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Vittoria Panizzon

Vittoria Panizzon & King of the Castle (Beetle), Bramham 2006

Profile

  • Age: 26
  • Favourite Horse: Grommet (my Junior horse) and Rock Model (my current top horse). I adore them equally!
  • Greatest Moment: Winning Junior Europeans in front of a home crowd in 2000 but 8th individually, team bronze and Olympic qualification with a home crowd 7 years later is almost better!
  • Words of Wisdom: Punctuality is the virtue of boredom.
  • Star Sign: Virgo
  • Essential Piece of Kit: Melanie Parker grooming!
  • Aim for 2008/9: I would love to win the new Express Eventing in Cardiff in '08, however, for '09 a top 10 placing at Badminton as preparation for the European Championships
  • Hero or Heroine: Mark Todd (whom I beat at Barbury Castle and the Olympics - by one place!)

Biography

I am a 24 year old 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 this year in China.

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. I am based in Hampshire where I keep my horses on livery at my trainer's – Sarah Bullen. I live nearby in a small cottage with my New Zealand flatmate, Sarah Cruickshank – conveniently an excellent physio'!

I have 2 Advanced rides, one of my own, Rock Model (my top horse) and a delightful Palomino called Malt on the Rocks, that I ride for Brenda Young. Both are by Rock King. I have also recently acquired a youngster by Mayhill.

Rock Model (Bug) didn't put a foot wrong at the Beijing Olympics, finishing 16th with a double clear and best of the Italians! His next aim is the very exciting new Express Eventing competition at the Cardiff Millenium Stadium in November, where only 20 top riders from all over the world, have been invited. Next year, I would love a good result at Badminton leading up the the European Championships. My long term aims with Rock Model are the Kentucky World Equestrian Games and London 2012! Malt on the Rocks (Whisky) is aiming for 3* and Advanced one day events next year.

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