Biography
I am an Italian International event rider and have represented my country at Pony, Junior, Young rider and Senior levels. I have been a member of the National Senior squad at major championships since 2005 and made my Olympic debut in 2008 in Hong Kong, site of the Beijing Equestrian events.
My father was Italian, my mother is Scottish and I grew up in Italy. At the age of 17, I moved to the UK to finish my education and to further my eventing career, competing in numerous and more prestigious events against a more challenging field.
In 2005 I graduated from Bristol University with a degree in Biology (and a soft spot for parties) and I am member of the Italian Air Force sport group with the rank of First Aviator. Having been based in Hampshire with my trainer, Sarah Bullen, I have now relocated to Gloucestershire where I am renting my own yard in Adlestrop.
My top horse, Rock Model didn't put a foot wrong at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, finishing 16th with a double clear and best of the Italians! Following this he finished 5th at the new Express Eventing competition at the Cardiff Millenium Stadium in November '08, where a select group of 20 top riders from all over the world were invited, and only 6 finished! 2009 was a frustrating year for Rock Model, who was unable to compete at Badminton or the European Championships due to lameness. But I had a good season with the rest of the string.
I currently have two new Advanced rides as well as a promising team of novice horses. Sally Bullen's Borough Pennyz made her debut at 3* level this year finishing 7th at Bramham. My own Woody came 8th, so I had two in the top ten! Woody also completed Barbury CIC*** and finished in 16th place in a huge star-studded line-up. Pennyz had continued success taking 7th place at the Olypmic Test Event at Greenwich Park, and 6th at Blenheim CCI***. I am also delighted, that after a 2 year lay-off, Bug is finally back in action!