The powerful partnership between Jesús Garmendia and the talented grey Holsteiner gelding Callias continues to make waves in the Spanish equestrian world. In a remarkable feat, the duo has secured three consecutive podium finishes at the Campeonato de España Absoluto, showcasing their consistency and competitive excellence.
Callias: The Rising Star
Since being acquired by Arrayán Stables in 2021 through the BRIDL platform, Callias has become a key figure in Garmendia’s successes. The 13-year-old by Companiero x Casco has repeatedly proven his mettle, showing a unique blend of agility, power, and intelligence in the show-jumping arena.
Callias’s journey to success with Garmendia started almost immediately after joining the stable. In just three years, the gelding has taken Garmendia to the podium at the Campeonato de España Absoluto in 2022, 2023, and 2024, marking one of the most successful periods in Garmendia’s long career.
Three Years, Three Podiums
2022 - Bronze Medal: The first year Garmendia and Callias competed at the national championship, they secured a solid third-place finish. This bronze medal began a powerful and consistent partnership in national competition.
2023 - Silver Medal: Building on their performance the previous year, Callias and Garmendia improved their standing, taking home the silver medal. This podium finish solidified Callias’s position as a top contender in the Spanish show-jumping circuit.
2024 - Silver Medal: Continuing their streak, the duo once again found themselves on the podium with another silver medal at the 2024 Campeonato de España Absoluto. Held at Montenmedio during the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, this performance confirmed Callias’s status as a high-calibre horse capable of competing with the best.
The Formula for Success
Callias’s success reflects not only his natural talent but also the strategic training and guidance provided by Garmendia. Known for his ability to bring out the best in his horses, Garmendia’s partnership with Callias has been a perfect match. Together, they have demonstrated an uncanny ability to consistently perform under pressure, particularly in the demanding Campeonato de España Absoluto format.
Garmendia’s experience, combined with Callias’s agility and power, has enabled them to navigate challenging courses precisely. Their recent performance in 2024 was no exception, as they once again stood among the best, placing second overall and adding another prestigious medal to their collection.
A Legacy in the Making
These three consecutive podium finishes speak volumes about Callias’s development and potential. The grey gelding has become integral to Garmendia’s success, contributing significantly to his legacy in Spanish show jumping. Garmendia now holds ten medals in the Campeonato de España Absoluto, and Callias has been instrumental in adding three of these to his tally.
As they prepare for future challenges, including the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 European Championships, Callias and Garmendia are poised to continue their winning ways. With their track record of success and undeniable chemistry, they are expected to be a dominant force in national and international arenas.
Conclusion
Callias’s contributions to Jesús Garmendia’s career have been extraordinary. With three podium finishes in as many years, the partnership between rider and horse continues to flourish. Callias, under Garmendia’s expert guidance, is proving to be one of Spain's most consistent and competitive horses. As they look ahead to further competitions, their journey remains a source of inspiration and excitement for the show-jumping community.
Photo Credits: Ecuestre