Avantea Is a Concrete Resource for the Growth of Italian Equestrian Sport”

Some riders start riding as children, while others—like Antonio Maria Garofalo—quite literally grow up among horses. The son of an international show jumper and raised in his family’s riding stable in Naples, Garofalo has breathed equestrian sport since his very first day.

“We were born in a riding stable. For my brother Giampiero and me, getting on a horse was simply natural,” Antonio recalls.

Today, he is one of the most recognized names in Italian show jumping. His career has been built above all on an immense passion, but also on a strong sense of dedication—both individual and collective. His approach to equestrian sport extends far beyond competition performance: it ranges from the training of young horses to the careful development of the athlete–horse partnership, all the way to breeding and the use of the most advanced assisted reproduction techniques.

It is a modern and forward-looking vision, one that embraces the future while never losing sight of respect for the horse and the quality of everyday work.

A Difficult Beginning, Yet Always Looking Ahead

Garofalo’s early years were not easy.

“In my youth career I had two injuries. I couldn’t take part in the youth national teams, but I was my brother’s number-one supporter. I never stepped away from this world.”

The turning point came in 2019, thanks to the horse Conquestador, with whom he made his debut in the Nations Cup in Gijón.

“We won that Nations Cup—Antonio Alfonso, Filippo Bologni, Emanuele Camilli and I. From there came the most important years of my career: two appearances at Piazza di Siena, San Gallo, La Baule, Hickstead, and European and World Championships.”

“One of My Most Emotional Memories: Being on the Team with My Brother”

The bond between Antonio Maria Garofalo and his brother Giampiero goes far beyond family ties; it runs like a common thread throughout his entire career.

“When I couldn’t ride because of my injuries, he was on the team and I was his biggest supporter,” he explains.

Having grown up together in their family stable, the two brothers shared dreams, disappointments, and milestones—eventually experiencing unforgettable moments together in the competition arena.

Among them stands one above all: the second place they achieved together in the Nations Cup at Piazza di Siena, a memory Antonio describes as one of the most beautiful of his life.

“One of the most emotional memories for me is being on the team with my brother. That second place at Piazza di Siena is one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced.”

A fraternal bond that has become daily support, motivation, and sometimes a silent understanding during the most difficult moments.

“Without a Team, You Go Nowhere”

Although equestrian sport is often perceived as an individual discipline, Garofalo emphasizes how crucial teamwork truly is.

“My groom, my stablemates, my family, the owners—everything is the result of a perfectly functioning mechanism. If even one of those elements is missing, the whole system slows down.”

Beside him stands another fundamental presence: his wife Sonia, who has always supported him.

“I am—and have been—very fortunate to have her by my side,” he says, visibly moved.

Today Antonio rides for Massimo Bonavura, within a structured project that includes young horses, sport horses for the owner’s children, and top-level horses for his own competition career.

“I dedicate myself 100% to this project, starting from the foundation: young horses.”

Young Horses: The Foundation of Everything

Training young horses is not merely a necessity—it is a conscious choice.

“It’s an enormous satisfaction, but also a responsibility. A young horse must be respected, given time, and allowed to develop. If you neglect this phase, when you lack a ready horse later on, you’ll find yourself facing a gap that is very difficult to fill.”

He adds:

“Many young horses are lost because of impatience. They need to grow both physically and mentally, and their timing must be respected. They are athletes, just like we are.”

Garofalo pairs this philosophy with meticulous attention to his own physical preparation.

“A rider is an athlete just as much as the horse. We have a duty to stay fit, out of respect for our partner and for ourselves.”

Breeding and Innovation: Avantea and Biotechnology Serving Sport

Among the new frontiers Garofalo has chosen to explore is assisted breeding. For this, he turned to a leading institution in the field: Avantea, a center specializing in equine reproductive biotechnology founded by Professor Cesare Galli.

“In the last three years I’ve used Avantea’s services, following the advice of Marco Debolini.
I have always had a very positive experience and consistently achieved good results. Not one of these years has passed without obtaining results.”

The technology involved is OPU-ICSI, an innovative assisted reproduction technique.

“I did my research. It’s science, yes, but it respects nature. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be used—especially for important horses or in cases where natural reproduction is not possible.”

Such technology can help raise the competitiveness of Italian breeding, which often has to compete with the large-scale production seen in countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

“We cannot compete in numbers, but we can raise the level. Avantea is a concrete tool to do exactly that.”

Goals and the Future

After two years of intense work, Antonio Maria Garofalo feels ready to return to the highest levels of competition.

“We took two steps back to work better. Now I have three horses ready, and I hope that by the end of the year I will be back in the World Cup circuits and CSI5* competitions.”

With the determination of a rider, the sensitivity of a breeder, and the vision of a professional, Antonio Maria Garofalo represents today a tangible example of how the Italian equestrian tradition can evolve without losing its founding values.

Behind every competition round, every foal born, and every technical decision lies not only dedication but also the contribution of companies like Avantea, which place science at the service of passion.

“The world moves forward, and we must evolve with it. With tools like those offered by Avantea, we can truly build something lasting.”

Interview by Alessandra Ceserani
Photos: Stefano Secchi

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