Spain: A Rising Equestrian Destination

We look ahead to the Madrid Horse Week events...

Spain, a land where history, culture and passion converge, is becoming one of Europe’s premier equestrian destinations.

Long celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions with horses—dating back to the days of knights, kings and Andalusian roots—the country is now experiencing an exciting revival in equestrian sports. This week it will welcome the equestrian world when it hosts Madrid Horse Week and two World Cup events.

A leader in Endurance and with world-class Dressage and Jumping athletes, Spain’s equestrian community is growing tremendously. Historically, Spain’s connection with horses has been intrinsic to its DNA. The Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E), known as ‘the Horse of Kings’, has been a symbol of Spanish royalty for centuries.

Spain's Eduardo Alvarez Aznar is a leading Jumping athlete

Dynamic transformation

Today, Spain’s equestrian world remains grounded in this rich legacy, but it has undergone a dynamic transformation. As the demand for equestrian sports has surged in recent years, the nation has embraced a big change.

Dressage has seen unprecedented growth, fueled by increasing participation, sponsorship, and a surge in elite-level training and competition.

Jumping, too, has witnessed a revolution, becoming something of a hub for competition. Spain’s winter jumping circuit, running from the north to the south of the country, has earned a reputation for offering some of the best facilities and most competitive fields of riders. World-class arenas and impressive facilities offer the opportunity to climb up through the levels of international competition.

Madrid Horse Week

The annual Madrid Horse Week is now one of the most anticipated events during the World Cup season, hosting both Dressage and Jumping rounds.

Held in Spain's vibrant capital, this event celebrates the country's passion for horses while showcasing the very best of equestrian sports. Each year it attracts elite riders and passionate fans from around the world.

Here’s Jose Daniel Martin Dockx claiming Dressage victory in Madrid with Malagueno LXXXIII, a P.R.E. horse, in 2023…

José Antonio García Mena is a Spanish Olympic Dressage athlete who has witnessed his country’s rise in prominence within equestrian. He has been ever-present at Madrid Horse Week in recent years and will be there again for the 2024 edition.

Garcia Mena said: "Dressage in Spain has evolved positively in recent decades, with a greater number of competitive horses and riders, better infrastructures, and increased visibility thanks to the media.

“Spain won a silver medal in Dressage at Athens 2004, and that marked a turning point and served as an inspiration for everyone.”

José Antonio García Mena and Sorento 15 (image: Comité Olímpico Español (COE))

Garcia Mena believes P.R.E. horses have played a vital role in the transformation of this equestrian nation.

He said: “The inclusion of Pure Spanish Horses in the national team has been an important element, not only as a symbol of the country's equestrian tradition but also to represent Spain with pride in international competitions.”

Spain’s rise as a leading equestrian destination is no accident. With a rich history, good climate, and above all, a deep passion for the horse, Spain is solidifying its position on the international equestrian stage.

As the equestrian community continues to grow, events like Madrid Horse Week serve as a steppingstone. This week’s event will once again bring the best to Spain and help to take the sport and its wider culture to new heights.

Tune into all the action from the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ and FEI Dressage World Cup™ on FEI TV…

Words by Lily Forado