Giovanni Zucchi and Reining at 360 Degrees: Breeding, Training, and Performance

During the 2026 IRHA IRHBA Derby in Cremona, we had the opportunity to meet Giovanni Zucchi, a young professional steadily making his mark on the Italian reining scene. His sporting and entrepreneurial growth is the result of consistent dedication and a well-structured operation, further supported by his collaboration with Equiplanet, a key partner in managing the nutritional programs of his equine athletes.

A Structured Organization Between Breeding and Sport

More than just a stable, Giovanni Zucchi’s facility in Leno (Brescia) is a well-organized operation where every stage of a horse’s life is managed through an integrated approach. Approximately 60 horses are handled daily within a system dedicated to breeding, training, and competition preparation, with the goal of guiding each horse along its individual athletic path.

From birth to competition debut, every detail is carefully planned: nutrition, physical development, daily work, and athletic progression.

“We follow everything, from A to Z. It’s not just a job, it’s truly a lifestyle,”
says Giovanni Zucchi, emphasizing how consistency and daily attention are crucial to achieving results.

Such a level of organization requires a reliable team: Giovanni works alongside five collaborators involved in various management and training activities. Their support is essential to maintaining high professional standards, especially when managing such a large number of horses.

From Family Roots to Professional Career

Giovanni grew up in a rural environment where working with animals was part of everyday life:

“My father mainly worked with dairy cattle, but horses were always present.”

What began as a marginal presence gradually evolved into a clear professional direction.

He entered the reining world in 2011, initially competing in non-pro categories—a crucial phase for gaining experience and understanding the dynamics of the sport.

“At the beginning, it was something I did out of passion, without thinking it could become a real job.”

The turning point came a few years later:

“Before becoming a professional, we invested in the facility. In 2016 we expanded the center with an indoor arena and new stalls. It was necessary to take a step forward, and in 2018 I turned professional. From that moment on, it became my main activity—it’s not just about riding anymore, but managing everything around it.”

A journey built over time that led him to one of the most significant milestones of his career: winning the 2024 Futurity, a moment he describes as “unforgettable.”

The Human–Horse Bond: The True Key to Success

In reining, as in all equestrian disciplines, the relationship between horse and rider is fundamental. Horses are not machines—they are sensitive athletes with distinct personalities.

“The bond is built over time, not overnight. It takes time, especially with a horse that comes from outside,”
Zucchi explains.

With homebred horses, the process is often easier:

“You already know the bloodlines and can broadly predict the horse’s character. Broodmares transmit about 70% to their offspring, which is why having strong bloodlines is crucial for future performance.”

Among the horses he feels most connected to is San Olena Broc, a broodmare bred and trained within his facility, representing both his work and vision. From this lineage came one of his greatest achievements: the 2024 Futurity victory with GZ Be Like Steady, her direct offspring.

This success is not only a sporting accomplishment but also a confirmation of the quality of his breeding program.

When asked what makes a horse truly suitable for reining, Zucchi answers without hesitation:

“The foundation is a natural stop. Everything else can be built through training, but that must already be there.”

Alongside physical ability, mental balance is equally essential, making genetic selection an increasingly central factor.

Nutrition as a Performance Ally: The Role of Equiplanet

As highlighted during the interview, a horse’s preparation cannot be separated from comprehensive and carefully targeted management. Within this framework, nutrition and supplementation play a key role in supporting the development of young horses and preserving the health of performance athletes, directly contributing to the quality of their results in the arena.

Since 2019, Giovanni Zucchi has relied on Equiplanet for his horses’ nutritional supplementation—an increasingly strategic component in modern reining.

Among the products used:

• Mac Breed and Fat Fiber: designed for the growth and development of foals
• Joint Flex Plus: joint support for sport horses
• Trophogast Pellet: essential for preventing gastric issues, which are common in high-performance horses

“You can really see the results,” he explains, “especially in young horses: muscle development, balanced growth, and optimal preparation already by 24 months.”

Targeted nutritional management not only enhances performance but also helps prevent issues related to intensive training.

Sporting Results and Future Goals

Despite a touch of bad luck at the 2026 IRHA-IRHBA-FISE-NRHA Derby in Cremona, Giovanni Zucchi closed the past weekend with outstanding results:

• 1st place in the FISE-IRHA Novice Horse Open Finals with GZ Be Like Steady (owned by Zucchi, score 141)
• 2nd place with Spooklikeashine (owned by Franco Schellino, score 140.5)

His focus is now on the key events of 2026, starting with the European Futurity for 4-year-old horses, where he will present horses bred within his own program.

Advice to Young Riders: Passion and Humility

In closing, Zucchi shares a clear message for young people looking to pursue this path:

“You need passion, consistency, determination, and humility. But above all, it’s essential to work alongside experienced professionals.”

A demanding journey, yet one capable of delivering unique rewards—just as his story demonstrates: a concrete example of how tradition, expertise, and innovation can successfully coexist and grow together in the world of reining.

Alessandra Ceserani
Ph. HSJ.TV | Sophia Ronga

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