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Vittoria Panizzon

Vittoria Panizzon and 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 seven 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 2010: WEG in Kentucky
  • Hero or Heroine: Mark Todd (whom I beat at Barbury Castle and the Olympics - by one place!)

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.

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

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 and am now looking forward to the Kentucky World Equestrian Games and London 2012! Malt on the Rocks is aiming for 3* and more Advanced one day events in 2010 and Rock Model will return to top level competition.

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