Sad news for the Spanish equestrian family: Last Monday, Spanish rider Cristino Torres passed away at the age of 57 after fighting against a long disease. 

Born into an equestrian family, Tino’s life revolved around horses. As a show jumping rider, he had his brightest moments during the last 16 years. Tino competed with the Spanish team at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez in 2002 and he won two of the ten Nations Cups where he participated: At Gijon in 2001 and in La Baule in 2002. Tino won the bronze medal at the Spanish Championship and he won several national and international competitions.

In addition, Tino had an important role as a trainer – taking care of Marta Ortega’s career as a jumping rider while managing the first-class equestrian facilities at Casas Novas Equestrian Centre. During this time, Marta’s career blossomed and she won the Spanish Young Rider Championship. Later, Tino moved to Barcelona and he continued riding and teaching many riders who all have been able to enjoy his endless knowledge and experience.

Married to Mimi and father of two girls, Maya and Ana that also ride, Tino will be always remembered as a humble, constant, passionate person, with an endearing character that has always managed to get the best out in everyone around him.

Our thoughts go out to all of Torres’ family and connections. 

I am so honoured to have spent so much time with you. Saying goodbye is one the hardest things I had to do in my life, but most of us in a million years would not leave half the mark in this world as you did the time you were in it. Thanks to you I learned to love horses but most importantly to fight for what I love.

Always, forever, in my heart.

Marta Ortega