Alejandro Asencio: The Grace, Grit, and Growth of Spain’s Dressage Powerhouse

A New Era from Marbella

Alejandro Asencio, Spain’s international dressage rider is redefining the path to Grand Prix success—one horse, one movement, one dream at a time.

From the coastal elegance of Marbella, Alejandro Asencio is quietly building a world-class legacy. In the heart of Andalucía, where sun, sea, and tradition shape everyday life, Alejandro’s vision for dressage blends modern athleticism with deep-rooted horsemanship. As an international rider representing Spain, he’s become a symbol of excellence—known for the precision of his performances and the quiet charisma with which he connects to his horses.

Earlier this year, Alejandro competed at the CDI in Montenmedio, part of the prestigious Andalucía Sunshine Tour, one of Europe’s most prominent international dressage events. Bringing together elite riders from across the continent, the competition marked an exciting moment for the Spanish circuit.

“I think it’s a very important initiative,” he reflected. “Combining show jumping and dressage in this way creates a stronger community, and it’s going to attract many riders from outside Spain.”

The Athlete Behind the Rider

Discipline, physical strength, and mindful routine: how Alejandro prepares for the demands of elite sport.

Alejandro’s success isn’t an accident—it’s engineered through an unrelenting daily rhythm. His mornings begin at 6:00 a.m. with Pilates, a practice he swears by to maintain core strength, posture, and injury prevention.

“It’s what works best for me,” he says simply. “It keeps me balanced, aligned, and able to ride with control.”

From early morning to late afternoon, Alejandro is in the saddle. He rides around twelve horses a day—each session personalized and purposeful. From young horses learning their first steps to seasoned Grand Prix mounts fine-tuning their transitions, he shifts seamlessly between teacher and partner, athlete and artist.

To unwind—and to stay in peak condition—he turns to swimming.

“It’s not aggressive like the gym,” he explains. “It keeps the joints loose, the back strong, and doesn’t overload the body. I’ve tried almost everything. This is what works.”

Training Through Play

How Alejandro builds trust, balance, and brilliance with every horse.

At the heart of Alejandro’s philosophy is a surprising word: play. Rather than drill horses into submission, he engages them with patience and curiosity. His method is based on feel, rhythm, and a sense of partnership.

“I play with the horses every day,” he explains. “I introduce the more complex movements—piaffe, passage—like a game.”

This playful foundation isn’t casual—it’s intentional. Through consistent gymnastic exercises, he strengthens the horse’s body while encouraging mental relaxation.

“Over time, I mold their musculature to handle the Grand Prix,” he says. “But the horse never feels forced. It’s progressive. It’s joyful.”

Even when he begins to ask for greater precision, Alejandro keeps the tone light.

“I always look for precision through play. Never too serious. That’s how they learn to love the work.”

What Makes a Grand Prix Horse?

Movement matters—but the mind is everything.

When it comes to selecting or producing future stars, Alejandro knows exactly what he’s looking for.

“The first thing I notice is the walk and the canter,” he explains. “Trot you can improve, but a good walk and a good canter are essential.”

But movement is only part of the equation.

“For me, the most important thing is the head—the mind,” he says.

He prefers stallions for their athletic potential and breeding value, but regardless of gender, the mental quality must be there: calm, focused, eager to work.

Alejandro builds deep relationships with his horses over time, forging trust that becomes the foundation of performance.

“Connection is everything. I’m not just riding—I’m shaping a partner.”

Three Grand Prix Horses—And One Rising Star

Juggling talent, managing pressure, and preparing for the future.

Right now, Alejandro has three Grand Prix horses actively competing—an exceptional feat in a sport where even one is a major achievement. Managing their training, fitness, and competition schedules requires intense focus and a refined feel.

“It’s a real privilege,” he says. “Each horse brings something different to the table. They all help me grow as a rider.”

Among them are Gaviao dos Cedros, Straight Horse Sezarion, and Focus—each a standout in their own right.

Then there’s Vivino, a charismatic stallion turning heads across Europe. Still on the path to Grand Prix, Vivino has already built a reputation—not just for his looks, but for his quality of movement and his mind.

“He’s special,” Alejandro says. “Whether he will make it to the top—we’ll see. But he’s got everything he needs.”

Setbacks and Silver Linings

The path to the Olympics isn’t always straight—but the dream is alive.

Alejandro’s career has included moments of heartbreak alongside triumph. A few years ago, he was en route to the European Championships when his horse suffered a sudden colic—life-threatening, and heartbreaking.

“We had to operate. We couldn’t compete. It was devastating.”

More recently, he came close again. His name appeared on the short list for the Olympic Games, only to be taken off at the final hour due to injury.

“That’s the reality of this sport,” he says. “You prepare for years, and it can change in a moment.”

Still, Alejandro is determined. His sights are now firmly set on Los Angeles 2028.

“It’s the one thing missing from my career,” he says. “But I believe it’s coming. With the right horse, at the right moment—I’ll be ready.”

A Home Built for Champions

Inside his new training facility on the Costa del Sol.

After years of riding and traveling across Europe, Alejandro has finally built the facility of his dreams in Marbella. And it’s everything a top rider—and horse—could ask for.

“We have everything here,” he says with pride. “Grass paddocks, sand paddocks, large boxes, covered arenas, big outdoor arenas. It’s a place where horses can live like horses.”

The design prioritizes both performance and welfare. Located near the sea, the facility benefits from cooler coastal air, even during Andalucía’s intense summers.

“We’re lucky. We train early, we travel at night, and the horses are never stressed by heat.”

The stables aren’t just functional—they’re a sanctuary, created to support long careers, sound bodies, and happy minds.

Legacy in Motion

For Alejandro, the destination is the Olympics—but the journey is what matters.

Alejandro Asencio is no longer just a name on an entry list—he’s part of a new generation of Spanish riders reshaping what success looks like in modern dressage. With one eye on the arena and the other on the future, he is not only producing top horses, but inspiring young riders through his example.

“This sport is about consistency,” he says. “Every day, every ride, every horse. You build something over time. You don’t chase quick results—you build for the long term.”

With Vivino rising, Gaviao dos Cedros, Straight Horse Sezarion, and Focus in full swing, and Los Angeles on the horizon, Alejandro Asencio is right where he belongs: in motion, on a mission, and ready to ride his legacy into the spotlight.

Valentina Sozzi Senn – VS Media for Horsesshowjumping.tv

Ph Credits: Chacco Marketing

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