Canadian dressage rider Alexandra Reid declares for Ecuador, will compete in 2025 Bolivarian Games

Canadian dressage rider Alexandra Reid is on an epic adventure this week in Peru, competing in the prestigious Bolivarian Games . The Bolivarian Games (Juegos Bolivarianos) occur every four years and feature athletes from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, and Chile.

Why is an Ontario native, now based in Florida, competing in the biggest sporting event in Central and South America? Following her marriage to Ecuadorian Jose Rodrigo Naranjo, Alex was granted dual citizenship, and decided this year to change her national affiliation with the FEI from Canada to Ecuador.

“My husband has been heavily involved with the Ecuadorian Equestrian Federation as the team veterinarian for many, many years so it is a very proud moment for us to make this a full family affair,” she says. “Although Ecuador is a smaller country there is access to a lot of games and individual opportunities. It’s really exciting to be represent a country that is working to develop the sport and grow their dressage team.”

Alexandra got her start in the equestrian world the way so many successful riders did - taking lessons and then convincing her parents to buy her a pony she describes as “so naughty.” She was first introduced to dressage through Pony Club and eventing, and after outgrowing her pony decided to focus exclusively on dressage with her next horse. Her love for the sport was cemented when she accepted a position grooming for Canada’s Jill Irving.

“Jill trains with Ashley Holzer so we were based out of Ashley’s stable in Wellington in the winters. It was an incredible learning opportunity and a very inspiring environment.”

After finishing her post-secondary education in Toronto, Alex moved back to Florida in 2016 for a grooming position with Jewel Court Stud, before launching her own business, ARA Equestrian LLC.

“After working at Jewel Court for close to five years, meeting my husband and getting engaged during that time, the natural progression was to stay in one place and not continue to travel north each summer. Wellington is where the majority of his work as a veterinarian is so in 2021 I chose to go on my own. It was a leap and not without a lot of setbacks, but I am grateful for how everything has worked out so far,” she says.

It was while working at Jewel Court Stud that Alexandra first sat on her Games partner Flynn, whom she purchased a few years later.

“Flynn is such a character! Big personality and knows he’s very handsome. He’s 15 this year but still acts like he’s seven in a lot of ways,” Alex laughs. “He has done a lot for me and has given me the chance to learn so much in my riding. At this point he doesn’t owe me anything so being able to take him to these games is really the icing on the cake. It’s such a privilege! I am so proud of him no matter what the outcome.

The equestrian events at the Bolivarian Games take place November 24-December 25. For results please visit the event website.