
Jose Maria Larocca: A Rider’s Journey from Argentina to the Top of the Sport

From the grass rings of Argentina to the bright lights of Europe’s most prestigious arenas, Jose Maria Larocca has built a remarkable career in show jumping through passion, persistence, and a deep bond with his horses. Now based in Milan, Italy, Larocca continues to compete at the highest level while supporting a new generation of Argentine riders—including his own son.
Riding Runs in the Family
“Horses have always been part of my life,” Larocca shares. “My father still rides—he’s 81—and my uncle was a top international rider. He even finished second at the World Games back in the sixties and went to five Olympics. So for me, riding was just something natural.”
Larocca grew up competing in Argentina, achieving national success and jumping up to 1.40 meters before life pulled him in a different direction.
“I stopped riding when I was about 23 or 24,” he recalls. “I was working, studying… and when I moved to London, I didn’t have the time or the money to keep riding. I always hoped I could come back, and eventually I did.”
In 2003, Larocca climbed back into the saddle, and just one year later, he entered his first international competition.
A Grand Prix Dream Realized
In 2024, Larocca achieved a career milestone: winning his first five-star Grand Prix.
“You dream of these things, but you don’t know if they’ll ever happen,” he says. “And to win it in the heart of Europe, at a show where the level is really top—that meant a lot.”
The victory came with Finn, known as Finn Lente, a horse he has partnered with for seven years.
“He can be a bit lazy,” Larocca laughs, “but when the jump-off comes, he wakes up. He knows when it’s important. We’ve built a strong bond over the years—we really trust each other.”
The Horses That Defined a Career
Larocca credits three horses with shaping his journey in the sport: Royal Power, Cornet du Lys, and Finn Lente.
“Royal Power took me to two Olympics, in 2008 and 2012. He was really the one who brought me from being a decent rider to having results at the highest level,” he says.
Then came Cornet du Lys, a horse that made an impact both in the ring and within the team.
“He was incredibly talented. With him, we won the team silver at the Pan Am Games in Toronto and were fourth individually. He also won a four-star Grand Prix in San Giovanni. Everyone loved him—he was super scopey and had a beautiful way of going.”
And now, there’s Finn Lente.
“He’s probably been the most complete horse I’ve ever had. He’s had a long, consistent career, and I hope we still have a few good years together.”
A Rider with a Unique Style
When asked about his riding, Larocca is candid.
“Because I stopped for more than ten years, maybe I’m missing a few tools compared to riders who never took a break. I can’t ride every kind of horse. I need one that takes me a bit to the fence. Some horses that are great for other riders don’t suit me.”
That makes the right horse even more important.
“Everyone needs a special horse to jump at the top level. For me, maybe it’s even more specific.”
A New Base and a Growing Vision
Since moving to Milan in 2024, Larocca has been more involved in his horse operation.
“I breed in Argentina, and I have quite a few young horses and prospects now,” he says. “I enjoy the process, and I also want to support the sport back home. We have good riders, and I try to help them when I can.”
He admits that show jumping still lags behind other equestrian disciplines in Argentina.
“Polo is huge there. Racing too. Show jumping isn’t as big yet, but it’s growing. Breeding is improving. The infrastructure is good. The challenge is the distance—Argentina is far from the international scene. To go anywhere, you have to fly. It’s expensive.”
Still, he believes in the country’s future in the sport.
“I see progress. More Argentine riders are competing abroad, and we’re getting stronger.”
A Family in the Saddle
The next generation of Laroccas is already making an impact.
“I have three children, and all of them have ridden at some point,” he shares with a smile. “My son is the most involved now—he’s doing very well. We even jumped a five-star Nations Cup together in Sopot, and we were both double clear. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Sharing the sport with his children, especially at the top level, brings him a different kind of fulfillment.
“It’s special—not just to compete together, but to share the journey, the day-to-day with horses, the ups and downs. That’s what makes it meaningful.”
Eyes on Aachen and the Road Ahead
With no championship for the Americas this year, Larocca is focused on a strong Nations Cup season with Team Argentina, including appearances in Rome, Sopot, Falsterbo, and Brussels. The ultimate goal: next year’s World Championships in Aachen.
“That venue is incredible,” he says. “Aachen was my first ever championship, back in 2006. I didn’t do particularly well, but it was an important moment for me. Going back there next year would be very meaningful.”
As his career continues, Larocca’s goals are no longer just about personal results—they’re about legacy, both in his family and his team.
“For me, team spirit is everything,” he says. “Riding for your country, riding with your son, riding with friends you’ve grown up with—it adds something that individual competition just can’t give you.”
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