Barcelona is considered the capital of Spanish equestrian for several reasons that cover both its history and its role in the international equestrian world. The equestrian movement in this capital comes from its history and transcendental events that have occurred in Barcelona. Its history, institutions and the events it hosts annually, make it worthy of this title.
Today you will learn about some of the reasons why Barcelona is considered the Spanish equestrian capital. In addition, you will know the latest news of the CSIO Barcelona that takes place between October 3 and October 6.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
Equestrian History in Barcelona
Barcelona has a long equestrian tradition that dates back centuries. In the Middle Ages, the city already had a close relationship with horses, which were essential both for transport and for military and sporting activities. Over the years, this tradition was consolidated with the practice of equestrian as a sport.
Real Club de Polo de Barcelona
One of the pillars of equestrian in the city is the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, founded in 1897. It is one of the most prestigious and oldest clubs in the equestrian field, not only in Spain but internationally.
This club has hosted important equestrian events and is a point of reference for lovers of this sport. It is considered an institution of great importance within the city, and in addition to serving as the host of the CSIO in Barcelona every year.
International Equestrian Events
Barcelona has hosted equestrian events of great international relevance. One of the most outstanding is the CSIO Barcelona (Official International Jumping Competition). The CSIO of Barcelona has been held annually at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona since 1902.
This event is one of the most important jumping competitions in the world and is part of the Longines Nations Cup circuit, The Longines Nations Cup is one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world of equestrianism.
As we can see, this would be enough to consider Barcelona the equestrian and equestrian capital of Spain. However, there is still a lot to tell you.
1992 Summer Olympics
If anything has marked a before and after to consider Barcelona as the equestrian capital of Spain, it was the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. These, in addition to having highlighted the city, also marked a milestone in the equestrian history of the city.
Equestrian competitions were part of the Olympic Games and were held in first-class facilities. This consolidated Barcelona’s image as a nerve centre for equestrian sport. This event also helped to improve the infrastructure and the international recognition of the city in equestrianism.
Other renowned competitions that take place in Barcelona, the capital of Spanish equestrian
In addition to the CSIO Barcelona, the city regularly hosts other important equestrian events. Among the competitions it hosts is the Barcelona Dressage Tour (dressage competition) and international jumping competitions.
These events attract elite riders and horses from all over the world, reinforcing Barcelona’s position as a renowned equestrian capital.
Infrastructure and Training Centers
Barcelona has an exceptional infrastructure for the practice of horse riding. It has training centers and equestrian clubs that offer modern facilities. In addition to the Real Club de Polo, which we have already talked about, other important centers are located in the metropolitan region and surroundings. This type of equestrian facilities facilitate the practice and development of the sport.
Barcelona’s Equestrian Culture as the Spanish Equestrian Capital
The equestrian culture in Barcelona is not only focused on competition, but also on recreational and training activities. There are equestrian schools and programs dedicated to the training of new talents. In the same way, there are cultural events and fairs that celebrate the relationship between man and horse.
Definitely, the history, infrastructure and culture of Barcelona make it a first-class equestrian capital. But let’s know a little more about the 2024 Barcelona CSIO.
Barcelona as the Capital of Equestrian in October 2024
On Thursday, October 3, the Estrella Damm Trophy, the Porsche Cup and the Royal Bliss trophy were held. This day gave many joys to the Spaniards.
The Estrella Damm Trophy was won in first and second place by the Spaniards. Leticia Riva Gil was crowned on the back of Cadum de Champloue, and Alex Codina Leria reached second place riding London Blue.
On the other hand, in the Royal Bliss trophy, 2 Spaniards also won, Alvaro Zambrano Calzado and Marti Torreguitart Gonzalez. Alvaro Zambrano with a wonderful performance rode Tikal DZ giving joy to the Spanish public who attended the event.
On Friday, October 4, the Negrita Cup, La Vanguardia Trophy and the Grand Prix of the city of Barcelona will be held. Without a doubt, this last competition will be very interesting.
Friday also brings joy in the Negrita Cup with the Spaniards monopolizing first and third place. Third place goes to Lucas Barbera Restrepo on the back of Darma de Marie. And the first place is taken by María Xercavins Gimeno over Girbau Jamaica.
Spanish women leaving their flag very high.
Finally, Armando Trapote on the back of Tornado VS reached third position in the Grand Prix of the City of Barcelona. This reaches him just behind the Irishman Michael Pender and the Swede Rolf-Goran Bengtsson. This string of victories puts the performance of Spanish equestrian racing on a high.
High-performance programs in Barcelona, and in the rest of Spain, pay off at events like this. Barcelona has earned the title of capital of Spanish equestrian arts and these results prove it.
The rest of the CSIO program in Barcelona, the capital of Spanish equestrian
On Saturday, October 5, apart from a pony exhibition, the following events were held:
- Barcelona Provincial Council Cup – Calvet Trophy
- CaixaBank Trophy
- HM the Queen’s Cup – Freixenet Trophy – Generalitat de Catalunya Award
On Sunday, October 6, the Longines Nations League parade and the final event took place. We watched the two exciting rounds of the Longines Nations League final, an event of great international importance.
Without a doubt, 2024 is seen as the consolidation of Barcelona as an equestrian capital. With a record participation of 40,000 attendees, there is no doubt that Barcelona is the capital of Spanish equestrianism.
Its organization allowed the participation of 96 athletes from 19 countries and with their 144 horses. These numbers show that Barcelona is at the level of the best cities in international equestrianism.
The results of the day of October 5 at the CSIO Barcelona
On Saturday, October 5, we were able to witness two events aimed at the Spanish public with the presence of exclusively Spanish riders.
During the Diputacio Cup – Trofeu Calvet we were able to observe the exceptional performance of the Spanish pairs in the final of the Catalan pony league. An event for those who are passionate about the future of Spanish equestrian and its best prospects.
The duo formed by Felix Puigbó (on the back of Indira) and Mar Puyés (on the back of Dakota d’Argueil), from the Open Sports Club, won the victory.
Later, in the Caixa Bank Trophy, Carlota Vilarrubi, Marti Torreguitart and Carlos Redondo Abollado stood out from the rest. Once again, women stood out in Spanish equestrianism, taking the first position of this trophy.
To close the day, the Queens Cup Freixenet Trophy was held with the victory of the Swiss Martin Fuchs. And in the top 10 of the event we had Armando Trapote repeating after his third position in the Grand Prix of the city of Barcelona. Also at the end of the top 10 we had another Spanish representation such as Alex Codina Leria with an excellent participation.
Final of the Longuines Nations League at the CSIO in Barcelona
The Nations League Final has been an exciting event. With a close competition, the German team composed of jockeys André Thieme, Christian Kukuk, Richard Vogel, and Jana Wargers led by German team boss Otto Becker won the victory. Their horses DSP Chakaria, Checker 47, United Touch S and Dorette Old have all performed fabulously leading their riders to victory.
The first place was followed by the Netherlands and Sweden with an excellent performance.
The Spanish team achieved an exceptional participation beating the teams of Switzerland and France, traditional equestrian powerhouses.
Without a doubt, a final full of emotions and joys, an event that positions Barcelona as the capital of Spanish equestrianism.
Is Barcelona the Spanish Equestrian Capital?
Thanks to its rich history, first-class infrastructure and the organization of internationally renowned equestrian events, Barcelona has earned the title of capital of equestrianism. This city is not only a benchmark for equestrian sports professionals, but also for fans who find in its events and competitions an important cultural manifestation.