I started riding at the Real Club de Polo Barcelona, and after a year taking lessons at the riding school there, my father offered to buy me a horse.
It was quite a naughty horse who threw me off a few times, and one of the times a man at the club came and asked me if I wanted to learn to ride better, and it happened to be a Dressage trainer.
That’s how I started, and soon became fascinated by the discipline.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to Dressage?
What I love most about Dressage is the art in it; these fantastic horses move like ballerinas, I just find it amazing; and the perfection needed to perform a good test.
It’s such a demanding sport and, for me, I truly believe that our horses are real athletes.
The world of equestrian has undergone a lot of change in recent years. How do you believe your discipline has developed?
Dressage is developing very much. We have better horses and riders, and the kür has helped a lot to make it more attractive for the public. I think now it’s one of the most popular equestrian disciplines.
What made you want to become a Member of the FEI Athletes Committee?
A few months ago, I was asked to put forward my candidacy as the Dressage representative. After giving it quite some thought, I felt I could do a good job as I go to a lot of shows and I am on good terms with all the riders, so I can give a voice to their concerns.
Finally, what are your main goals in the role?
I really want to try to improve the welfare of the horse, because he is a sentient being and deserves to be treated with love and respect.
Finally, an important matter is to make Dressage even more appealing and interesting for a bigger audience, with new ideas and propositions.
Watch Beatriz's brilliant win in Madrid below...
