2023 Pan American Games: Ecuador’s Julio Mendoza Loor, Based in USA, Wins Gold in Dressage Freestyle, Joao Victor Macari from Brazil Silver and Anna Marek from USA Bronze

United States-based Ecuadorian rider Julio Mendoza Loor, riding the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Jewel’s Goldstrike, captured Ecuador’s first-ever gold medal in dressage today at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. Mendoza is a familiar face to most U.S. dressage fans since he and his wife Jessica are based in South Carolina, about an hour from the Tryon International Equestrian Center. His 87.230% score was a personal best and he and “Goldie” were in synch and spot on the entire test.

João Victor Marcari Oliva (BRA) and Feel Good VO, an 11-year-old Westfalen stallion, took silver on 86.160%. The USA’s Anna Marek captured bronze (81.305%) with the 13-year-old Dutch gelding Fire Fly. Originally from Michigan, Marek and her husband are now based in Florida where Marek trains horses and teaches lessons.

American riders Sarah Tubman on First Apple (81.155%) and Codi Harrison on Katholt’s Bossco (79.230%) finished fourth and sixth, respectively, to top off a great showing by the U.S. Team.

For the full results, click here. The official results of individual medallists can be found here, as well.

Today’s freestyle capped three days of Pan Am dressage competition here in Quillota, Chile, about 2 hours northwest of Santiago. Eventing begins tomorrow with the first horse inspection and arena familiarization.

This recap from the 2023 Pan American Games is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!