Behind the Scenes of Show Jumping: Maria Vittoria Morelli, the Quiet Force Supporting Success

In the high-stakes world of show jumping, the spotlight naturally falls on the rider and horse—an elegant, powerful duo that commands attention in the arena. Yet behind every clean round and every podium finish, there’s a network of people working tirelessly out of sight. Among them is Maria Vittoria Morelli, 22 years old, a cornerstone of her team and the person who keeps everything running smoothly from behind the scenes.

“What really drives me to do all this, all the dedication I put into supporting Neri, comes from the relationship we have—the feelings we share,” Maria Vittoria explains with a warm, composed tone that reveals the quiet strength her role requires.

Maria Vittoria is not just an assistant or a groom—she’s the emotional and logistical backbone of the team. She supports not only the horses but also the rider, Neri, with whom she shares both a professional and personal relationship. It’s a delicate balance, not without challenges.

“It’s not an easy role because there’s also a relationship involved. Sometimes tension builds up, and there can be arguments. But I love what I do. I really do. Seeing how my work—although it’s all behind the scenes—brings real results makes me proud of what I do every single day.”

Her role, while out of the public eye, is crucial. She tends to the horses, manages the schedule, handles the details, and tries to absorb the pressure so that Neri can focus solely on riding. It’s a job that requires patience, emotional intelligence, and an innate understanding of both humans and animals.

“I love being around the horses, making them happy, trying to fill in all the little gaps—things Neri can’t always do because he’s busy with so many responsibilities. My main goal is to take away as much stress as I can from his day at the show. I want him to just get on the horse and ride. I try to take care of everything else.”

A typical competition day for Maria Vittoria begins early, with a mental checklist of everything that needs to be prepared.

“My day starts with a clear mental plan: making sure the saddle pad is ready, the bridle is numbered correctly, everything is clean. The horses need to be braided, their appearance perfect. I make sure they get a walk and something to eat to keep them relaxed. Cleanliness, calmness—it’s all part of getting them into the right mindset.”

But her responsibilities go beyond organization. As the pair walks toward the warm-up ring, Maria Vittoria knows the horses better than anyone else, and she uses her quiet presence to offer calm.

“Before the warm-up, I try not to create any stress. I pet them, which might sound simple, but it helps me build a connection with them. They need to trust me just like they trust the rider.”

In the world of elite sport, success often looks effortless. But those moments of triumph are supported by countless hours of invisible labor—cleaning tack, brushing horses, managing logistics, and being a steady emotional anchor. Maria Vittoria’s story is a reminder of the essential role these behind-the-scenes figures play in keeping everything together.

“In the end, if everything goes smoothly and the horses feel good, I’m happy. That’s what really matters,” she says with a smile.

Without people like Maria Vittoria, there would be no clear rounds, no calm horses, no focused riders. The glamour of the ring is made possible by the grace and grit of those who work quietly in its shadows.

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