Ruben Mengual Moves to The Netherlands to Work for Glock

Sun, 04/02/2023 - 11:55
Spain
Ruben Mengual Reig at the 2021 CDI Compiegne :: Photo © Astrid Appels

Spanish young professional Ruben Mengual Reig has accepted a rider's position at Glock Horse Performance Center in The Netherlands. He will leave his current employer, Gestüt Tannenhof, in Germany.

Spanish Start

The 22-year old Mengual is from the Valencia area and began his international dressage career in the Children's division in 2014 aboard the PRE Obrador VIII. 

In 2016 he moved into the FEI pony division with his grey Piccolo (by Pamir ox x Eldorrado) and in 2017 he stepped up to junior level with Dinant (by Special D x Farao) and Andes (by Tango x Uniform).

Going Pro

Knowing very quickly that horses are his passion, Mengual moved to The Netherlands to become a working student at Coby van Baalen's stable as a rising 17-year old. 

Ruben worked for Coby for 1.5 years before relocating to Germany in March 2019 after accepting an assistant rider's position at the Plönzke family's Gestut Tannenhof.

With Belfast at the 2020 Euroepan Under 25
Championships
In Germany his competitive career took flight as he was allocated the ride on Grand Prix schoolmasters Download (by Desperados x Wesley) and Belfast RA (by Benetton Dream x Florestan) which gave him Under 25 experience. With Belfast he competed on the Spanish team at the 2020 European Under 25 Championships in Pilisjaszfalu and finished 14th in the Kur to Music finals. Belfast sold to the U.S.A in an online auction at the end of 2020. In 2021 Ruben competed Download in Mannheim, Compiegne, Le Mans, Meerle and Opglabbeek but did not make the team. In 2022 he was back with Belfast (who seemingly hadn't sold) and rode at the 2022 European Under 25 Championships in Pilisjaszfalu to finish 22nd in the short Grand Prix. 

The Netherlands

Ruben is now returning to The Netherlands to start the next chapter in his career. 

"I will start on the first of May," he told Eurodressage. "I was at Tannenhof for four and almost and a half years. It was a difficult decision for me because at Tannenhof I felt like home but I need to keep improving and learning for my riding."

Photos © Astrid Appels

Related Links
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Daily Times and Dot Com, Best Sellers in 2021 Gestut Tannenhof Christmas Auction
Belfast Sold to the U.S.A. in 2020 Gestut Tannenhof Hybrid Auction
Spanish Young Riders and U25 Team for 2020 European Youth Championships Announced
Photo Report: Maksakova Sweeps Under 25 Division at 2020 CDI Grote Brogel
Scores: 2016 Spanish Dressage Championships