Guest: Diego Ramírez, Founder of Dressage Sotogrande
Dressage may not be the loudest equestrian discipline in Sotogrande, but it is certainly one of the most refined. To understand it properly, I spent time with Diego Ramírez, the man behind Sotogrande Dressage in San Enrique, a club he built from scratch, shaped by decades of experience, family tradition and a lifelong connection to horses.
What follows is the full story, drawn entirely from our conversation.
What Dressage Means in Sotogrande
Dressage is often overshadowed by polo and show jumping in Sotogrande, yet it remains one of the most technical and elegant equestrian disciplines. As Diego Ramírez explains, dressage is “the natural movement of the horse, but more in perfection… like gymnastics for horses.” It is a sport built on balance, harmony and precision, and one that requires both rider and horse to work as one.
Diego runs a dressage club in San Enrique, a place he built from the ground up after years of training across Spain and Germany. His story is rooted in childhood passion, family tradition and a lifelong commitment to horses.
What Happens Inside Diego’s Dressage Club
The transcript reveals a world that is both structured and deeply human.
Diego’s club is a full ecosystem:
- 42 horses, including school horses, competition horses and four of his own.
- 50 students, ranging from five‑year‑old beginners to riders in their seventies.
- Multiple arenas: galloping, lunging, beginners, and a large all‑weather arena usable year‑round.
- Daily routines: warm‑ups, basic movements, advanced work, stretching, and Sunday hacks to the river.
- A family environment: Diego lives two minutes away, walks to work, and trains his son — now competing for the European Championship.
Training begins on the lunge line, where riders learn balance before touching the reins. “Everything is about balance,” Diego repeats.
The club also supports every level of competition: social, territorial, national and international. Two of Diego’s students reached the European Championship last year; one is in the Spanish team this year.
Why This Club Works and What Makes Dressage Unique
1. Dressage Requires Structure and Patience – Unlike jumping or polo, dressage attracts riders who enjoy organisation, discipline and technical refinement. Jumping riders chase adrenaline; dressage riders chase precision.
2. The Horse’s Mind Matters More Than Its Movement – Diego emphasises that a good dressage horse must want to work. Movement is important, but cooperation is essential. “You want the horse that wants to work… that enjoys it.”
A horse with spectacular movement but poor character is difficult. A modest horse with a good mind can achieve far more.
3. Training Is a Daily Commitment – Dressage horses are athletes. They require:
- Daily schooling
- Vet care
- Farriers
- Structured warm‑ups and stretching
- Consistent technique
4. Sotogrande Is Perfect for Equestrian Life – Diego describes Sotogrande as “the best place in Spain.” Its climate, proximity to Gibraltar and Málaga, access to theatres, airports and coastline, all within an hour, make it ideal for riders and horses. The Guadiaro Valley is full of fincas and equestrian culture.
Dressage facilities, however, are rare: only Diego’s club and Dos Lunas offer proper dressage training.
Why Diego’s Club Matters to Sotogrande
The transcript paints a clear picture: Diego’s dressage club is a cornerstone of equestrian life in Sotogrande. It welcomes beginners, children, adults, competitors and international riders. It offers structure, safety, passion and a pathway from first lesson to European Championship.
Most importantly, it is built on authenticity, a family walking across the road each morning, a man who has dedicated his life to horses, and a community that grows around him.
As Diego says, Sotogrande is “a perfect place… between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.” And his club reflects that balance, calm, disciplined, passionate and open to anyone who wants to learn.
🎙️ This post draws from insights shared in one of our episodes, available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast. For more on Sotogrande’s insider tips, tune in and explore other episodes too.
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Thank you, Charlie.
