Cristian Tudela: “For young riders, the most important thing is to work on the mind”

At Montenmedio, internationally known as the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, the Spanish Youth Dressage Championships brought together some of the most talented young riders in the country. Among the coaches guiding their students through the pressure and excitement of this stage was Cristian Tudela, professional rider and trainer. With Eva Gonzalo competing on Just Happy in the Young Rider category, and Blanca Gutiérrez presenting Novicia, Tudela shared his philosophy on competition, training, and the joy he finds in helping young athletes grow.

Preparing for the Championship

For Tudela, consistency is one of the foundations of success. He believes that training for major events should remain as close to the daily routine as possible.
“Whether it’s the Spanish Championship or the European Championship, I try to treat it as something normal,” he said. “We train just as we do for any other event, with the same intensity but a little more concentration.”
Tudela avoids last-minute changes that could unsettle horse or rider: “In training, we try not to change too many things. It’s important to keep a sense of normality.”

Handling Pressure and Building Resilience

Having competed himself from a young age, Tudela knows the unique challenges of youth riders. He stresses that technical skill alone is not enough; mental strength is equally important.
“I remember when I was younger, what hurt me the most was my own mind—the nerves, the thought that so many people were watching, or wanting more than I was able to do at that moment,” he recalled.
That awareness has shaped his coaching style: “I try to work with their minds so that they stay calm and feel good about themselves. They shouldn’t get upset if they make a mistake, but instead try to solve the problem and ride the way they do at home—because they ride very well. And I also want them to enjoy the experience, because these moments go by quickly. They are very special for both the riders and their families.”

Montenmedio: A Unique Stage for Sport

Montenmedio, in Vejer de la Frontera, is one of Europe’s most renowned equestrian centers. Every year it hosts the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, an international circuit that attracts top riders from around the world. For Tudela, its role in Spanish equestrian sport cannot be overstated.
“It’s incredible how every time you come here there are new improvements, more facilities, more opportunities. It’s a place that has everything: it’s open, the horses feel comfortable, and the growth it has had in recent years is amazing,” he said.

The venue not only provides world-class arenas and stables but also creates an atmosphere where young riders can experience competition in a truly professional setting. For many, it serves as the perfect bridge between national and international competition.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

When asked about his most cherished moments in the sport, Tudela smiled, dividing his answer into two chapters: one as a competitor, the other as a mentor.
“As a rider, my greatest memory was winning my first international Grand Prix in Herning. That is something I will never forget,” he said.
But as a coach, the highlight is different: “What I value most is the happiness I see in the families. That has made me truly love working with young riders. Contributing my small part gives me a lot of joy. Seeing the whole family so engaged and united around the team—it brings me real happiness.”

Looking Ahead

For Tudela, championships like this one at Montenmedio are not just about results. They are stepping stones in a rider’s development, opportunities to learn resilience, and moments to be shared with family and friends. His message to his students is clear: ride with the same focus and joy as you do at home, embrace the experience, and let it become a memory to carry forward.

As the sun sets over the expansive grounds of Montenmedio, the Spanish Youth Championships continue to showcase not only the future of the sport but also the values that shape it: discipline, balance, and the joy of riding.

Valentina Sozzi

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