Did you know the 34th Copa América Equina opened on Thursday, October 29, in Palmira, Valle del Cauca? The first judging rounds featured Colombian Criollo horses in trocha and gallop categories, split by age and sex, and crowned the event’s inaugural champions under the Asdeoccidente association.
Margarita de Santa María stole the spotlight, earning grand mare champion in both trocha and gallop. Ridden by Fabián Camilo Cossio and bred at San Gabino, she also topped the over‑100‑month mare class. Meanwhile, Ágata de la Bodega del Caballo secured the reserved grand title with Juan Gonzalo Franco in the saddle. For my money, Margarita’s double victory sets a high bar for the rest of the show.
In the youth division, Trifulca de Dos Aguas captured the young mare title under Oscar Peña Espinosa. Across the stallion category, Trueno de Dos Aguas was named young champion with Héctor Julio Arias guiding the ride.
Other age‑group winners shone as well. Adoración de los Arcángeles triumphed among mares aged 48‑60 months, while Zacateca of Ganadería e Inversiones Balmoral led the same‑aged stallions.
Among mares 60‑78 months, Dulce Amor de la Almería took first place; Sirius from Rancho La Milagrosa topped the stallions. In the 78‑100 month bracket, Supernova del ADN earned mare honors, and Gladiador de Santa Elena led the stallion field.
Margarita de Santa María repeated her dominance in the over‑100‑month mare class, and Ángel de la Ilusión emerged victorious among the senior stallions.
The fair unfolds at Asdeoccidente’s countryside venue in La Dolores, along the Cali‑Palmira road. Running from October 29 to November 1, the 34th edition enjoys Fedequinas’ endorsement and carries an AA grade on the 2026 national equine calendar.
Program highlights include trocha, trocha‑gallop, trot‑gallop and fine paso contests, plus evaluations of asnal and mule lines and breeding‑mare categories.
Fedequinas appointed five judges for this edition: Alejandro Mendoza Rugeles, José Fernando Nieto, Simón Campuzano Duque, Mauricio Camacho Calderón and Daniel Higuita Cardona.
Will next year’s show attract even more breeders seeking AA recognition? The AA classification cements the Copa América as a premier arena for Criollo horse breeders, owners and exhibitors.
La XXXIV Copa América Equina comenzó el jueves 29 de octubre en Palmira, Valle del Cauca, con las primeras competencias de juzgamiento del Caballo Criollo…