Esther Modroño will be present at the 2026 Lanaken World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses with Chacco Number II, after receiving definitive confirmation of her participation in the five-year-old horse category.
The competition, which will take place in Belgium from 16th to 20th September, will feature the best horse and rider combinations from all over the world.
The place came after a few weeks marked by uncertainty. Participation had initially been requested via an FEI Wild Card and the Spanish rider admits that she even thought they might not end up being able to be in Lanaken.
«I've experienced it with a lot of excitement and joy. The truth is I thought I'd missed out because the places for Spain were already filled in the first list and, as there were horses on the waiting list with the Zangersheide Studbook, it looked difficult to get in. But in the end we were lucky. It was a surprise,» explains Modroño.
The partnership between Esther Modroño and Chacco Number II is still a recent one. The rider began riding the horse in April of this year, after the young horse competed in the five-year-old Young Horse Tour in Montenmedio with Pau Sánchez. There, he managed to reach the final with clear rounds before joining Esther's stable.
«Pau did a magnificent job with him. Afterwards he moved to my stable and, at first, it took us a little while to adapt, but the truth is that now we get on very well,» she points out.
Since then, Modroño has competed in two shows in Spain with Chacco Number II, and about a week ago the pair travelled to Belgium to continue their preparation. This progression has turned what was initially merely a possibility into a concrete objective.
«Going to Lanaken was an idea, but after seeing the horse's progress and that we made a good partnership, it became a goal,» admits the female rider.
Despite being five years old and an entire horse, Esther highlights his attitude in particular when he enters the arena. «He is a horse that enters the arena and rises to the occasion. He is very brave, has great jumping ability and has a big stride. To be honest, it's a pleasure to ride him, the feeling is very good,» she explains.
Outside of competition, Chacco Number II also displays a simple and sociable character. «He is a very easy horse to handle, he loves being in the paddock and the company of other horses.» Among all his qualities, Modroño is clear about which one he would especially highlight: «His self-confidence.».
With a horse that is barely at the beginning of its sporting training, preparing for a World Championship requires finding the balance between gaining experience and respecting its developmental timeline. Chacco Number II's programme has been devised precisely under this premise.
«He has jumped just enough to gain experience and keep fit, and between competitions we have given him breaks so he doesn't get bored and stays motivated: paddock all day, hacks out in the countryside...», explains Esther, who is heading to Lanaken without losing sight of the fact that the horse's long-term development remains the priority.
In Belgium, the main objective will be for Chacco Number II to be able to show his qualities and have a good experience in a particularly demanding setting for young horses. «My main objective is for the horse to jump well and have a good competition. However, we will try to make it into the final,» he states.
Talking now about how far Chacco Number II can go is premature for Modroño, but the feelings the five-year-old transmits allow one to look to the future with optimism. «It is still very early to be able to know, he is at the beginning of his training, but the feelings are good. He is very eager to do things, he is brave and intelligent, which are very important points in such a young horse.».
Before embarking on this new experience, Esther Modroño wanted to acknowledge those who have made the journey so far possible. The rider is especially grateful for the support of the owners of Chacco Number II, Pau Sánchez, César Riera and Joel Valles, as well as the work of the entire team that accompanies the horse: grooms, riders, vets, farriers and physiotherapists.
And she reserves her final words for those who remain by her side both on and off the court: «And, last but not least, to my beloved family, my partner Joel, and friends.».
From Chacco Marketing we wish you the best of luck.
