Eric Navet: A Commitment and Conviction to Integrity
When Eric Navet makes a commitment, he’s all in. At a horse show in Normandy, France, more than 20 years ago, he listened to Jessica Newman as she pitched her idea for an organization that would unite equestrians to give back to children in need.
“Obviously I was interested by the idea of having our [equestrian] community touched by [the need] in some countries and education and the way young people are leaving those countries,” Navet said. “I thought right from the beginning it would be a great idea for our community to help people.”
Decades later, Navet has never forgotten that commitment. While his professional career has demanded extensive travel and prevented him from being involved in JustWorld projects hands-on, his annual contributions and his willingness to use his standing as an Olympic medalist and two-time World Champion to recruit others to the cause has been invaluable.
Eric Navet has used his status as a World Champion to help raise the profile of JustWorld and recruit young riders.
ALDEN CORRIGAN PHOTO
“I never had the opportunity to go to the project sites because I’ve been a very long time at the top level of the sport and showing so much all year round, I never found the time to get there,” he said. “I’ve always been supportive and participating and donating.”
He enjoys staying up to date with the projects and other ambassadors through JustWorld emails and sees communication as the key to involving more people.
“I’ve been very encouraged by the way JustWorld is expanding to other countries,” he says. “It’s very interesting to stay informed.”
Students at PIO in Cambodia thank Eric Navet for his support.
Navet believes equestrians have a unique opportunity due to the influential people within the industry. “Through our sport, we have a chance to meet important people and people who are leaders and can make a lot of change for good,” he said. “That’s exactly what JustWorld is aiming to do.”
He especially likes to see younger riders getting involved. “They have to realize how lucky they are that they were born where they were born and have the lives that they have. Knowing they have a great passion for horses and the sport—not all children have that chance, and they can do some good.”
Eric Navet’s heavy schedule as a professional rider have prevented him from seeing JustWorld’s projects, but he’s never wavered in his support for the organization and its work.
ALDEN CORRIGAN PHOTO
Navet describes himself as quiet and private, so while he’s honored to be recognized this year, he doesn’t get involved for the praise. “For me personally it’s an honor, but I am not someone who looks for recognition,” he says. “I do what I think is good to do, and that’s it. I’m very proud of that.”
Navet believes he’s benefitted as much as he’s given with JustWorld. “I’ve learned that everything is possible when you really want it, like Jessica always did from the very beginning,” he says. “When she first started to speak about the idea, it seemed difficult to achieve. I’m really glad to see it [come to fruition]. Some people could have thought it would be very difficult, but she proved that, with help of her mom and the whole team, that everything is possible.”
Eric Navet said his association with JustWorld has taught him “that everything is possible when you really want it.”
ALDEN CORRIGAN PHOTO
If you’re a friend or fan of Eric Navet and want to join him in supporting JustWorld’s mission to break the cycle of poverty, create a custom congratulatory ad or join us at the gala, January 22, 2026 in Wellington, Florida.
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JustWorld International
Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, and nutrition programs for children around the world. Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the nonprofit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe on a daily basis.
To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visitwww.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.
