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Main Arena No. 3 at Montenmedio Renamed “Arena 3 – Don Antonio”
Tribute to Don Antonio Blázquez
The organizing committee of the Circuito Hípico del Sol has officially renamed the most important arena of the Dehesa Montenmedio equestrian complex. The former Arena 3 – David Broome will now be known as Arena 3 – Don Antonio, in honor of the founder, owner and driving force behind the Andalucía Sunshine Tour throughout its 32-year history.
Don Antonio Blázquez Marín passed away on February 13 at the age of 86. From now on, however, he will remain permanently present at the circuit he created, developed and directed for more than three decades, giving his name to the most important arena and to the very heart of the complex he envisioned.
A true visionary, he had the courage to invest in a project that today is unique in the world, bringing together more than 2,000 horses each week, with riders from all five continents gathered at the estate he developed with such dedication and passion — what is now Montenmedio and its Circuito Hípico del Sol.
Below, we share the farewell letter that was read during a moving tribute held last Sunday February 15 in what is now Arena 3 – Don Antonio. All competitions paused at midday for fifteen minutes, and riders gathered in the main arena to observe a minute of silence in memory of Antonio Blázquez Marín.
Tribute to Don Antonio Blázquez
“The farewell to Antonio Blázquez is not only that of a great businessman: it is the farewell to a dreamer who transformed his passion for horses into a legacy filled with life, encounters and moments that will remain forever in the memory of equestrian sport.
A tireless visionary and creator of modern equestrian circuits, he transformed his Montenmedio estate in Vejer de la Frontera into something more than sporting facilities: he gave it a soul. With intuition, elegance and unmistakable hospitality, he built a place where sport was lived with joy, where every rider found a welcoming smile, and where the atmosphere reflected his passionate and approachable character.
He was far more than an exceptional organizer. He was a host, a driving force and the heart of a community that each year brought together thousands of horses and enthusiasts from around the world. Under his leadership, Montenmedio was filled with light, movement and shared stories; a meeting point where equestrian sport was experienced with intensity, friendship and enthusiasm.
Today, his work continues firmly thanks to his family and, especially, his daughter Teresa Blázquez, along with the entire team who carry his vision forward into the future — the dream Antonio began more than three decades ago.
An irreplaceable man leaves us, but his legacy remains. The beauty of his arenas remains. The echo of hooves on the sand remains. And the energy of all the joyful moments he helped create remains.
May he rest in peace. Because those of us who love this sport know that his spirit will continue to ride with us.”
02/03/2026 by Sunshinetour News , Press releases
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