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Natalia Bacariza dressage rider interview
Born in Madrid, where her mother raised purebred Spanish horses, Spanish international Grand Prix dressage rider Natalia Bacariza has been around horses her entire life. Natalia has represented Spain at both European Junior and Young Riders Championships. When she was eight years old, the family moved to Wellington, Florida where Natalia combines her numerous degree studies along with riding and competing her four horses during both Wellington’s competitive dressage season from January to April, and then back to Spain for the European international dressage circuit.  The hugely talented Natalia has enjoyed major success on both sides of the Atlantic and looks set for a very big future in dressage.

Tell us about you and your horses

Natalia Bacariza dressage rider interview
Natalia and Romantico Ymas at the Spanish Championships in 2021.
image courtesy of Lily Forado
My name is Natalia Bacariza, I’m twenty-three years old and I was born in Madrid, Spain. I ride four horses, Dhannie Ymas, Romantico Ymas, Lionnel Ymas, and Virtual Ymas.

 

How did horses come into your life?

I grew up around horses because my mom used to breed PRE horses in Spain. When I was little, I used to ride the older horses for fun with my parents and siblings. However, when I was eleven years old, I became more serious about riding dressage horses.

 

When and where do you ride?

I ride my four horses Monday through Saturday either in the morning or in the afternoon at our stable in Wellington, Florida.

 

Who do you train with?

Natalia and Virtual Ymas at their 7 year old international debut in 2024.
image courtesy of Lily Forado
I have two trainers, Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (Dani) and Pablo Gomez Molina (Pau). Dani lives in Spain, so we try and train with him once a month if the schedule allows it if not we try and bring him over for the more important competitions. Pau trains me three times a week every single week except when Dani is here. I’ve been training with him for the last 3-4 years and with Dani for the last 2-3 years.

 

What are you and your horses currently working on?

My horses have different ages and therefore are working on different levels. One of them is in the small tour level, the other two I’m working on the U25 exercises, and the youngest one is turning 8 next year so I’m trying to bring him up to small tour level.

 

What do you love about riding?

What I love the most about riding is the partnership and bond you form with your horse when you see them every single day. I’ve loved horses ever since I was little and have always loved the different feelings and personalities each horse gives you.

 

What would you like to be doing in the future, and do you have any goals?

I would like to continue to be a part of the sport and continue to compete at the highest level I can reach. My overall dream would be to be able to represent Spain at the Olympic Games.

It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?

My support team includes my parents, my trainers Dani and Pau and our manager Lisa.

 

Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding? 

I don’t usually get nervous while competing but sometimes I’ve gotten nervous during the time you have to wait to get on the horse for the warmup.

 

How do you deal with them?

I usually listen to music to pass the time or go over my test and what I want to work on in the warmup.

Do you have any rituals before competing?

I like to put my right boot, spur and glove on first.  

 

Your Top Tip

My top tip would be to not hold on to a bad score or bad competition test because once it’s done there’s nothing you can do about it other than work on your mistakes so you don’t repeat them the next time.

 

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

You’re not judged on your warmup you’re judged on what you do in the ring. Don’t get nervous if your warmup isn’t looking good just try your best to fix what you can for when you go in the ring.

 

Down the Centre Line

 

Who would be your dream horse to ride?

Glamourdale

 

Who is your equestrian hero?

Charlotte Fry

 

If you could have five people to dinner, who would they be?

Taylor Swift, Nadia Comaneci, Henry Cavill, Emma Watson, Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez

 

Favourite colour horse?

Black

 

Favourite horse event?

European Championships

 

Favourite food?

All Spanish dishes

 

Favourite way to relax?

Watching movies on the sofa

 

Favourite film?

Lion King or How to train your Dragon

Want More?

If you enjoyed meeting Natalia you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here .  You can keep up with Natalia’s progress and view her instagram page here

     
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Sharon Howe

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