July 31, 2015 
He won his first championship medal at the Pan American Games (Individual Silver). He’s currently leading the 2015 Hagyard Challenge Series at Kentucky Horse Park. (The winner gets a $50k bonus). And he’s about to crack the world top 50. (He’s climbed 20 spots up the rankings to #58 since January).
Rodriguez can ride. But what do we know about the man? We went to the source to find out. (And by “source” we mean his fiancée Clementine Goutal—she’s a wealth of insider information.)
1. He’s a hugger.
Prize givers, Federation reps, media, if you’re within arms reach of Rodriguez, chances are he’s coming in for a hug. It’s just kind of his thing.
2. His mom calls him 10 times a day.
And he answers every time. #goodson
3. He has to make an effort not to fist pump in young horse classes.
Grand Prix are fun. But the young horses are his favorite.
4. He won’t play with his miniature Schnauzer puppy, Mango, in public because she’s too girlie.
But in private—obsessed with her.
5. He likes to eat alone in restaurants.
6. Preferably, McDonalds.
His go-to order: nuggets or a cheeseburger with “only meat and cheese.” Vegetables and fruit are not the Rodriguez way.
7. He’s fluent in four languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese and English) and can get by in a few others. But…
Give him two beers and English is just not an option.
8. His nickname is “Chepito”
‘Cause his mom goes by “Chepita.”
9. He loves him some Taylor Swift.
“Mean” is Rodriguez’ jam.
10. And a warm embrace.
Seriously, he’s not cheap with the hugs.
BONUS: Rodriguez got skillz.
Pony Club skills. Watch and learn.
