Amalia Gnecchi Ruscone, a 3rd-level instructor, artist for Cavalluna by Apassionata—the most renowned equestrian show tour in Europe—and a representative of Equitacion Iberica Italia, is present at the Spanish Horse Show at Fieracavalli. Over the next two days, she will bring the grace and sophistication of sidesaddle riding to the arena in Pavilion 9.
“The discipline of sidesaddle riding originated between the 12th and 14th centuries, at a time when women were not allowed to wear pants, and voluminous skirts restricted movement and prevented sports activities. Out of this necessity, a new discipline emerged, in which the rider sits with both legs to the left side of the horse,” Amalia explains.
“It has been an incredible experience performing here and bringing my High School routine to the ring, along with the love of my life, Avoria—my lifelong mare—and Atrevida, an Iberian mare with whom I share a deep bond and connection. The Iberian show is even more special because I am here with an amazing group of fellow female performers, who are also dear friends. Giulia Giona, Sofia Bacioia, Anastasia Brembilla, Silvia Goisis, and I are friends first, colleagues second, bound by a shared passion for Iberian equestrian disciplines. We are here to bring them to life and showcase their beauty for the Verona audience.”
This sentiment is echoed by Silvia, a veteran of the Verona event, who has long considered Fieracavalli an essential appointment in her calendar:
“I’ve been coming to Fieracavalli since I was seven. With its competitions, shows, and entertainment, it’s one of the year’s most important events, and I’m thrilled to be here this year with my new horse, Mango. I’ll be performing a Doma Vaquera routine with him, and on Saturday afternoon, I’ll also compete in the final of the 2024 Masters Cup. I can’t wait!”
Giulia Giona, representing the third generation of a family of equestrian performers, shares her story:
“This year, in addition to the group performance with the girls, I’m bringing a liberty performance with Gary, a ten-year-old Friesian horse I’ve been working with for a year. We aren’t a highly technical pair, but we have a lot of fun together. Additionally, we’ll be performing in the ‘Equestrian Musical’ by Gessica Notaro, which was made possible through collaboration with the Giona Show, director Carlo Tedeschi, and RDL, where we’ll present a sidesaddle act in Broadway style.”
Like the others, Anastasia is ready to bring her passion to the ring:
“I’ll also be performing in the Equestrian Musical, like Giulia. Through the Giona Show, I’ve started taking my performances around the world, and I’m certain that Fieracavalli will be one of the most thrilling stops for me and my two horses, Gasselo and Hurraca, a pure Spanish blood and an Hispano-Arab.”
Sofia adds:
“It’s always wonderful performing with the girls; there’s a unique connection between us. Sidesaddle riding allows us to convey to the audience the vibes and passion each of us brings to the group performance in her own way.”
