With the majority of competitors at the 2015 Adequan Select World Championship show being from the United States, it is a unique experience to meet a competitor from overseas. Peyton Bivins had the chance to meet and chat with Mr. Victor E. Wolf and his family who are visiting Amarillo from Costa Rica.
If anybody has been to Costa Rica, they have heard the saying, “Pura vida”. It is the most commonly used phrase in the country which literally means “Pure life”, but the saying goes beyond its simple translation. It’s a way of life. It symbolizes the idea of simply enjoying life and being happy.
Select Amateur and Costa Rican Victor E. Wolf definitely follows that motto and he is sharing his sense of enthusiasm about life and horses with everyone in Amarillo. Mr. Wolf is the first individual from Costa Rica to compete at an AQHA World Championship Show and he had many wonderful things to say about the experience.
Peyton: It is so nice to meet you Mr. Wolf. We would first like to congratulate you on your top ten finish in the working cow horse. That is an amazing accomplishment!
Victor E. Wolf: Yes thank you, it definitely made this experience even more worthwhile.
Peyton: First off, how did it feel to place in the top ten at your first AQHA World Championship Show?
Victor E. Wolf: It was very nice. During the prelims, everything went very well and I ended up placing fifth overall, so I was pleased with that because often things can go wrong in the working cow horse. It is very different to show in the states because both the cows and footing are different from what we have in Costa Rica. However, my horse was very good in both the prelims and the finals. I think my circles were the best part, finishing those circles and knowing you made–it is the best feeling.
Peyton: Did you lease the horse you showed?
Victor E. Wolf: Yes I did. I qualified on my own horse in Costa Rica but because I am international, I was able to lease a horse. The whole process of finding a horse was really a great experience. Both Ken Banks and Bob Avila have helped me throughout the process and that in itself was a wonderful experience.
Peyton: How did you get involved with AQHA since you live in Costa Rica?
Victor E. Wolf: We started a registry that is affiliated with AQHA and I am the International Director from Costa Rica. AQHA has been so nice. When we first started the registry, we didn’t feel that we were ready to affiliate with AQHA, but we were encouraged to do so and we are very glad we did. AQHA has been so helpful. They have sent judges, and we have had clinics in Costa Rica. We have also been to the convention and we were able to share experiences and get advice from other international directors. All of this has made the experience of becoming involved with AQHA very wonderful.
Peyton: Is this your first time to compete at an AQHA World Show?
Victor E. Wolf: Yes, this is my first time to compete in an AQHA event in the United States. I went to high school in Roswell, New Mexico and did lots of roping, but I never competed. It is funny to think I went to high school in New Mexico and now I am back here, in a similar area, and competing at a World Championship show. In Costa Rica, we have been breeding quarter horses since the 1950’s, using them mainly on the ranch.
Peyton: Have you enjoyed your time in Amarillo?
Victor E. Wolf: Yes very much so. We have spent most of our time here at the show, spending time with friends and my fellow peers from Bob Avila’s barn. However, tomorrow we are going to explore the canyon. Everyone associated with the Avila’s, particularly Ken Banks (pictured right) who was my contact, have been so wonderful. Ken even let me borrow his chaps to show in and brought me different shirts to choose from because in Costa Rica we do not wear chaps or nice shirts. Everyone is so nice and involved and we have love spending time with everyone here.
Peyton: Tell me about your family. Does anyone else show or plan on showing in the United States now that you have had such a great first experience?
Victor E. Wolf: My whole family shows, my wife, my daughter, my son and my soon-to-be son in law. We are planning on doing some versatility ranch horse shows and hope to qualify and compete in the finals, which are held in Houston in February.
Peyton: What is one of your favorite things about competing in America?
Victor E. Wolf: Definitely the atmosphere and the relationships we have experienced and formed. Being around horses, family and friends is wonderful because everyone is very involved. Also the passion and work that goes into competing–we were out here at 3:00 am practicing and it was so great. It just shows everyone’s commitment and dedication.
Peyton: We wish Mr. Wolf and his family safe travels back to Costa Rica as well as a huge thank you for sharing his experience with GoHorseShow.com!
