in a thrilling display of equestrian prowess, Juan Manuel Gallego, a rider of Colombian heritage now proudly representing Spain, has captured his first major victory as officially becoming a Spanish national. The triumphant moment came aboard the talented mare “Oriana Van’t Rytershof” in the prestigious LEXINGTON CSI2* Grand Prize, marking a important milestone in his international career.

Gallego,a seasoned competitor with a resume boasting appearances at World Equestrian Games,Pan-American Games,and World Cup finals,officially began competing under the Spanish flag in early 2025. He has as been actively campaigning a strong string of promising horses across various competition levels, from CSI2* to CSI5* events. His early 2025 season saw him competing at the highest echelon, including the CSI5*-W in Ocala, Florida. This latest triumph in Lexington, Kentucky, at the CSI2* Split Kentucky National, underscores his rapid ascent and adaptability.

prior to his Grand Prix win,Gallego demonstrated consistent form. He secured a fourth-place finish in the Dutta Corp 1.40 Speed test and narrowly missed victory in the Jarvis Insurance 1.45 Welcome class. The Grand prix, however, was where he and “Oriana Van’t Rytershof” delivered a flawless performance, clinching the coveted win.

“I’ve wanted to hear the anthem for a while now,” Gallego shared, reflecting on his emotions. I had been second, second… and I was incredibly happy and motivated to represent Spain. The greatest reward is hearing that anthem.

A Seamless Transition to Spanish Colors

The process of changing national depiction, often a complex undertaking in elite sports, has been remarkably smooth for Gallego. He described the experience as both simple and overwhelmingly positive.

“So far, everything has gone very well. What I’ve experienced with the RFHE [Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation] has seemed easy and organized. The objectives are being met, and one of them is to contribute as much as I can to the country.”
Juan Manuel Gallego

This sentiment highlights the strong support and efficient management Gallego has encountered, fostering an environment conducive to peak performance.

The “Oriana Van’t Rytershof” Factor

A significant key to Gallego’s success is undoubtedly his partnership with “Oriana Van’t Rytershof,” the eleven-year-old mare who carried him to the top of the podium. This exceptional mare, a daughter of “Vigo d’Arsouilles X Bamako de Mue” and owned by Loero Stables, has proven to be a formidable force.

Gallego describes “Oriana” as a truly special mount, emphasizing their strong connection. We have understood each other very well. She is clean, fast, and intelligent. She is a sensitive mare, and like the vast majority of them, when she is with you, she gives everything. This deep understanding between horse and rider is a hallmark of top-tier equestrian partnerships, reminiscent of legendary duos like Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’.

The future plans for this dynamic pair are already taking shape. We are returning to Wellington, and from there, we will prepare for the next World Cup season, WEF 2026, Gallego revealed, indicating a clear trajectory towards continued high-level competition.

Looking Ahead: Consolidating in the U.S. Circuit

Gallego’s strategic roadmap involves solidifying his presence within the competitive U.S. equestrian circuit while consistently striving for improvement. For now, I wont to focus on the next season, he stated, underscoring his commitment to incremental progress.

The Lexington event proved to be a productive outing beyond the CSI2* Grand Prix. galle