The equestrian world is mourning the loss of a true legend. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art has unveiled a striking bronze sculpture to honor the memory of its visionary founder,Álvaro Domecq Romero,who passed away on November 18th. This tribute, erected less than two weeks after his passing, celebrates the man who not only established the renowned institution but also propelled the name of Jerez and the Spanish horse onto the global stage.
Crafted by Ecuadorian sculptor Jorge montalvo, the monument stands proudly in front of the very school that bears DomecqS name. It captures a powerful image: Álvaro domecq astride “Valioso,” one of the most celebrated horses of his illustrious career. This scene is no mere artistic choice; it powerfully symbolizes the unbreakable bond between the founder and the school he championed since the 1970s.
The dedication ceremony was a significant event, presided over by Arturo Bernal Bergua, the Minister of Tourism and Foreign Affairs for the Junta de Andalucía. Bernal lauded Domecq’s pivotal role in advancing dressage in Spain, recalling how Domecq’s leadership was instrumental in forming the first Spanish Olympic dressage team, which competed at the Atlanta 1996 games. This marked a watershed moment,signaling the discipline’s arrival on the international scene for Spain.
The reverence for Domecq was palpable, with a distinguished gathering of equestrian luminaries in attendance.Among them were Olympic riders Cayetano Martínez de Irujo and José Antonio García Mena. García Mena, known for his close ties to Domecq, is widely regarded as one of his most direct protégés. The ceremony even drew a rider from Vienna, a testament to Domecq’s far-reaching international influence and the profound respect he commanded beyond Spain’s borders.
During the moving ceremony, twelve riders from the Royal School, accompanied by a carriage, flanked the newly unveiled sculpture.Speeches were delivered by Agustín Muñoz, the first deputy mayor of Jerez; the sculptor Jorge Montalvo; and Luis Domecq, the honoree’s nephew. A particularly poignant moment occurred when Minister Bernal presented Maribel Domecq Ybarra, the founder’s widow, with the spurs her husband had worn for years at the institution.She also received a bouquet of flowers from the school’s staff,a heartfelt gesture from those who knew and worked alongside him.
Since the proclamation of his death, the equestrian community has been awash with tributes. Social media platforms buzzed with ancient photos and heartfelt farewells, all underscoring Domecq’s transformative impact on the Spanish horse world. Many highlighted his teachings, his disciplined approach, and his unique beliefs on the rider-horse relationship, which shaped entire generations of equestrians.
Rafael olvera, the director of the Royal School, emphasized that Domecq’s enduring legacy continues to permeate the institution and its operational methods. He stressed that Domecq’s core principles-a deep respect for the horse and an unwavering pursuit of technical excellence-remain the guiding force behind the center’s training programs and daily activities.
The sculpture, now a permanent fixture in the Royal School’s gardens, stands as a powerful symbol of gratitude. It commemorates a man who not only reshaped the history of the Spanish horse but also solidified a distinctive approach to dressage that continues to serve as a benchmark for excellence today.
