North Salem, N.Y.– Mexico’s Mateo de la Mora Ramiro had the ride of his life at the Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships on Friday. With a silver medal at stake in the $35,000 USHJA North American Junior Rider Show Jumping Team Championship, de la Mora Ramiro produced a clean second round to help his Mexican teammates to a podium position. The emotion filled team silver medalist sat down for a post competition conversation.

What did you think of today’s course and the water jump?

We practice water jumps a lot in Mexico. My horse is a great water jumper. The course required scope, but it also demanded a lot of precision and carefulness from the horse. That’s how the courses are built today. It’s not all about the horsepower, but they need to be able to go and come back and give 110%, which my horse did today.

You needed to jump a clear second round to have a chance at a team medal. What was going through your mind?

When I entered the ring, I tried not to think of anything. I only thought about being in the moment, my horse, and what we are capable of; our strengths. I wanted to copy our first round, and fix the mistakes we had [in the first round]. I wanted to keep calm and focus on my strengths, not return to old habits because when there is pressure, you tend to return to old habits.

What does it mean to make it to the NAYC?

When I started riding, I was successful in the children’s jumpers. The success was no longer there [right away] because I was moving into the junior jumpers. With the higher fences, it’s different. You need to ride better, concentrate more, and you need more horse power. Last September, I got the opportunity to purchase my horse Qat Kid. From the start, we just gelled. It was a match made in heaven. Of course we have our ups and downs, but the downs are my fault, rider problems, but it is all about fixing them and being [at NAYC], the most important competition of the year, and doing so when the bar is set high.

Can you describe your experience at NAYC?

This is my first championship experience. I knew about [Old Salem], and love the organization here. I really admire [Olympian] Lucy Davis, and know about the history. When I saw that I was on the junior [Mexican] team at [Old Salem], I was thrilled. When I got here, I was really happy. I came here with no expectations. I just wanted to have fun, get experience, and have a great time making friends.

What do you like about Lucy Davis?

I admire her obsession with horses. Her grit is definitely incredible. Every time she comes out of the ring, no matter the result, she recognizes her mistakes, and never puts the blame on anyone or the horse. I admire that. I have seen her jump brilliant rounds and enjoyed watching her in the Rio Olympics the most. Seeing her jump with that much pressure was amazing.

The Mexican teams are so close. What is it is like being at the NAYC with the Mexican equestrian community?

Mexican culture is all about being one big family who supports every member. Coming to [NAYC] with a really great group of people you feel safe and secure. There is something great about [the Mexican] culture.

Check out the live stream of the NAYC on the USEF Network through Sunday, August 5.

View the NAYC schedule and results.