Juan Andres Rodriguez: Creating a Cycle of Support
In August of 2008, Juan Andres Rodriguez was representing Guatemala at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong. There, he met Jessica Newman, who was on a mission to spread the word about her growing new organization, JustWorld International. Rodriguez returned to Guatemala enthusiastic about the idea of providing education to lift up communities in his native country, and by November, he was in a cafe in Antigua, Guatemala, meeting Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes for the first time.
Romero explained the vision behind the project that would eventually become El Patojismo, transforming the lives of thousands of children and leading to Romero being named a CNN Hero. But at the time, it was just the beginning of a dream in Romero’s parents’ garage.
“From the first moment, we felt it was exactly what JustWorld was looking for,” Rodriguez says, “perfect for the JustWorld profile, as he was looking to support children in need and everything related to education and the development of children. We could feel his energy and ideas and leadership and his dreams.”
Juan Andres Rodriguez at El Patojismo
Have Love to Give Love
Rodriguez was instrumental in helping Romero turn those dreams and vision into a reality, and he’s continued to support El Patojismo, which started as Los Patojos, and other JustWorld projects ever since. For his decades of essential support, Rodriguez is one of JustWorld’s 2026 gala honorees.
“I want to help in any way I can,” Rodriguez says. “At the end of the day, we are all human beings; we are all the same. The big difference is that some have more opportunities than others, and we are blessed to be born into a family that gives us more opportunities. This project is about giving children education and health so they can have the opportunity to become better citizens and proactive people in their communities. They can create a family that gives their children better opportunities, create a cycle that makes this world better.
“Especially with so much hate in this world now; it all starts with education,” he adds. “When you build a family, the home is where you build a life and work ethic and friendship. When you have love, you can give love as well. That's the most valuable thing.”
Juan Andres Rodriguez on one of his many visits to support JustWorld’s work in Guatemala.
Rodriguez has shared his passion for giving back with his twin daughters, Ana Cristina and Ana Sofia, who’ve used their platforms as top young riders to raise awareness for JustWorld. In October, Ana Cristina earned her first senior medal at the FEI Central American Games, finishing second individually in show jumping.
“We are big believers that when you give, you always receive back,” Rodriguez says. “We are receiving blessings from being healthy, having opportunities, having a life with a meaning, and it’s very good for us to give back.”
Practicing Empowerment
Like other top riders and trainers, Rodriguez devotes much of his time and focus to his sport. “As professionals, we are sometimes [going through life] with blinkers. Every single day we’re involved with horses and shows. It demands a lot of time; it takes you 24/7, and you may never realize that a movement and projects like Los Patojos and JustWorld exist,” he says. “The moment you get involved you realize it’s good to take a break and realize there are people not as fortunate as we are and that we can give them help and a little hope and the opportunity for a better future.”
For the last two years, Rodriguez and his daughters have volunteered to bring a horse to the schools in Belle Glade, Florida, where JustWorld provides literacy kits, offering a special opportunity for students and JustWorld ambassadors.
Juan Andres Rodriguez with daughters Ana Cristina and Ana Sofia during a JustWorld visit to Pioneer Park Elementary School
“It’s always refreshing for our heart and our soul to share time with the kids,” Rodriguez says. “Belle Glade is great because it’s close by, and sometimes it can be hard to get on a plane and go to other counties, but this one is right around the corner.”
He enjoys seeing the magic of horses reaching and empowering children who’ve never seen one in person. “Horses are amazing creatures because of their novelty,” he says. “The kids get close and might be a little afraid, but the moment they touch them, their face changes. It’s like therapy, and for kids coming from homes that are stressful, the moment they are close to a horse and touch and experience it, they just relax. It stimulates all the senses, gives you the confidence and trust of being close to a big animal and knowing you’re not threatened. It makes you feel more powerful.”
Even living in Guatemala, Rodriguez says it could be easy to overlook challenges in local communities. “Even knowing that in Guatemala there’s so much poverty and problems, you didn’t notice it,” he says. “It becomes normal, it’s awful to say. It’s only when you get involved in JustWorld and get the facts and the reality of what’s happening in your country and get involved, then you learn, and with a little help, you change the lives of many kids.”
He was honored to be selected for recognition this year but insisted that he’s gained as much as he’s given. “I never expected [to be honored] because you do this stuff not to receive applause,” he says. “When you look back, it’s an honor. It's great to receive it because hopefully we can inspire more professionals and more souls in our industry to turn their eyes to this reality and help as well.”
If you’re a friend or fan of Juan Andres Rodriguez 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.
