Forsete LVST, Zampuzo TR, Vital, Elvis, Quatro Win 2026 Spanish Young Horse Championships

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2026 Spanish Young Horse Championships

Text and Photos © Lily Forado, expanded by Eurodressage

The 4-year old Forsete LVST, the 5-year old Zampuzo TR, the 6-year old Vital, the 7-year old Elvis, and the Developing Prix St Georges horse Quatro became the winners of the 2026 Spanish Young Horse Championships held at Rios equestrian centre in Murcia on 1 - 4 October 2026.

Three days of competition, challenging weather conditions, and outstanding performances defined the 2026 Spanish Young Horse Championships. Despite the torrential downpours of rain that affected the opening days, the championship assembled some of Spain’s most promising young horses and riders, delivering high scores, dramatic changes in the standings, and a glimpse of the future of Spanish dressage.

This year's edition stood out for the concentration of scores above 80%, especially in the five-year-old division. Central European breeds once again dominated the participation, with Hanoverians leading the way with 44 horses participating, followed by Oldenburgs with 29, and KWPN horses with 28. The C.D.E. accounted for 21 entries, while 13 P.R.E. horses took part.

4-YO: Forsete LVST Delivers González de las Cuevas First Gold

The final ranking in 4-year-old division kept spectators guessing until the very end. With 47 combinations entered, only the 18 highest-scoring pairs from the preliminary test qualified for the final, making consistency and composure just as important as natural talent.

Juan José González de las Cuevas Pimienta and Forsete LVST (by Benefit x Vincent Maranello) rose to the occasion. The Swedish bred stallion immediately established himself as a contender, scoring 80.200% in the preliminary test. In the final, he once again impressed with an uphill, balanced canter and a rhythmic, cadenced trot. Another 80.200% secured the victory and a combined total of 160.400 points, giving González de las Cuevas his first Spanish Young Horse Championship gold medal. After a difficult year marked by the loss of Fragolino and the sale of Denksport in 2025, this victory carried particularly emotional significance. The bay Forsete LVST first came into the spotlight when he sold at the 2022 Swedish Warmblood elite foal auction for 4,500 euro to Cadiac Dressage Stable AB. He is bred by Anette Andersson.

Sergio Morón claimed silver with the Westfalian Vayron (by Vivaldon x Floriscount). After finishing sixth in the preliminary test, the pair produced an excellent comeback in the final, earning 80.000% and moving into second place overall with 158.400 points. Vayron's expressive walk and uphill canter proved decisive.

The bronze medal went to Lucía Galbis with the Oldenburg mare Roma (by Revolution x Sir Donnerhall x Stedinger) and owned by the rider. Despite dropping down the board in the final test after a costly canter transition, their earlier performance secured third place overall. For Galbis, the medal was doubly rewarding: recognition not only of her riding but also of her work as a breeder as she bred Roma out of her Grand Prix mare Summertime.

5-YO: Zampuzo TR Dominates

If one division captured the attention of the championship, it was undoubtedly the 5-year-olds. The level was exceptional, with all ten leading combinations exceeding 80% in the first qualifier — a remarkable depth of quality rarely seen in Spain.

At the centre of it all was the Oldenburg bred Zampuzo TR (by Zoom x Vivaldi x Weltmeyer), ridden by Juan Manuel Acosta. The stallion combines outstanding natural gaits with an especially remarkable walk, displaying the relaxation, suppleness, back movement and clear four-beat rhythm that judges look for at this stage of development. Their preliminary performance was top notch. Awarded a 10 for the walk, Zampuzo finished on 91.400%, establishing a significant advantage over his rivals. He then confirmed his consistency with 88.400% in the second qualifier and 89.800% in the final. Three tests, three victories and a combined total of 269.600 points secured the Spanish title by a commanding 16-point margin.

For Acosta, the victory marked another milestone in a championship where he has enjoyed considerable success over the years. Having last competed at the event in 2023, when he won gold with Saltes TR FRH in the 5-year-old division and Mentor B in the 7-year-olds, he returned to the top of the podium with another exciting prospect.

