Barcelona, Spain – October 06, 2024 – Equestrian sports are the ultimate equalizers. No other Olympic discipline allows men and women to compete on equal terms, regardless of gender. Riders of both sexes face off in events where physical strength or power matter less than technique, connection with the horse, talent, and agility—making it an irresistible draw for all enthusiasts. Additionally, it provides young girls with female role models and helps to normalize equal opportunities.

At the CSIO Barcelona, the International Jumping Competition held at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, men and women compete in the same category, presenting a unique scenario in sports. “Technique comes into play when controlling the horse, not strength. It’s worth noting that horses are increasingly lighter, which makes them easier to control, allowing men and women to compete on equal terms,” explains Imma Roquet, a member of the Spanish team participating in this traditional and prestigious event.

Imma has always had female role models to emulate, as women have consistently ranked at the top: “It’s crucial to have women who have reached the number one spot. It makes it possible for any girl to aspire to be there with dedication and hard work,” Imma explains, adding that when competing, “we focus on the horse-rider combination, since we care less about whether it’s a man or a woman and more about their skill on the horse.”

Rider Mariano Martínez Bastida, who was also part of the Spanish team competing in the CSIO Barcelona, shares a similar view: “We don’t notice any difference at the competition level, but it’s true that women have a certain sensitivity that we might lack, while our advantage might be, if there’s a stronger horse, in brute force or physical strength when handling it. In my case, since I compete with a large horse, that becomes important.”

The courses, tests, and obstacles in jumping are exactly the same. “I never see a competitor as a woman; it doesn’t even cross my mind. I focus on the horse they have and how they ride it,” says Mariano, who encourages this normalization in equestrian sports to extend to other areas of sport and society.

“It’s so normalized that we don’t see any difference,” he maintains. In fact, in a society where there’s still a notion that some sports are for boys, like rugby or football, and others for girls, like gymnastics or synchronized swimming, having a mixed discipline helps break down these types of prejudices. Without labels or stereotypes, it’s a sport for everyone.

Source: Press Release (edited) from Oxersport for CSIO Barcelona

Photos: © RCPB / Nacho Olano

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Tumblr