Víctor Díez Adorna is a twenty-five-year-old groom originally from Tomares, Seville, in southern Spain. Victor works for the prestigious private dressage stable MEGGLE in Munich, Germany, where he is both the home and competition groom for head rider Juan Rodríguez Carvajal.
Can you share your journey so far?
Victor – living the dream at the prestigious MEGGLE stable in Munich
I come from a family with deep roots in the horse world. In Seville, horses have always been part of our lives — my grandfather and aunt had horses for leisure, celebrations, and traditional events. It was never about dressage or high-level sport. Honestly, I never imagined I’d end up working as a groom for one of Germany’s most prestigious families. As a kid, I used to dream of being close to horses — I even told my parents I wanted to be a mounted police officer. Thankfully, I’m still living that dream today.
I didn’t go to university. I finished the basic required studies, and to be honest, I wasn’t a great student. After school, I started working in real estate, trying to sell apartments… but I didn’t sell a single one and quit after just three months. That was in the summer of 2020. I felt lost and knew it wasn’t for me — I still wanted to chase my dream of working with horses. I began contacting local riders in Seville, and eventually, a friend sent me a job offer in Geneva, Switzerland, with a French dressage rider. Without thinking too much, I said yes. It was hard — my first time leaving Spain. December 4th, 2020, is a date I’ll never forget. Leaving home, hugging my mom and sister… it was emotional. The first few weeks there were brutal — I slept in the laundry room because there were no proper rooms for the staff. I felt like a slave. But with courage, faith, and inner strength, I pushed through.
Victor with Juan and the very successful stallion (now retired) Meggle’s Boston
Two months later, an Instagram story changed my life — I moved to Munich. Thanks to Vicente Arroyo, I got a chance at MEGGLE Stables. That’s where I started going to my first competitions with Matthias Bouten, the head rider at the time. After a year and a half, I had to return to Spain due to knee pain. While I was recovering, I got a job offer in Denmark to film and photograph horses — another passion of mine. It didn’t work out — bad bosses, unpaid wages… terrible experience. While I was still in Denmark, Juan Rodríguez Carvajal, now the head rider at Meggle, offered me the chance to return as his personal groom — and I didn’t hesitate. I returned to Munich to work with a Spanish rider, a friend, and a great teammate. That’s how I got to where I am today. Like I said: it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.
What does your role as a groom involve?
Victor with Juan and Verdi. Juan is the head rider at stable MEGGLE
Preparing the horses at home for Juan, make sure they’re healthy, well-fed, and ready to train. When we go to competitions, I travel with them, organise the equipment, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
What makes what you do special?
Simply being around horses. The peace, the bond, the love — it’s something unique. I honestly don’t see this as a job — this is my dream life.
Tasks that you least enjoy?
Probably unpacking after a long competition trip — organizing everything, separating laundry, cleaning the truck top to bottom. It’s not easy after days of travel, but it’s part of the job.
Your most memorable moments?
Victor with Juan and Verdi after another successful show
Without a doubt, being part of CHIO Aachen and retiring our star horse, Meggle’s Boston, in the main arena was incredible. Also, last year’s trip from Munich to Barcelona for the Spanish Championships was unforgettable.
Most challenging aspects of being a groom?
You need to be organized, on time, and detail orientated. Without these three, it’s hard to succeed — especially at the top level.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow your path?
It’s not an easy journey. You need strength, patience, and the ability to spot red flags. Be clear on your working conditions, know who you’ll be working for, and always get things in writing. It makes a huge difference.
What does teamwork mean to you, and how important is it to support the rider?
Victor just wanted to be around horse. I honestly don’t see this as a job — this is my dream life
Having a strong, stable team is everything. But the bond between rider and groom should go beyond just work — there needs to be trust, honesty, and mutual respect. In my case, I’m lucky to have a great friendship with Juan, and that makes us stronger as a team.
What have been some unexpected aspects of being a groom?
My first job in Geneva was a real shock. I was promised great conditions, but I ended up sleeping in a laundry room. It was one of the lowest moments of my life — I felt deceived and broken. But I learned from it and grew stronger.
A horse that holds a special place in your heart?
One of the most special horses for me is Verdi, who came to Meggle not long after I started there. He’s big, strong, incredibly sweet, and we connected right away. He’s only ten, and I can’t wait to see him shine in big competitions.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
Victor has a passion for photographing horses
I prefer to live in the moment and enjoy the present — this job teaches you that. But if I had to name a dream, it would be to go to the Olympic Games representing Spain. I want to keep growing as a professional groom, continue learning, and maybe one day help train and mentor others who are starting out, just like others helped me.
Your Top Tip
Follow your passion, even if the road gets tough. If you truly love horses, it’s all worth it.
Products you can’t live without?
Victor collaborated with ARTERO, a Spanish brand to produce the ideal grooming tools for his horses.
A good grooming brush and hoof oil — two basics I use daily to keep the horses looking and feeling great. I’m very particular when it comes to products. A few months ago, I started collaborating with a Spanish brand that truly represents everything I was looking for in grooming tools for my horses. ARTERO believed in me and gave me the chance to work alongside them, and I’m really grateful for their trust and dedication. Their brushes and grooming products have become essential in my daily work, and I genuinely stand behind what they offer.
What advice would you give to someone preparing to travel their horse to a competition?
Be organized. Make a checklist, prep everything ahead of time, and stay calm. Horses feel your energy, so your confidence helps them too.