This week I’m incredibly lucky to be chatting with Spanish U25 international Grand Prix dressage rider Sergio Garcia Bermejo.
Sergio and Hexagons Innuendo looking fabulous during the test at the European Championships in Hagen
Based at the wonderful Stal Hexagon breeding and training facility in Holland, Sergio who is one of the highest ranked U25 dressage riders in Europe, trains, competes and sells horses for Stal Hexagon.
Read on to discover more about this extremely talented and very busy young man, his horses and top tips for success.
Tell us about you
My name is Sergio García Bermejo, 24 years old and I’m a U25 rider from Spain. I’m living and working in Holland. I ride for Stal Hexagon where I train, compete and sale horses.
Hexagons Innuendo wining both of the U25 tests at the CDI Máriakàlnok
How did your horses come into your life?
The horses that I’m riding are from Stal Hexagon or from clients. I ride around ten horses a day from youngsters to Grand Prix horses.
How long have you been riding?
I’m riding since I was 3 years old, but I always knew that it was my passion and I wanted to dedicate my life to it.
When and where do you ride?
I’m riding every day at Stal Hexagon, the place where I’m working. Through the week its normally training that is on the schedule and in the weekend we go often on competitions.
How did you start riding?
I started with riding when I was 3 years old. I was going with my parents to the stable in my neighbourhood.
What you and your horses currently working on?
Sergio as young child. This the first photograph of Sergio taken whilst sitting on a horse. You can see a certain star quality even at this tender age.
I’m working with all the horse mostly on the basic. For me that is one of the most important things.
Trying to gain the confidence with the young horses, teaching new exercises to the not so young ones and looking for the perfection with the GP horses
What do you love about riding?
Sergio riding Hexagons Matteo at the Stallion show (3yo)
I love the part that you start to have a connection with the horse, every day it is growing stronger. From the younger horses I really like that they are learning so quick every single day.
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
My short-term goal is the European Championship next year, after that I would like to develop with the seniors in the GP and one day represent my country in the Olympic Games
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Sergio with Hexagons Innuendo in the warm up European championships u25
I’m thankful that I don’t have them too much. I think everyone has some healthy nerves before they enter the arena. The most important part is to not let them take you.
Sergio with Hexagons Leon Art-do at the Subli cup (4yo)
How do you deal with them?
I would advise to ‘just don’t think too much about competition and enjoy the ride together with your horse.’
Your Top Tip
First step to make your basic really good until you are going to do higher exercises. Teach your horses everything like a game and just enjoy the whole process!
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Totilas!
Who is your equestrian hero?
Andreas Helgstrand, He can ride and compete successfully from young horses till Grand prix. Next to this he is running one of the most prestigious stables in the world.
If you could have five people to dinner who would they be?
Andreas Helgstrand
Edward Gal
Elon Musk
Max Verstappen
Johnny Depp
Favourite colour horse?
Black, like my U25 horse ‘’Hexagon’s Innuendo’’
Favourite horse event
Definitely the U25 European Championships!
Favourite food
Pasta
Favourite way to relax
Going out with my girlfriend and friends.
Favourite film
Hidalgo
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Sergio, you might like to view more chatting with interviews here You can keep up with Sergio’s progress and check out his instagram page here
