Rafael Soto Retires as Head Trainer at Real Escuela in Jerez de la Frontera

Dressage

Spain

Text by Azahara Falcon and Lily Forado

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, celebrated the legendary rider and trainer, Rafael Soto Andrade, in a special gala on 14 October 2022. Soto celebrated his 65th birthday and officially retired from office.

Rafael Soto needs little introduction. The rider is a living legend in Spanish equestrian sport. He has participated in three Olympic Games (1996, 2000 and 2004), five European Championships (1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003) and three World Cup Finals (1998, 2002, 2006), all of them with PRE bred horses.

No one wanted to miss it: family, friends, students, clients, authorities, press... everyone was there to experience a significant moment in the equestrian history of Spain. After an emotional Pas de Deux with his son, Rafael Soto entered through the emblematic arches of the indoor arena on horseback for the last time, accompanied by his own mentor, Álvaro Domecq and his son Rafael Soto, followed by all his fellow riders and assistants. He received a warm and sincere applause from all attendees.

Ambassador of the Purebred Spanish Horse

Rafael Soto has always been in love with the Spanish horse. From the beginning of his career at the Royal School and guided by Álvaro Domecq, his strides on the back of PRE horses have been unstoppable, achieving much success that has given value and promotion to this breed.

Rafael started his journey in the Real Escuela when he was 18 years old, and forty years later, he is the backbone of this institution.

Of all the horses he has ridden, his first big one was Flamenco XX (by Panadero II, same sire as Invasor), bred by Álvaro Domecq. This grey stallion rocketed him to fame in 1994. Soto became the first rider to win the Spanish Championships with a PRE. Moreover, this horse catapulted him onto the Spanish team for the European Championships in 1995. Later on, they were selected to go to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, but an injury forced him to ride his reserve horse, which paved the way to his new star Invasor.

Rafael and Invasor (by Panadero x Valeroso VII) claimed a lot of titles, amongst them the Spanish title in 1998, 1999 and 2000. This combination rode around the world and competed together in the best and most exquisite arenas such as Aachen and the Olympics. In 2000 they qualified for the Sydney Games, where they obtained their Olympic team diploma. At the 2002 Jerez World Equestrian Games, they won the team bronze medal, and at the 2003 European Championships in Hickstead team silver. The cherry on the cake came in Athens 2004, where Soto became a legend, achieving for the first time a team silver for Spain in dressage. In the freestyle, they were fourth place.

Soto was known for playing the audience. In the middle of the test he would look at the crowd in appreciation and for acknowledgement of his performance. He was a born entertainer and often left the dressage arena with his horses in Spanish walk.

Trainer

Luis Lucio and Soto at the 2014 World Equestrian Games

After the big success of Invasor, Rafael continued to compete, but above all, he dedicated himself to dressage and teaching at the Royal School itself.

He continued to revive the emblematic kür with Invasor in shows at the Royal School, making the movements and chords resonate endlessly .

Even this year, Soto competed in a numerous shows with Bellerofonte GR (by Invasor). The horse had its international medium tour debut in Jerez in March and later this year debuted at national Grand Prix level.

His Legacy

With his 65th birthday, Rafael Soto has reached official retirement age and is taking a step back. He was resign as a competition rider, but his great expertise, savoir-faire, knowledge and strides of wisdom will not be lost as he will continue to train his son (Rafael Soto jr) and his students.

Photo report of the retirement ceremony on Diario de Jerez

Rafael Soto will no longer perform his famous “Chisteretazos” (Top Hat) after his test, but the acclaimed and famous rider from Jerez will always be remembered as an ambassador of the PRE world wide. He has made the public vibrate, but above all has defended the colours of the Spanish flag with great passion, style, and talent.

Rafael Soto is a living legend in dressage sport and for the P.R.E.

Photo report of the celebration on Diario de Jerez