Meanwhile José Antonio García Mena added another medal to his impressive championship record with the Dutch warmblood Romano (by Kjento x Furst Heinrich x Figaro). The good-looking chestnut maintained second place in both qualifying tests, scoring above 85% on each occasion. Although the horse appeared less brilliant in the final, where he scored 80.400%, their combined total of 253.200 points earned them the silver medal. Romano was presented for licensing at the 2024 KWPN Stallion licensing, but not accepted. He sold at auction for 38,000 euro.

Bronze went to Mena's student Andrés González with the Hanoverian bred Danone (by For Romance II x ?Danone II x Weltgeist), who completed a consistent championship despite the difficult weather conditions in the opening test. After scoring 85.000% in the rain-affected preliminary, the pair recovered from a lower second qualifier to finish fourth in the final, securing third place overall with 248.000 points.

6-YO: Vital and José Alejandro Alcaide Seize the Opportunity

The 6-year-old division delivered one of the championship's most interesting stories. The color palette of the pódium was clearly “chestnut” (Vital vs Vivamos) , but the black touch of Saraswati made the battle super interesting. While Vivamos initially looked like the horse to beat, Vital steadily built momentum throughout the competition and ultimately claimed the national title.

The Hanoverian stallion Vital (by Vitalis x Spörcken) had already shown his potential at four years old, when he won silver, before missing out on the podium as a five-year-old. In Murcia, however, everything came together. Initially ridden by Juan de Dios Ramírez, Vital had been working with José Alejandro Alcaide for only a month before the championship. The new partnership quickly demonstrated its potential. After scoring 81.400% in the preliminary test, they moved into first place in the second qualifier with 83.400%, showcasing a very nice trote, expressive, elastic awarded with a 9. Their final score of 84.000% in the final confirmed their position among the leading combinations and secured the championship title. For Alcaide, the gold medal was his second after winning silver with Laurin in 2021. Vital sold at the 2022 Hanoverian stallion licensing for 120,000 euro to Yeguada Cuevas Bajas.

Last year's 5-year old champions - Roberto Carlos Cruz and the Oldenburg stallion Vivamos (by Vivino x Don Frederic x Sir Donnerhall) - took silver. After opening the championship with an impressive 86.400%, the combination remained competitive throughout the event, finishing second in the final with 81.200% and collecting 248.200 points overall.

The bronze medal went to Alberto Rigo and the Hanoverian mare Saraswati (by Springbank II x Florestan). After narrowly missing the podium in 2025, the mare made a significant step forward this season. Her walk and canter have been key strengths in her development, and she finished the championship on a high note by winning the final with an impressive 85.600%. Rigo, like Galbis in the four-year-old division, was rewarded with a medal aboard a horse he bred himself.

7-YO: Elvis and Bernat Barrachina Retain their Crown

In the 7-year-old division, Hanoverian stallion Elvis (by Escolar x Londonderry) and Bernat Barrachina once again demonstrated their winning formula. The pair dominated all three tests, successfully defending their Spanish title and confirming the harmony and consistency that have become their hallmark. Their performances improved progressively throughout the championship, from 76.073% in the preliminary test to 79.357% in the second qualifier and 79.500% in the final. With a combined total of 234.930 points, they finished comfortably at the top of the standings.

The silver medal offered a special highlight for the Pura Raza Española breed. Adrián Roldán and Auténtico de Narváez (by Sir Chatarrero x Vistoso Xi) finished second overall with 223.771 points. After consistently occupying second place in the first two qualifiers, the pair slipped to third in the final, scoring 73.334%, but their earlier results were enough to secure the silver medal. The last P.R.E. horse to feature on the podium at this championship was Trápalo de Indalo in 2023, making this result particularly noteworthy for the breed. It was also a sweet consolation after the pair did not pass the horse inspection at the 2026 World Young Horse Championships in Verden.

