This week I’m chatting with talented Spanish Grand Prix dressage rider, Juan Rodriguez. Based at Dressurstall Meggle in Germany, Juan is responsible for riding twelve horses from youngsters up to Grand Prix. Read on to discover more about Juan, his ambitions, and top tips for success
Tell us about you and your horses
Juan recently became first rider at the Meggle dressage stable giving him a big chance for the future. He says “it’s my chance of a lifetime!”
My name is Juan Rodriguez I´m a twenty five year old Spanish rider based in Germany.
I have an amazing group of 12 horses from young horses to Grand Prix.
How did your horses come into your life?
My father was a professional rider and horses have been part of my life before I can even remember.
How long have you been riding?
I don’t even remember, I think the first time my father put me on a horse I was three or four years old.
When and where do you ride?
I´m a full-time rider based at Dressurstall Meggle in Rechtmehring, near Munich (Germany).
How did you start riding?
Because of my father, to be fair the first memories in my head were on my father’s stable.
What are you and your horses currently working on?
This is a special memory for Juan, riding his first competition with Meggle´s Boston in the inter 2. Just a few weeks ago they competed together doing Juan’s first Grand Prix with 70%.
I´m lucky enough to have an amazing group of horses. Starting from young 4 years old all the way up to Grand Prix.
What do you love about riding?
The thing I like the most is how to improve a horse and get the best out of them, create a partnership and make a team always with respect and friendship with the horse.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
For sure riding, and my biggest goal is to be an Olympic rider for Spain.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Juan working with Meggle’s Verdi at the beautiful Meggle’s stable with the Austrian Alps in the background
Yes a lot.
How do you deal with them?
I think the longer you sit in the saddle and more times you go on shows the easier it gets.
Your Top Tip
Always work hard and believe in yourself even when other ones are not doing it.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Probably Bella Rose or Totilas
Who is your equestrian hero?
I don’t have one, but I always look up to Severo Jurado and Jessica von Bredow
If you could have 5 people to dinner, who would they be?
My home friends
Favourite colour horse?
White
Favourite horse event?
Aachen
Favourite food?
Rice with chicken from my grandma
Favourite way to relax?
Drink a beer with some friends
Favourite film?
Intouchables
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Juan you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here You can keep up with Juan’s progress and check out his instagram page here
