The Uruguay Equestrian Federation will be sending two individuals instead of a team to the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, on 20 - 25 October 2023.
Travel Woes
Uruguay earned a team spot as a composite dressage team with three riders for the Pan Ams.
The first two spots were allocated to the foreign based riders, Carolin Mallmann (USA) and Ramon Beca (Spain), while a third sport was initially reserved for the Uruguay based Guillermina Birenbaum on the 15-year old Oldenburg licensed stallion Jazzmate (by Jazz x De Niro).
With no commercial cargo flights available between Uruguay and Chile, the domestically based dressage rider (as well as the eventing team) had the option to pay for a charter flight themselves (approx 12,500 USD per horse) or opt for transport via road, a journey of 2000 kms across the Andes and through Argentina. According to insiders, horses are not allowed to leave the truck and rest during this 40-hour journey.
Animal Welfare?
Birenbaum withdrew from the team with the welfare of her horse in mind. The reserve rider, Malin Morén, also declined for the same reason.
Once again Uruguay has been unable to send its first ever dressage team to the Pan American Games.
According to witnesses, the Uruguay Equestrian Federation (FUDE) does not cover any of the expenses to compete at the Pan Ams. There is a small fee covered by the OC and PAEC.
The Individuals
Uruguay will be represented by:
- Carolin Mallmann on Grison, a 14-year old Oldenburg by Gribaldi x Dream of Diamond
- Ramon Beca on Darro do Sobral, a 15-year old Lusitano by Iberico x Inca
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2023 Pan American Games