Rafael Heredia and the Hanoverian bred Baltik Star SN (by Birmingham x Danone) completed the podium. Since taking over the horses of Yeguada Sola Nogales, the Andalusian rider has done valuable work developing a varied group of horses, each with its own character and challenges. Baltik Star's cadenced trot and canter were evident throughout the championship, and the pair improved their overall presentation with every test. After finishing third in the first two qualifiers, they maintained their position in the final, scoring 74.586% and finishing on 219.578 points.

8/9-YO: Sergio Morón Wins Another title with Quatro

The developing Prix St Georges horse division experienced one of the championship's most unexpected developments before the competition had properly begun.

José Antonio García Mena arrived in Murcia hoping to defend his title with Oldenburg stallion Van Gogh (by Vitalis x Furstenball x Furst Romancier), but torrential rain turned the arena into an ocean on the first day but the organizers decided to keep calm and carry on. Mena, however, thought otherwise and prioritized his horse's welfare and safety. The Olympic rider made the decision not to compete. His withdrawal changed the outlook of the division and opened the door for a new champion.

Sergio Morón and the Danish warmblood gelding Quatro (by Quaterhit x Dr. Dooltittle x Weltmeyer) seized the opportunity. The rider from Arnedo, already a familiar name on the national podium, delivered a commanding performance; winning all three tests and securing another Spanish title. The championship concluded with the freestyle, a particularly emotional moment for Morón. Riding to the rock-inspired melodies which he has already used for his earlier successes in the youth categories, he smiled his way to the title. The gold medal adds to Morón's previous young horse championship titles with Sick-Sack in 2022 and with Elton and Sick-Sack in 2024. It is a first gold for Quatro.

Andrea Ruiz Junco and the Hanoverian bred Deinhardt M (by Dancier x Londonderry) claimed silver. Second in the first qualifier and third in the second, the pair finished fifth in the freestyle but maintained enough points to secure second place overall, with 209.818 points.

The bronze medal went to the Catalan rider Magin Mateu and the Oldenburg bred Vectrom (by Vitalis x ?), who made their first appearance on the young horse championship podium. After two demanding qualifying tests, the pair enjoyed their freestyle to the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman, finishing on 207.857 points.

Beyond the Medals: The future of Spanish Young Horse Sport

Beyond the final standings the 2026 Spanish Young Horse Championships offered a broader picture of the development of dressage in Spain. The concentration of high scores, particularly among the five-year-olds, reflects the growing investment in young horses and the work being carried out by breeders, owners, trainers, and riders.

However, the event also raises a question about the current championship format and whether it should be reconsidered, particularly the fact that the young horses have to perform in three, consecutive exhausting tests (all but the 4-year olds). Three tests across the championships with no rest days create a demanding marathon for young horses, especially when weather conditions complicate the schedule.

The format used at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, with a consolation finals, offers an alternative that could bring additional excitement while adapting more closely to the developmental needs of these horses.

Results - 2026 Spanish Young Horse Championships - Murcia

4-year olds

1. Juan José González De Las Cuevas - Forsete Lvst - 80.2 80.2 --- 160.4
2. Sergio Morón Basoco - Vayron - 78.4 80.0 --- 158.4
3. Lucia Galbis Cervero - Roma - 79.8 77.4 --- 157.2
4. Alejandro Oliva Lázaro - Viper - 77.6 77.8 --- 155.4
4. Cristina Wagemans Rovira - Bonanova Bcn - 76.6 78.8 --- 155.4
6. Fidel Díaz Amor - Pandora Da - 76.2 78.6 --- 154.8
6. Alejandro Oliva Lázaro - Tokio Di Mantova - 78.8 76.0 --- 154.8
8. Pablo Marin Castellano - Veltins - 77.2 77.2 --- 154.4
8. Alejandro Oliva Lázaro - Don Black De La Gesse - 80.0 74.4 --- 154.4
8. Manuel Pérez Valle - Sky Fall- 76.8 77.6 --- 154.4
11. Carlos Bayo Calvo - Nechristo - 79.0 74.2 --- 153.2
12. Sergio Martí Pérez - Dakar - 76.4 76.0 --- 152.4
13. David De Castro Gomez-Serranillos - Special Veux - 78.0 74.3 --- 152.3
14. Marta Bada Gonzalez - Spectra Bcn - 78.0 73.4 --- 151.4
15. Arturo Díaz Mellado - Santana B - 76.6 74.2 --- 150.8
15. Rafael Adrián Heredia Muñoz - Bonna Royal Sn - 76.0 74.8 --- 150.8
17. Claudio Castilla Ruiz - Wellington Si - 77.8 71.4 --- 149.2

