Helen Lindes’ Equestrian Renaissance: How a 10th Wedding Anniversary Gift Rekindled a Lifelong Passion for Horses

Girona, Spain — For Helen Lindes, the gift that changed everything wasn’t diamonds or a luxury vacation. It was a 1,78-meter-tall Purebred Spanish Horse named “Tor,” a regal gift from her husband Rudy Fernández to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary in 2025. The former Miss Spain 2000 and mother of three had spent decades balancing modeling, writing, and motherhood—yet her heart had always belonged to the saddle.

The reunion with “Tor” (originally named Torero) wasn’t just a return to riding; it was a full-circle moment that revived Lindes’ childhood passion, inspired her children, and reignited conversations about amateur equestrian competition. For a woman whose life has spanned international modeling stages, bestselling children’s books, and family life, this unexpected gift has become the cornerstone of her latest chapter.

Key Takeaways:

• “Tor” became Lindes’ tenth-anniversary gift after Fernández tracked down the horse from her hometown of Girona’s Yeguada Senillosa
• The Purebred Spanish Horse at 1.78m tall required months of retraining before Lindes felt confident riding him
• Her children have embraced equestrian life through ponies, continuing the family’s equine tradition
• Lindes now trains with Equiam’s Miguel Ángel Santos and Ana Martín, prioritizing enjoyment over competition
• Her 2020 children’s book “El caballo valiente” reflects her lifelong bond with horses

The Gift That Came Home

When Rudy Fernández presented Lindes with “Tor” in 2025, he wasn’t just giving her a horse—he was giving her back her childhood. The couple had celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary at La Fortaleza de Pollença in Mallorca, the same venue where they exchanged vows a decade earlier. But this time, Fernández had a surprise waiting in Girona, Lindes’ birthplace.

“He knew exactly what my greatest passion was,” Lindes says in a recent interview. “The search led us to Yeguada Senillosa, where they had this incredible Purebred Spanish Horse. Originally named Torero, we decided to call him Tor—simple, strong, just like him.”

The horse’s imposing stature—1.78 meters to the withers—initially gave Lindes pause. “After so many years away from riding, I wondered if I was ready for a horse of that size,” she admits. But after her first ride, lasting nearly two hours, she knew this was no ordinary equine companion.

The Childhood That Shaped a Lifetime

Lindes’ bond with horses began when she was just eight years old. “I practically begged my parents to take me to the nearest riding stable,” she recalls. By age 12, she owned her first horse—a moment that changed her forever.

“It wasn’t just about riding. It was about the connection—the way a horse makes you feel secure, sensitive to nature. I treated my horse like my favorite doll, spending hours brushing him, talking to him,” Lindes explains. “That relationship taught me so much about responsibility and trust.”

This early connection would later inspire her literary work. During the pandemic, Lindes published “El caballo valiente” (The Brave Horse), a children’s book about a girl who finds confidence through her horse. The story, she says, carries autobiographical elements from her own experiences.

From Modeling to Motherhood—and Back to the Saddle

Between her Miss Spain title in 2000, modeling career, and raising three children with Fernández, Lindes’ equestrian pursuits took a backseat. But she never truly left the sport. “Whenever I traveled, I’d seek out stables to ride or just walk horses,” she says. “It was always part of me.”

The arrival of Tor marked a turning point. Rather than treating riding as a weekly activity, Lindes built a daily routine around her horse. “I visit him every day—brushing him, feeding him carrots, taking him out to graze,” she explains. “I wanted more than just riding sessions. I wanted companionship.”

This hands-on approach has extended to her children. Alan (7), Aura (5), and baby Anaís (born January 2025) have all been introduced to ponies, learning to care for them alongside their mother. “They love everything about horses—feeding them, brushing them, learning how to approach them,” Lindes says. “It’s been wonderful seeing them develop this connection.”

The Training Journey: From Doubt to Confidence

Reintroducing herself to competitive riding required professional guidance. Lindes initially trained with Lucas Fernández Valdeolivas at La Abadía, where she praised the “fantastic” support. However, logistical challenges—balancing family life and travel—led her to seek a more local solution.

Enter Borja Cabanas, a former instructor who reconnected with Lindes when she briefly resumed riding before her second pregnancy. Through his network, she found Equiam, a training facility run by Miguel Ángel Santos and Ana Martín. “They understand the horse’s perspective in a way that resonates with me,” Lindes says. “Their philosophy aligns perfectly with how I want to approach riding—with patience and mutual respect.”

While Lindes acknowledges Tor’s competitive potential—”He has more than enough talent”—she remains focused on enjoyment rather than medals. “I have so much to learn,” she humbly states. “I respect professional riders and the dedication it takes. Right now, my goal is simply to ride well and bond with him.”

Beyond the Saddle: How Horses Influence Lindes’ Life

For Lindes, horses represent more than a sport—they’re a metaphor for life. “They teach you about trust, patience, and understanding,” she reflects. “When you’re riding, you’re not just controlling the horse; you’re in sync with it. That’s a feeling I’ve always cherished.”

Her children’s book, “El caballo valiente,” captures this philosophy. The story follows a young girl who uses her horse to overcome fears—a theme Lindes says mirrors her own journey. “Writing it was therapeutic,” she admits. “It helped me reconnect with that part of myself that had always loved horses.”

Now, with Tor as her partner, Lindes is rediscovering the joy of equestrian life without the pressure of competition. “I’m not here to win championships,” she clarifies. “I’m here to ride, to learn, and to share this experience with my family. That’s more than enough.”

The Future: What’s Next for Helen and Tor?

While Lindes isn’t planning to enter competitions anytime soon, she’s open to the possibility in the future. “If the opportunity arises and I feel prepared, why not?” she says with a smile. “But for now, I’m just enjoying the journey.”

Her children’s growing interest in horses suggests the family’s equestrian legacy is far from over. “Who knows?” Lindes muses. “Maybe one of them will become a professional rider. Or maybe they’ll just love horses the way I do.”

Why This Story Matters in the Equestrian World

Lindes’ return to riding offers a unique perspective on amateur equestrianism—a world often overshadowed by professional competitions. Her journey highlights:

• Lifelong Passion: How equestrianism can remain a constant through career changes and family life
• Family Involvement: The growing trend of parents introducing children to horses at young ages
• Amateur Philosophy: The value of riding for enjoyment rather than competition
• Horse Selection: The importance of temperament and connection in choosing a riding partner

For Lindes, Tor isn’t just a horse—he’s a symbol of continuity. “He represents the part of me that never changed, even when my life did,” she says. “And that’s priceless.”