Andrea Ruiz Junco is a Spanish international professional Grand Prix dressage rider based in Marbella, in the south of Spain. Twenty-six year-old Andrea dedicates her days to training and preparing horses for competition, as well as coaching students across many different youth categories in the sport.
What does a typical week look like for you?
At the moment, I have three horses competing on the international circuit — two at Grand Prix level and one at Prix St. Georges. In addition, I also ride horses belonging to my clients. I work with them daily, from Monday to Saturday. My mornings usually involve riding eight or nine horses, and in the afternoons, I teach my students. With my own horses, I always try to follow a structured routine, carefully planning each session. I include one day of hacking in the countryside and one full rest day to ensure their physical and mental wellbeing.
How did horses come into your life?
Horses have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents owned a rural hotel in the mountains where they organised trail rides, and my father competed in Spanish High School dressage. Later, he established a riding school, and little by little I immersed myself in dressage, starting to compete at just nine years old.
Who has had the most influence on your training?
My main trainer has always been my father. He has guided me from the very beginning, alongside my brother Alberto. During my teenage years, I trained with Marta González, whom I remember very fondly. In recent years, as I began competing internationally, I have received invaluable support from Spanish Olympic riders Juan Manuel Muñoz and José Daniel Martín Docks. I have learned so much from both of them and I am deeply grateful. Currently, I train daily with my father, and Juan Manuel Muñoz visits once a week to fine-tune details ahead of competitions. I have also had the opportunity to train with Berna Pujals, Spanish youth team selector, who helped me greatly during my U25 years, especially in understanding the importance of biomechanics. At present, I also attend clinics with Rien Van der Schaft, Spanish Grand Prix team selector. I admire his commitment to the team and his focus on achieving relaxation through correct use of the rider’s body
What do you love about dressage?
I truly love dressage — it is my passion. It is a sport in which you never stop learning. Every horse is different, and that complexity requires immense sensitivity. To understand a horse, to build a connection, and to make them “dance” with you through the exercises is something truly magical. To me, it is the most beautiful sport in the world.
You represented Spain at the Europeans; can you share that experience and what it meant to you?
To qualify for the European Championships, I first needed to secure my place at the Spanish National Championships and meet all the international competition requirements, both nationally and abroad. It was my final year in the U25 category, so it was my last opportunity. I worked extremely hard alongside José Daniel Martín Docks to prepare thoroughly. I believed deeply in my horse and in myself. Our effort paid off — we won Team Gold and Individual Bronze, which secured my selection. Competing at the Europeans in Austria was one of the best experiences of my life. Simply being there with my own horse, whom we have had since he was young, was a dream come true. Sharing the experience with my teammates and meeting riders from different countries was incredibly special. It is an experience I wish every rider could live.
What challenges have you faced on your dressage journey?
There are difficult days when things do not go as planned. When you are demanding of yourself, it sometimes feels like nothing is ever enough. But despite the setbacks, the long hours, the fatigue, the disappointments — it is always worth it. The love and dedication we give to our horses make every challenge meaningful. The key is to keep moving forward, even when things feel hard.
A horse that holds a special place in your heart?
A very special horse in my life was Glenn R, a KWPN with an enormous heart for work. He was later sold to the United States, and that was a painful moment for me. However, it was a good opportunity, and he went to a wonderful home. With him, I competed in my first major shows and learned so much. We shared a unique connection, and he will always hold a place in my heart. Quicksilver, my Grand Prix horse, is also incredibly special. He has made my dreams come true and taken me to the highest level. He has a huge heart, a kind soul, and he is my safe place. I love him dearly.
What do you think horses have taught you?
They have taught me never to give up, to be consistent, and to rise every time I fall. The exhaustion, the long hours in the stable, the failures and disappointments — they are all part of the journey. And in the end, they are always worth it.
Your future aspirations?
My dream, like that of almost every rider, is to represent my country at the Olympic Games.
Your Top Tip
It might sound cliché, but my top tip is “inside leg, outside rein.” I think when you truly discover this, a whole new world of dressage opens up!
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Keep working, even when you do not see results. Always move forward, no matter how difficult the path may seem — because it will always be worth it. Everything comes in its time.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My family, of course, who are always by my side. My partner, who shares my passion for this sport and with whom I share many projects. My trainers and my students, who constantly support and encourage me.