5-year olds

1. Juan Manuel Acosta Ponce - Zampuzo Tr - 91.4 88.4 89.8 --- 269.6
2. José Antonio García Mena - Romano - 87.4 85.4 80.4 --- 253.2
3. Manuel Andrés González Moreno - Danone - 85.0 80.4 82.6 --- 248.0
4. Juan Manuel Acosta Ponce - Riotinto Tr - 81.4 81.8 83.4 --- 246.6
5. Alejandro Sánchez Del Barco - Eterno - 81.8 79.0 83.2 --- 244.0
6 José Alejandro Alcaide Roda - Vizconde De Gold - 83.3 80.0 78.2 --- 241.5
7. Raúl Martí Pérez - Labuan - 79.6 83.4 77.9 --- 240.9
7. Cristina Torrent Moll - Becky Hill - 84.0 79.4 77.5 --- 240.9
9. Júlia Álvarez Abad Francesca - Bridgerton - 79.4 79.8 75.8 --- 235.0
10. Alejandro Oliva Lázaro - Tyson- 81.6 80.0 72.0 --- 233.6
11. Cristian Tudela Ruiz - Red Spirit - 82.4 80.6 70.0 --- 233.0
12. Nora Katerina Brunswig España - Glamour Cruz - 77.6 76.2 77.4 --- 231.2
13. Antonio Marqués Carreras - Valentino MS - 75.8 78.2 76.0 --- 230.0
14. Cristian Tudela Ruiz - Bonheur D - 83.0 77.0 67.9 --- 227.9
15. Alfonso Gormaz Torcal - Quality Total Mcb - 78.6 73.2 76.0 --- 227.8
16. Julia Alejandra Vales Shilan - Bon Scott- 74.0 75.2 76.8 --- 226.0
17. Enrique Saez Montes - Total Kingston- 76.6 73.6 71.7 --- 221.9
18. Daniel Roman Valderas - Teglovnens Kar Wind - 74.4 75.2 69.8 --- 219.4

6-year olds

1. José Alejandro Alcaide Roda - Vital - 81.4 83.4 84.0 --- 248.8
2. Roberto Carlos Cruz Rodríguez - Vivamos - 86.4 80.6 81.2 --- 248.2
3. Albert Rigo Caldentey - Saraswati - 79.2 80.8 85.6 --- 245.6
4. José Antonio García Mena - Mac Cacique - 79.0 78.6 76.2 --- 233.8
4. José Antonio García Mena - Queluz Rc- 77.0 78.0 78.8 --- 233.8
6. Alejandro Sánchez Del Barco - Magic in Black - 77.2 78.0 78.2 --- 233.4
7. Joaquín Sabater Almela - Pavaroti - 75.0 78.6 76.4 --- 230.0
8. Laura Mangado Salvatierra - Joop - 75.4 77.4 75.8 --- 228.6
9. Cristina Torrent Moll - Delacroix - 77.2 75.2 75.6 --- 228.0
10. Ana Martín Tarazona - Poker De Equiam - 76.6 72.0 77.0 --- 225.6
10. Diego Martínez Del Moral - Platini C-Two - 75.6 76.8 73.2 --- 225.6
12. Magín Mateu López - Quater Sand Del Pinar - 74.0 75.0 76.4 --- 225.4
13. Alejandro Díaz Boza - Justiciero De Ferri - 76.8 71.6 76.8 --- 225.2
13. David Garcia Vega - Musica De Aristrain - 77.8 75.8 71.6 --- 225.2
15. José Luis González Caamaño - Sanja - 77.0 75.2 72.2 --- 224.4
16. Juan Francisco Fernandez Muñoz - Darlington- 75.6 75.2 73.4 --- 224.2
17. Alberto Muñoz Carrero - Poldark Turfhorst - 75.0 74.0 71.8 --- 220.8
18. Pedro Hernández Triviño - Ñame Puli - 76.0 74.2 69.4 --- 219.6

