Alfonso Blanco: The Amateur Rider’s Perspective on a Lifelong Passion

Equestrian sport is often seen through the success of professionals, but behind them lies the heart of the sport: the amateurs. Riders who, despite demanding careers and family responsibilities, dedicate themselves to training, competing, and above all, enjoying time with their horses. One of them is Alfonso Blanco, whose achievements as an amateur show jumper speak for themselves. He recalls some of his proudest moments:

“For me, winning the Valencian Community Championship in the veterans’ category was unforgettable. I had been runner-up twice before, so finally standing on top of the podium felt like a huge reward for all the effort. Another highlight has been reaching the final of the Spanish Veterans’ Championship five times—just being there among the best amateurs in the country makes me proud. And of course, the recent victories at 1.10m national competitions give me confidence that the work we’re doing is paying off.”

Living the Sport as an Amateur

For Alfonso, equestrianism is not only about medals but about balance in everyday life.
“The sport helps me keep both body and mind in shape. Riding makes me calmer and more relaxed in daily life, it’s like an escape from stress. When I get on the horse, everything else disappears, and I can focus on the connection with him.”

He insists that the people and horses around you shape the experience:
“Having a good trainer, someone professional who guides you and corrects you, is essential. Without that, it’s easy to lose direction. And also, having horses that are right for your level is very important. As amateurs, we want to enjoy, not suffer. Horses that give you confidence and let you progress step by step make all the difference.”

Goals and Continuous Progress

Even while calling himself an amateur, Alfonso sets clear sporting goals.
“My main objectives are the regional and national veterans’ championships, because that’s where I measure my progress. But I also try to compete at least once a month, in national and sometimes international shows. Competing regularly keeps you sharp and gives the horses rhythm. In this sport, improvement is continuous—you never stop learning something new, no matter your age or level. That’s why I always listen to my trainer; he sees things I can’t and helps me grow.”

Balancing Training with Work

Work commitments sometimes make training a challenge, but Alfonso has developed a routine that works:
“I try to train four or five days a week if my job allows it. Not every day has to be hard work—some days I just go for a hack to relax the horse and myself, other days I focus on arena work, and usually I jump once or twice a week. I think that’s the best balance to keep the horses fit and myself prepared for competitions. It’s not always easy, but with discipline you can make it work.”

Mental Preparation

Asked about nerves in competition, Alfonso is honest:
“It’s normal to feel nervous, even insecure, before going into the ring. I think all of us amateurs feel that way at some point. For me, the best way to deal with it is to compete often—when it becomes routine, the nerves are easier to control. I try to stay positive and remind myself that I’ve trained, that I’m prepared, and that I know my horse. I’m also careful not to rush; I don’t raise the height until I’m absolutely convinced that I can do it. That way, when I go in the ring, I feel secure and calm.”

What the Sport Could Improve

From an amateur’s perspective, Alfonso sees room for improvement in how competitions are structured.
“The reality is that amateurs and professionals often compete in the same classes, and that makes it difficult for everyone to feel satisfied. Professionals have other objectives, and amateurs like me just want to progress and enjoy the sport. It would be great to have more classes exclusively for amateurs. That way, the level would be fairer, and it would encourage more people to compete. I also love competitions that last two weeks, because they allow you to combine sport with vacation. You can go with your family, enjoy the environment, and also compete—it’s the best of both worlds.”

A Reflection of Many Amateurs

At the end of the day, Alfonso Blanco rides for the love of the sport. His story is not only about his personal success but also about what so many amateurs experience: the joy of training, the nerves of competition, and the pride of small victories along the way.
“For me, the real prize is enjoying my horses, improving little by little, and being able to share moments in the ring that I’ll never forget. Winning is beautiful, of course, but what matters most is the journey—the learning, the discipline, and above all, the passion for horses.”

His journey is proof that equestrian sport is not only about professional glory. Amateurs like Alfonso, with their dedication, humility, and love for the horse, are the heartbeat of the sport and a reminder as to why we started riding in the first place.

Valentina Sozzi – Ph VS Media

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