Armando Trapote: A Life Built Around Horses

Armando Trapote, a professional show jumper and co-organizer of the prestigious Andalucía Sunshine Tour, has dedicated his life to horses. Together with his wife, Teresa Blázquez Abascal, who serves as the Event Director, Armando has built a remarkable career centered on both competing at the highest level and managing one of Europe’s premier equestrian events.

The Andalucía Sunshine Tour, held in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, is a testament to their commitment to excellence. It attracts riders and horses from around the world, offering top-level facilities and an unmatched environment for growth in the sport. Armando’s dual role as a competitor and event organizer reflects his deep passion for show jumping. “For me, it’s really, really incredible to live both parts of the sport,” he says. “I just focus on learning as a rider at every show I go to, but as an organizer, I’m always looking for ways to improve the Andalucía Sunshine Tour.”

In this interview, Armando discusses his journey, his career-defining horse Tornado VS, and their new star, Conthargo Blue.

From Mexico to the International Stage

Armando’s journey with horses began in Mexico, where he grew up surrounded by his father’s cowboy and racehorses. “Since I was very, very young, my dad always had horses,” he recalls. “He always taught me the passion for horses, and from the first time I sat on one, I realized this was my passion too.”

As a young rider, Armando participated in children, junior, and young rider classes, steadily building his skills and dedication to the sport. “I always fought to try to be a professional,” he explains. “I wanted this to be my lifestyle and my career.”

Tragically, Armando lost his father when he was just 17 years old. Determined to pursue his dreams, he moved to Germany to advance his riding career. “My dad was always really passionate about horses,” he says. “When he passed away, I decided to move forward in the sport and went to Germany to see if this life was what I really wanted.”

Learning from the Best in Germany

Armando’s first stop in Germany was first up North in Germany, where he began training in a professional setting. After a year, he moved to Schockemöhle Stables, one of the world’s best breeding and training stables, to further develop his skills. “At Schockemöhle, they taught me the tough side of the sport,” he says. “I learned what it means to be a professional in this sport.”

The time spent at Schockemöhle was invaluable for Armando’s growth, providing him with the knowledge and discipline needed to succeed.

Teresa Blázquez Abascal: Partner in Life and Work

A cornerstone of Armando’s success is his partnership with his wife, Teresa Blázquez Abascal. As the Event Director of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, Teresa plays a crucial role in ensuring the event’s continued success. Her organizational expertise and dedication to detail are vital in maintaining the Tour’s reputation as a top-tier competition.

Armando and Teresa also work together in developing and selling horses. “A long time ago, we decided that our main way of living would be selling horses,” he says. “We focus on finding good horses, developing them, and selling them.” This shared focus has become a defining aspect of their life together, blending business with their mutual passion for the sport.

Tornado VS: A Horse That Built a Career

One of the most significant horses in Armando’s career is Tornado VS, a gelding that has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious events. “We found Tornado at Schockemöhle Stables when he was six years old,” Armando explains. “I thought he was a good horse—really, really good—but he was small and not so easy.”

Originally, Tornado was ridden by Teresa, who competed with him in young horse classes. “She made aN amazing job,” Armando says. “She jumped him at seven, eight, and nine years old, but when it was time to move him up to a bigger level,   he was very strong.”

Armando stepped in to take over the ride, beginning at a low level to adapt the horse to his style.” one day I asked ateresa if ai could try to ride him,” he explains,  “I needed to change everything to my way of riding,”  “With Teresa, everything was very smooth and nice, but for me, he was strong and aggressive. I had to get to know him and build a relationship slowly.”

The work paid off, and Tornado became a cornerstone of Armando’s career. “He showed me what big sport is,” he says. “When I’m quiet and don’t interfere too much, he gives everything in the ring.”

Among their many accomplishments together, Armando highlights three moments as particularly special. “One was my first time at Spruce Meadows,” he says. “Even though the result wasn’t the best—I had three down—it proved to me that I had a horse that could handle it, and that I could do it too.”

Another unforgettable moment came at the European Championships, where Tornado delivered two clear rounds in the Nations Cup. “That was an incredible performance,” Armando recalls. Most recently, Tornado shone at the Nations Cup in Barcelona, producing four clear rounds. “He just kept jumping better and better with every round,” Armando says. “It was an amazing feeling.”

Conthargo Blue: The Next Star

While Tornado VS remains a key part of Armando’s success, the stable’s future looks equally promising with Conthargo Blue, their newest addition. A former Olympic Games competitor under Eiken Sato, Conthargo Blue has already made a strong impression under Armando’s saddle.

“He’s done four good shows with me so far,” Armando says. “I’m really excited to see where we can go together. He’s an incredible horse, and I think he has a bright future.”

With Tornado VS and Conthargo Blue leading the way, the stable is well-positioned for continued success at the highest levels of the sport.

Safety in a Demanding Sport

Having experienced the dangers of equestrian sport firsthand, Armando is particularly mindful of safety. “This sport is difficult and dangerous,” he says. “I broke my neck when I was 20 years old at Schockemöhle Stables, so I take safety very seriously.”

A key aspect of his safety routine is the use of high-quality helmets. “Thanks to KEP Italia helmets, I feel really, really safe,” Armando shares. “They’re the best on the market. The designs are incredible, they fit perfectly, and they give me the confidence I need to ride.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

For Armando Trapote and Teresa Blázquez Abascal, horses are more than a career—they are a way of life. From competing internationally to organizing the Andalucía Sunshine Tour and developing exceptional horses, their shared dedication to the sport is unmatched.

“I’m very passionate about everything I do,” Armando says. “For me, it’s not work—it’s my life.” With their ever-growing stable of exceptional horses and the continued success of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, Armando and Teresa are poised to leave an enduring legacy in the world of equestrian sport.

Valentina Sozzi Senn

© Rights Reserved.

Contenuto sponsorizzato.