7-year olds

1. Bernat Barrachina Vaquer - Elvis - 76.073 79.357 79.5 --- 234.93
2. Adrian Roldan Narvaez - Autentico De Narvaez - 75.467 74.91 73.334 --- 223.711
3. Rafael Adrián Heredia Muñoz - Baltik-Star Sn - 71.923 73.069 74.586 --- 219.578
4. Juan Pablo Matute Guimon - Valentino Rj - 70.734 71.818 72.376 --- 214.928
5. David De Castro Gomez-Serranillos - Theresa-Dn - 70.767 72.167 71.933 --- 214.867
6. Jesus García Santos - Oogappel - 70.926 71.073 72.781 --- 214.78
7. Adrian Roldan Narvaez - Surprise - 68.859 70.339 70.5 --- 209.698
8. Alfonso Gormaz Torcal - Furst Ayud Romantica - 70.634 69.138 69.691 --- 209.463
9. Alfonso Gormaz Torcal - Dawson's Creek - 70.006 69.549 68.165 --- 207.72
10. José Alejandro Alcaide Roda - Quality AR - 69.886 67.725 67.643 --- 205.254
11. Ana Martínez López - Orion - 66.855 68.723 68.395 --- 203.973
12. Paloma Parga Manzano- Ohio - 65.624 67.3 69.134 --- 202.058
13. David De Castro Gomez-Serranillos - Escalomillo - 68.755 66.213 66.986 --- 201.954
14. Andrea Ruiz Junco - Falcon Prince - 66.643 67.885 66.586 --- 201.114
15. Yvonne Losos De Muñiz - Diamond First - 68.734 67.05 0.0 --- 135.784
16. Marta Bada Gonzalez - Testarossa Bcn - 67.692 65.846 0.0 --- 133.538
17. Mª Valvanera Palacios Ortuño - Ouzo Yamas - 67.338 0.0 0.0 --- 67.338

8-9-year olds

1. Sergio Morón Basoco - Quatro - 72.281 72.676 78.035 --- 222.992
2. Andrea Ruiz Junco - Deinhardt M - 69.812 67.971 72.035 --- 209.818
3. Magín Mateu López - Vectrom - 67.188 68.029 72.64 --- 207.857
4. Antonio Verdejo Pérez - Xantia Del Moral - 67.688 66.176 72.615 --- 206.479
5. Rafael Seguí Sintes - Furst Eschenhof - 65.781 67.353 71.855 --- 204.989
6. Juan José González De Las Cuevas - Numa Del Carpio - 65.981 66.059 71.39 --- 203.43
7. Javier Higuera Carmona - Bombastic - 63.25 65.618 72.975 --- 201.843
8. Sara Lewin Ohlenschläger Finn - Comfort - 66.406 63.53 69.795 --- 199.731
9. Juan Carlos Díaz Amor - O Rei - 65.844 64.294 69.195 --- 199.333
10 Francisco Marqués Pascual - Kion Mt - 65.125 63.53 68.07 --- 196.725
11. Pedro Hernández Triviño - Bohemio De Millan - 63.406 64.412 68.875 --- 196.693
12. Alba Blasco Moreno - Quintessence Ie - 64.656 63.147 67.825 --- 195.628
13. Sara Planas Aymà - Fabiola Ps - 65.125 61.0 67.275 --- 193.4
14. Vicente Sánchez Garrote - Kilate De Lucia - 61.375 64.323 63.135 --- 188.833
15. Andrea Gaya Campos Ibero - Sinia -63.719 59.471 64.53 --- 187.72
16. Juan Jose Castaño Calvo - Fayenna -63.75 56.882 66.545 --- 187.177

Complete results 4-YO - 5-YO - 6-YO - 7-YO - 8/9-YO