flourished in harmony.

After a fascinating tour of the facilities, we were invited to enjoy a delicious traditional meal, where we tasted veal and chicken. To complete the experience, we tried the refreshing chicha morada, a drink made from purple corn, which was the perfect finishing touch to our first day in Peru.

Preparations for the Show and Connecting with Other International Teams

The following two days were intense in terms of preparation. Our team not only fine-tuned the final details for the competition, but we also learned a great deal about the training techniques Peruvians use for their horses. The humility and willingness to share knowledge were truly impressive. Those days strengthened our multicultural relationship between associations and made us feel part of a large equestrian family. This year, we were accompanied by a total of 9 countries including Puerto Rico; Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Panama.

Day 2: Meeting Our Horses at Hacienda Montalván and Gala at Mamacona

The second day was especially exciting. We arrived at Hacienda Montalván, owned by Mr. Felipe Thorndike, to meet our horses. There, we were greeted by Dr. Alfredo Salas Pooley, an expert in Peruvian Paso horses, who shared his vast knowledge and delighted us with fascinating anecdotes about the history and art of breeding this unique breed.

We had the opportunity to briefly ride our horses, being careful not to overexert them before the main events. It was a moment of connection with these magnificent animals. Additionally, we were invited to participate in a special tradition: the Marinera dance on horseback. Our president, Keyri Matta, accepted the challenge with great honor and courage, with Dr. Alfredo as her dance partner and instructor, in a cultural experience we will never forget.

In the afternoon, we took part in the D'Paso Fest gala at the stunning Mamacona facilities. This event was not only a celebration of equestrian art but also a beautiful reflection of the union between countries. The gathering of various international horsewomen's associations, all dressed in their traditional outfits, highlighted the richness of our cultures and the importance of cultural exchange. The food, including delicious ceviche, gave us a taste of Peruvian cuisine, and the Marinera performance that followed filled us with joy and excitement.

The Marinera is a traditional Peruvian dance that symbolizes romance and courtship, characterized by its elegant movements and the use of handkerchiefs. It is a cultural expression that highlights Peruvian identity and is performed in various versions depending on the region, particularly in coastal areas.

The gala is an event that strengthens our bonds and fuels the desire to continue working together to promote the international growth of equestrian sports. These gatherings are crucial for creating stronger ties between nations, promoting cooperation and mutual respect, which are essential in the equestrian world and in our communities. Such events not only enrich our experience but also inspire us to keep striving for a bright future in the world of horseback riding.

Day 3: Practices at Montalván and Ride to Hacienda 4 Tiempos

Day 3 began with a brief practice at Hacienda Montalván, where we refined the use of fans and the flag alongside our horses, preparing for future presentations. It was a morning dedicated to improving our skills and strengthening the bond with the horses.

In the afternoon, we were invited by Raquel Murphy on an unforgettable horseback ride to Hacienda 4 Tiempos. The route was breathtaking, ascending to the top of a rocky hill with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The path was challenging, very steep, and not for the faint of heart, but every step was worth it for the spectacular panorama that awaited us at the summit. It was an adventure that reaffirmed our love for nature and horses as we traversed the Peruvian scenery in great company.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Cabalgatas Magistral in Lima, Peru, for their hospitality and support during this unforgettable experience. Their knowledge and passion for horses made our horseback ride even more memorable, and their dedication to the well-being of animals is truly admirable. You can follow their adventures on Instagram at @cabalgatas_magistral for more information about their services and horseback rides. Their official website is magistralperu.com.

D'Paso Fest 2024: October 5 & 6

Day 4: Showtime!

This was the big day—the moment we had all been waiting for. Watching our talented riders shine in the arena was indescribable. Each race was a display of skill, concentration, and, above all, passion. The Peruvian audience welcomed us with open arms, cheering our girls on at every turn and celebrating their accomplishments.

Day Four was especially thrilling for our team, as we participated in the Copa de Oro en Postas, a challenging event that tested both our riding abilities and our teamwork. This exciting competition included a series of challenges that combined barrel racing, relays, and straight-line speed races, all while taking turns riding the same horse. Strategy and cooperation were key to achieving an outstanding performance, and we are proud to announce that we won the Gold Cup!

Additionally, our president, Keyri Lee Matta, had the honor of participating in the marinera a caballo, a beautiful and traditional Peruvian dance. This experience was a true testament to bravery and respect for Peruvian culture, as our rider sought to pay homage while incorporating her Puerto Rican flair. We deeply appreciate D'Paso Fest's trust in allowing us to take part in such a prestigious dance, and we hope we did justice to this magnificent tradition with a touch of warmth and humor.

This triumph is not just a testament to the hard work and dedication of our riders but also to the spirit of unity and camaraderie that has been cultivated within Barrileras, Inc. The experience reminded us of the importance of supporting one another and enjoying the journey together, while celebrating our shared passion for equestrian sports.

Though the nerves were present, so was the camaraderie and mutual support that always characterizes Barriler@s. We ended the day exhausted but filled with pride. It was a day of triumphs, not only for the achievements in the arena but also for the personal and professional growth of our riders.

Day 5: Second Show Day

The fifth day marked the second day of competitions, and our participation was even more spectacular. We presented a choreography on horseback, wearing our traditional jíbaro outfits and riding in true vaquero style. The performance was a true delight for the audience, who were captivated by our spins and our impressive use of the arena. It was a proud moment, showcasing our roots and the elegance of Puerto Rican equestrian art.

We also competed in the barrel racing finals, where our riders shone brightly. Keyri Matta represented Puerto Rico and secured the remarkable position of runner-up, a well-deserved accomplishment. Xiorimar Meléndez, on the other hand, competed with great determination against riders from Argentina and took first place! Keyri also displayed her skills by defeating the representative from Mexico, while Chile was crowned champion for the second consecutive year.

A highlight of the day was when D'Paso Fest, Peru awarded us the International Gold Cup, a prestigious recognition based on a combination of points that evaluate our team's preparation, collaboration, efficiency, skill, and flexibility in coordination. Receiving this cup is a testament to the joint efforts of all participants and strengthens our commitment to continuing to elevate the profile of equestrian sports in Puerto Rico and internationally.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to D'Paso Fest for the recognition they awarded us. It is a true honor and a motivation to continue growing in unity through our love for horses and international collaboration. We look forward to welcoming them to Puerto Rico, where we will share our passion for horseback riding and continue to strengthen our bonds.

These achievements reflect not only the talent and dedication of our riders but also Barrileras, Inc.'s commitment to promoting equestrian sports both on the island and internationally. Every competition brings us closer to our goals and strengthens the ties with other countries in the fascinating world of equestrianism.

Day 6-7: Reflections and Farewell

After the adrenaline of the competition, we took a day to explore some of the shopping centers in Peru. Our last day in Lima was bittersweet. Saying goodbye to the new friends and the wonderful culture that welcomed us was hard, but we carry in our hearts all the lessons learned and the unforgettable memories.

This trip not only allowed us to compete internationally but also enriched us culturally, reinforcing the bond that Barrileras, Inc. has with the global equestrian community. We return to Puerto Rico full of gratitude and ready to keep growing, taking the name of our team and our island to new frontiers.

A special thanks to all who made this trip possible, including Las Amazonas de Chile (La Escuadra Ecuestre de Mujeres de Rio Grande) for being the authors and gateway to our beginning as international collaborators. We remain steadfast in our mission to foster the sport of rodeo and the love for horses, knowing this is just the beginning of many more international adventures.