Spanish Team Rider Alejandro Sanchez del Barco and Yeguada de Indalo Part Ways

Dressage

Spain

Spanish team rider Alejandro Sanchez del Barco and his sponsor/supplier of his competition horses, Yeguada de Indalo, have parted ways.

The two announced their split on social media.

Cross Pollination

The Malaga based Yeguada de Indalo and rider Alejandro Sanchez del Barco cross pollinated each other as the two rose to international acclaim as a duo. Sanchez put Indalo on the map, but also the other way round, Indalo provided the horses that made Sanchez' name as an international Grand Prix rider.

In 2016 Alejandro Sanchez del Barco made his international show debut on his career-making horse, the then 5-year old Quincallo de Indalo (by Esbelto VII x Bandolero LXVII), at the 2016 CDI Jerez de la Frontera, followed by the CDI Segovia. Two years later he returned to the CDI scene in Sevilla with Cantora de Indalo (by ).

Sanchez rode his first major championships at the 2021 World Young Horse Championships in Verden with Trapalo de Indalo (by Esbelto VII x Bandolero LXXVII) and Quadrigo Nadales V (by Grandioso VII x Karacol Azores).

Shooting Stars in Spain, Putting PREs more on the Map

With Quincallo at the 2022 World Championships

His international Grand Prix debut was in 2022 at the CDI Jerez de la Frontera on Quincallo and they became shooting stars on the Spanish scene, competing at the 2022 CDIO Aachen and getting selected for the 2022 World Championships in Herning, where their sympathetic presentation thrilled the crowds. They established their names in the history books of Spanish and PRE dressage sport by making it all the way into the freestyle and finishing 14th.

In 2023 Sanchez introduced new young horses to the international scene - Derroche and Rondo - whom he rode at the 2023 World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo. After a break Quincallo returned to the scene at the CDI Jerez in March 2023, winning both classes. They missed the team selection trial at the 2023 Spanish Championships, but proved form and fitness at the CDI Deauville, where they also won twice. At the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck the cute grey stallion produced two solid 71% earning rounds but did not show the sparkle he had in Herning. It was Quincallo's last CDI in his career, so far.

In 2024 the pair returned to the national scene at the 2024 Spanish Championships, the first Spanish Olympic team selection trial. They placed 6th and 5th and were not short listed by Spanish team trainer Francis Verbeek for further consideration.

Parting Ways

Indalo announced their split from Sanchez on 30 September 2024.

"Almost a decade ago, Alejandro started working with us consolidating a project that has always had as a main focus to present our PRE horses to classic dressage," said Monica Martin, owner of Yeguda de Indalo. "With him we achieved great success both at the national and international level. We want to thank Alejandro for his commitment and dedication to our horses and we wish him the best in his new journey."

Sanchez took to Instagram to add, "with tears in my eyes I say goodbye to my faithful companions" and said they took him on a "path that has been unforgettable and full of sporting success." He thanks the horses for "giving me so much in return for nothing. I takes a lifetime to thank them."

Neither Sanchez nor Indalo have provided details of their future plans.