WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s national equestrian team delivered an outstanding performance at the 15th edition of the Mundial Confepaso de Equitación en Caballos de Paso 2026 “Félix Santiago Oliver,” finishing third overall among 10 participating countries during the world championship held in the Dominican Republic from July 15 to 19.
The achievement was announced by Aspafiko, the island’s Paso Fino Horse Association, which praised the dedication and performances of the 23 athletes who represented Curaçao on the international stage.
The competition opened with the female youth categories for riders between the ages of 4 and 14. Kyra Semper and Sophia Schotte both finished among the top 10 in the Juvenile Amazons (12-14 years) category, delivering strong performances despite narrowly missing out on medals.
On the second day, the boys' divisions took center stage. Zaenoh Ignacio qualified in the 6-8 age category, while Greg Offerman (9-11 years) and Gabriel Magdalena (12-14 years) also earned qualification. Offerman captured a bronze medal by finishing third in the 9-11 years children's riders category.
The third day proved to be one of the highlights for Team Curaçao. Kynou Bakhuis and Zoe Vlietman qualified in the Juvenile Amazons (15-17 years) category, with Bakhuis claiming the gold medal and earning the title of world champion in her division.
Curaçao’s female riders in the 18-20 years category also impressed. Anna-Sophia de Jongh finished fifth, while Lyze Annah Stewart secured another bronze medal with a third-place finish.
The final day brought more success as Curaçao’s male riders continued the medal streak. Tristhan Stewart and Leonardo Winkel qualified in the 15-17 years category, with Winkel earning a bronze medal. Alvinn Cannister finished fourth in the 18-20 years riders category, while Sigfried Sille captured a silver medal in the 25 years and older division after an impressive performance.
Curaçao competed against teams from the United States, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Canada, Aruba, Panama and host nation the Dominican Republic.
Thanks to its strong overall results and multiple podium finishes, Curaçao secured third place in the overall country standings, a significant accomplishment for the island's equestrian community.
Aspafiko described the result as a source of great pride for Curaçao and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the sport of Paso Fino horse riding among both young people and adults, encouraging more residents to become involved in the equestrian world.