Asun Morejon Daza works as a groom for Spanish international grand prix dressage rider, Juan Matute Guimón. Forty-nine year old Asun, originally from Seville, now lives and works in Madrid where she is mainly in charge of Juan’s competition horses and of preparing everything they need. She says “I make sure everything is ready and accompany them at all times”.
Can you share your journey from when horses came into your life to where you are now
Asun with Formentor and Juan at the 2023 Spanish Young Horse Championship in Murcia
I got involved with horses when I was fifteen out of curiosity and quickly discovered my passion for dressage. I trained as a Riding Instructor through the British Horse Society and took many courses in morphology, behaviour, and breed judging, while learning hands-on as an assistant to riders like Luis Ramos Paul, José María Sánchez JuanCobos, Antonio Jiménez Cobos and Rafael Soto.
I later worked independently at PRE stud farms (Ganaderías), including Yeguada Ovelar and the Aquilino Fraile, Aguilar Velasco stud farm, presenting horses in conformation competitions and competing in Dressage.
Life brought me to Madrid, where I married and had three children, Although I had to step back from riding to care for my children, I never lost my connection to horses, keeping my own horse, Guapo, and staying involved in Dressage. One day a friend told me that Juan Matute needed a groom. By then, my children were older, and I thought, if I return to working with horses, I want it to be at the highest level. That’s how I became part of Team Matute, a family I have always respected and admired.
What does your role as a groom involve?
Asun performing last minute checks before Juan and Lexus start their test
I organise all the horses’ luggage for the Competition, I prepare feed, and I accompany them during trips and take care of everything at the stops. During the Competition I take care of all the vet check schedules, training tracks, departure orders. I always try to maintain the routines of each horse and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
What makes what you do special?
The special thing is to keep the same enthusiasm from the first day. I always want to go to work with the same energy and joy.
Tasks that you least like doing?
Asun with Juan and Lexus in Frankfurt, “it was my most emotional moment as a Groom”.
There is nothing I don’t like – maybe unloading the truck and loading it in competition is the most physical work I do.
Proudest moments?
Navaltocon’s sewn braids look great, and also the braids of 4 to the Spanish horses.
Products you can’t live without?
Detangling, shine and fly spray.
Hardest parts about being a groom?
Asun with Lexus in Aachen in 2025
For me, the immense pressure of the great international competitions and ensuring that everything goes well.
What does it mean to you to work as part of the support team?
For me it is a pride and a great privilege.
Unexpected parts of being a groom?
Unfortunately, I recently had to live that moment, an accident on the road returning from a big competition, I never thought it could happen to us and even less losing our horse there. They are all special and each of them contributes a lot to me, I adore them all.
Right now, in my head and heart is my dear Lexus who was very special. I spent so many days with him away from home and it gave us a very special relationship. I can’t think of him without tears.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
Asun with Quantico as his retirement from competition was announced in 2023
I would love to accompany Juan to an Olympics.
Top Tip
Always try to learn a little more.
What advice could offer to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Train with a professional groom and always do everything with humility.