Wellington, FL (December 15, 2011) – Juan Matute Jr., son of international dressage rider Juan Matute, showed that he is a rising star in the dressage world when he competed at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge. The 14-year-old not only won the Juniors Team Test on a horse he had only been riding for two weeks but he also rode away with the BEST Rider Award (Balanced Equestrian Strength Training) presented by Nick Tortora, a Wellington based personal trainer who focuses on equestrian strength training.

Matute was excited about winning the BEST Award that focuses on fitness. “I try to stay fit by running and I don’t drink sodas or eat candy,” he said. “I think of my goal and that keeps me focused and strong.” The young Matute added that he was competing a new horse, Don Diego, a seven-year-old, 17-hand Hanoverian. “I’ve only been riding him for about two weeks. Usually I like to train more before I compete because I like to be perfect before I show.” 

Juan Matute was pleased with his son’s ride at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge. “It is a new horse and I know it was a lot of pressure to show him already but I wanted to see how they matched. It looked like they matched well and I am very proud of Juan Jr. He is a good kid,” the proud father said.

Juan Jr. trains with his father and said that he considers it an “awesome” experience to train with the international dressage star. “Many of the people who train with my dad don’t get to ask the same questions I can ask. I have all day at home to ask and ask and ask,” he said, adding that his goal now is to compete in international CDIs.

Tortora, who operates his Balanced Equestrian Strength Training program out of his Wellington studio The Training Experience, said he looks forward to working with the young Matute. “I am really excited about working with Juan Jr. because he focuses not only on strength training but also on the mental aspects of being a superior competitor,” Tortora said, adding that the winner of each BEST Rider Award receives a half-hour consultation and a one-hour training session at The Training Experience in Wellington.

Tortora is a strong proponent of helping riders develop their mind-body connection. “As a competitor, the mind-body connection is extremely important. I help riders get in control of their thoughts and that translates into becoming a stronger competitor,” he said. “Juan Jr. already has a head start on using his mind as a tool to improve his riding and I look forward to working with him.” 

Wellington is a hot spot for world-class riders and many riders have turned to Tortora and his Balanced Equestrian Strength Training program. Tortora’s clients include riders such as McLain Ward and Caroline Roffman who are using the program to become stronger. “The stronger you are physically, the more of an edge you have over the competition and that also helps you move to the next level,” Tortora said. 

For more information on BEST, or to schedule a Balanced Equestrian Strength Training session with Tortora, call 561-251-2724 or email him at trainwpb@gmail.com. The Training Experience is located at 12153 Sugar Pine Trail in Wellington.