Casas Novas hosts a new edition of the CSI with a large representation of riders from Galicia
The countdown has begun for the doors of the Casas Novas Equestrian Centre to open, marking the start of a new winter edition of its classic International Show Jumping Competition.
This Friday, December 5th, the classes in the CSI1* and CSI5* divisions will get underway, offering spectators the chance to enjoy the most in-form riders on the circuit, as well as the rising talents of international show jumping.
Casas Novas also represents a special opportunity for riders from Galicia; competing on home ground, in front of their own supporters, gives them an extra boost to deliver their best performance in every class throughout the weekend.
That is the goal of Jesús Baamonde, the only local rider who will compete in the 5*, which forms part of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup. A regular on the high-performance circuit, Jesús arrives after securing the silver medal at the Spanish Championships with AGR Troublemaker—one of the most significant achievements for Galician show jumping in recent years. His experience and long trajectory have established him as a reference rider at national level.
In the 1*, the number of home-grown riders increases significantly. Among them is Javier González Fraga, “Fino,” a seasoned rider who already knows what it is like to step onto the podium at Casas Novas, where in 2024 he delivered an outstanding set of rounds that won over the crowd. Another key name is Roi Calviño, one of the most promising young Galician riders, whom we saw jumping in last year’s CSI Casas Novas. This year, he will also compete alongside his sister, Ainoa Calviño, who is making her Casas Novas debut, although she has already gained experience in notable competitions such as the CSI2* in Portugal.
Paula López Crespo and Xabier Paz González, who are already familiar with the competition, return this year aiming to achieve times that will allow them to place at the top of the rankings over the weekend, performing in front of their home crowd.
Closing the list of local riders, it is worth highlighting the presence of two of Galicia’s most promising equestrian talents: Olivia Gómez Seoane (Galician Junior Champion last September) and Elena Vázquez Arrojo, a young rider born in 2010 who has recently begun training under Jesús Baamonde.
Experience and youth in Galician equestrian sport come together in one of the most anticipated events of the year for enthusiasts, who will have the opportunity to enjoy the most outstanding riders of the moment in an exceptional setting.