Francisco "Paco" Guerra Retires from Judging

Dressage

Spain

Lily Forado reported that Francisco "Paco" Guerra (ESP) has retired as a dressage judge after a career of 53 years.

Guerra was the first Spanish dressage judge to reach 5* status (Level ') in 2017. He officially stopped judging internationally in February 2025 but continued on national level.

Key Figure in Spain

Guerra, who started riding at the age of 8, first became a regional judge in the Barcelona area in 1972 and the Spanish Equestrian Federation promoted him to national level in 1976.

A true Renaissance man, Guerra worked in all equestrian disciplines - show jumping, eventing, endurance riding, TREC, and hunter riding, and course designer. He was member of the National Technical Committee of Judges.

He played a significant role in the management and development of the sport. During the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, he was Director of Equestrian Sports at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. He founded facilities such as La Foixarda and the Open Sports Club, and advised on the design of various equestrian centers.

He was appointed FEI Candidate Judge in 1980, became a 4* judge in 1988 and finally 5* in 2017. He judges across the world: in Europe, North America (Del Mar), South America (Sao Paulo), and Asia (Doha). In recent years he officiated at several European Youth Championships (2017, 2018, 2021).

Retirement

In 2020 he stepped down as technical director of the Catalan Equestrian Federation after 11 years. He was forced to reduce his activities as a judge for health reasons. The Catalan Regional Championships in August 2025 were the last competition he officiated.

In a frank and honest message Guerra announced his retirement.

"After 53 years actively involved in the sport, I wanted to let you know that after much thought, I've decided to leave my great passion behind," he wrote. "From now on, if you see me at any competitions, it will only be as a spectator. Unfortunately, life throws curveballs, and in my case, it seems my body can't keep up with my mind. I believe that leaving is the most honest thing for me to do, and this way, I won't inconvenience riders, trainers, or organizing committees."

Judging the 2021 European JR/YR Championships

He concluded, "I've had some wonderful times and some tough ones too, but I want to send a big hug to riders, breeders, trainers, and especially my friends and fellow judges. I wish you all the best as you strive to improve dressage and achieve great success.”