Interview with Mr. José María Rojas Romero
Horse riding instructor at Colegio Alborán
"It's like what my daughter tells me many times: when you were little you were the one who got together with older people to learn from their experience and now it is the young who come to you to learn."
Alexandra and Lucia: When did your passion for the equestrian world begin?
José: I couldn't go back to an exact age, I think. I started working very young in the fields and there I was in charge of taking the cattle from one place to another. As a medium I used the horse and little by little I realized that I was not bad at it and that I actually enjoyed it.
Alexandra and Lucia: Where did you work before coming to Colegio Alborán?
Jose: From a very young age I have worked in the fields of Cádiz, as I have said before; specifically in my town, Alcalá de los Gazules, where I am from. I started in this job during my adolescence, after finishing my studies and obtaining the School Graduate. Soon after I had to leave it to do the Military Service, the famous "military". And at the age of 20 I decided to go to the coast, where everyone said that there were very good job opportunities. I started at an equestrian club in Fuengirola and later moved to another in Antequera. For the first time I began to teach children, a whole learning process, and it was also there that I met the father of Milagros and Ana Palomo, Mr. Pedro Palomo, the father-in-law of Mr. Santiago Gutiérrez. At that time, the school had only been open for two years; They offered me this position, which seemed like a good opportunity to continue growing in my profession and, without giving it a second thought, I came here, to Marbella.
A and L: What is the most pleasant recognition you have received thanks to your profession?
Jose: Now that you ask me, the first thing that has come to my mind has been what happened to me last summer when I went to the festivals in my town. Both friends and family, who have seen me grow and have grown with me, paid tribute to me through a club called Saint George Riders, thus, by surprise, for my dedication to horses throughout my life. I didn't expect it, really, and it was something very pleasant for me. Knowing that those you love support you in what you do is exciting. I was in the audience, of course, my family started laughing for no apparent reason and little by little I realized that I was the one who was going to be surprised. They were recounting my life and, of course, there was no shortage of anecdotes. Although it is not necessary to focus on something as material as a trophy for a small recognition. The simple fact that some students specialize in what you have taught them when they were little, the smiles for the illusion of riding a horse, whether for the first or thousandth time, are the greatest satisfaction of what I do every day.
A and L: We know that you have encouraged some students at this school, such as Marta Mesa, to take up horse riding. To whom else have you transmitted, in one way or another, your interest in the equestrian world?
Jose: I think that for one reason or another I have encouraged many people to start in the world of horse riding. I have given classes to the police force, which must go on horseback, or, as you have well said, to Marta Mesa, who began as an amateur at school and little by little has progressed until she has participated in European championships and has obtained numerous awards. For me, it is the greatest recognition of my dedication: finding people who, despite their young age, are interested in the equine world in the same way that I was back in the day. And, above all, that I can help them: it is something incredible and very satisfying. It's like what my daughter tells me many times: when you were little you were the one who got together with older people to learn from their experience and now it is the young who come to you to learn.
A and L: What do you like most about your job?
Jose: Well, apart from dressage, which I am passionate about, what I enjoy the most is the farm-school. The students always come with the illusion of seeing the ducks, collecting the eggs from the chickens or taking a rabbit home... They don't realize it, but they give us smiles every day.
A and L: Have you ever competed in a championship? If so, which one and when?
Jose: I have participated in several amateur contests, but never professional. One of the first that I remember, in Alcalá, when I was only 18 years old. Subsequently, I participated in others: Arriate, San Pedro de Alcántara… I have also exhibited in the Marbella Bullring, Antequera, Algeciras, Almogía, in the province of Málaga. Finally, a bit of everything.
A and L: Have you taken any specialization course?
Jose: Yes, I have specialized in giving vaulting classes, which more or less comes to be the basic saddle that beginner children are placed on, the surcingle.
A and L: And finally, what advice would you give to those who want to start in this field?
Jose: That if horses attract their attention at all, they sign up for an equestrian club and if over time they see that they really like it, that they be very excited and practice a lot.
