Princess Leonor de Borbón has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-improvement and constancy in her training as a cadet at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.
Although riding has not been one of her favorite disciplines, the heiress to the throne has managed to master this sport thanks to her effort and determination, surprising her instructors and leaving behind any previous resistance.
Princess Leonor’s riding practices
Sources close to the Zaragoza Academy confirmed to the Spanish website ‘Monarquia Confidencial’, that the Princess of Asturias has reached an almost expert level in riding.
“As in other cases, the constancy of the princess in her training is to be admired. We have to take into account that it was a sport she was reluctant to take up”, they explain.
Her teachers have closely followed her progress, not only in the theoretical subjects, where she has shone but also in the physical ones.
Before entering the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, Leonor prepared herself conscientiously, getting up early to run and exercise, even counting on the occasional company of Queen Letizia.
Although some experts doubted her initial fitness, instructors claim to have seen the princess “with a rifle on her shoulder, crawling on the ground and putting her skiing skills to the test.”
They emphasize her remarkable “major physical change” and her quick adaptation to the demands.
Riding is a compulsory subject at the Military Academy, and cadets must complete ten sessions in the third and fourth years.
The goal is not only to learn a traditional sport but also to improve leadership and decision-making skills.
Upon completion, students must master the three gaits (walk, trot, and canter) and overcome small obstacles.
For most of the cadets, it is their first time in horsemanship, and achieving the objectives in just 20 sessions is a challenge.
However, Princess Leonor has exceeded expectations, demonstrating her commitment to her military training and her determination to achieve excellence.