Lorenzo De Luca: “At Piazza di Siena, you always feel like a kid again”

From Golden du Breuil to Scuderia 1918 Halifax van het Kluizebos, the horses that shaped the Italian rider’s career. Piazza di Siena is more than a competition for riders at the highest level. It is a symbol, a dream that starts early and stays with you for life. For Lorenzo De Luca, one of Italy’s leading show jumpers and winner of the 2018 Rolex Grand Prix in Rome, returning to Villa Borghese every year carries a special meaning.

During his time at the show, he spoke about what it feels like to compete in one of the most iconic arenas in the world, his partnership with his horses, and the goals that still drive him forward.

Piazza di Siena, a dream that never fades

Even after years of international success, competing in Rome still brings a unique feeling.

“It’s an incredible feeling to come to Rome. It’s the most important event of the year for us Italian riders. We grew up with the dream of competing at Piazza di Siena since we started riding as children.”

The emotional connection remains strong, no matter how many times he returns.

“Having had the chance to win here is something I will always carry with me.”

Golden du Breuil, a remarkable partner in sport

Among his current horses, Golden du Breuil has become a key partner for De Luca, delivering solid results in Rome and showing consistent progress over time.

For him, the mare represents much more than competition results.

“Golden du Breuil is an amazing mare. I have had her for a year and a half. She is always very positive, always improving and very competitive.”

What stands out most is her attitude and mindset in the ring.

“She is always on the rider’s side. I think she is the kind of horse every rider would want in the stable.”

Their partnership continues to develop with every show.

“She has an exceptional mind and we are building a very good journey together.”

Ensor de Litrange, the horse that opened the top level

Throughout his career, Lorenzo De Luca has ridden many exceptional horses, but one of them marked a true turning point.

That horse is Ensor de Litrange, the one that allowed him to step into the highest level of international sport with confidence.

“He allowed me to take the first big step into top-level show jumping and start believing that Grand Prix classes could be won, not just used for experience.”

With Ensor de Litrange, confidence replaced uncertainty.

“He gave me the boost of positivity and trust I needed when I started competing at that level.”

Scuderia 1918 Halifax van het Kluizebos, a horse that gave everything

Among all the horses in his career, Scuderia 1918 Halifax van het Kluizebos holds a very special place.

A horse that played a major role in some of his most important international results.

“Halifax is a horse that gave me everything.”

Their journey started when Halifax was seven years old, and they developed together all the way to the top level.

“I started riding him at the end of his seven-year-old season, and we grew together all the way into top sport.”

Together they achieved one of the most meaningful victories of his career.

“It was the horse I won the Rome Grand Prix with in 2018.”

Beyond results, what remains are the sensations only exceptional horses can create.

“When they entered the ring, you could feel they had that extra click that not all horses have.”

Parlanti, a long-standing partnership built on trust

Behind every top athlete there is a team made of professionals, owners, and partners who share the same vision.

One of the longest-standing partnerships in De Luca’s career is with Parlanti, an Italian brand known worldwide for its craftsmanship in equestrian equipment.

“Parlanti was my very first technical sponsor.”

The relationship started early in his career, when he was still competing at lower international levels in Arezzo.

“It was always a dream for me to wear Parlanti. When we were young, we looked at them as something out of reach.”

Over time, that partnership became something deeper than sponsorship.

“I have always appreciated the quality of the product, but also the people behind the brand. They are now close friends.”

Advice for young riders aiming for the top

For young riders who look up to him, De Luca keeps his message simple and direct.

“You have to work hard and set very high goals, even when they seem out of reach.”

Progress never stops in his view of the sport.

“You should never settle. Every day there is something you can improve.”

Learning comes from every ride and every horse.

“You learn from your horses and try to understand them better every day.”

He also stresses the importance of the people around the rider.

“You need to build a group of people who believe in you as a rider, as an athlete, and as a person.”

Looking ahead with the same passion

Despite everything he has already achieved, De Luca continues to focus on the future with strong motivation.

One of his main passions is developing young horses and bringing them to the top level.

“I like taking six- or seven-year-old horses and producing them up to top sport.”

This approach has brought him consistent results in recent years.

“Many horses I started with when they were young are now competing at major international shows.”

His goal remains to stay competitive at the highest level while enjoying the daily work.

“I want to have a group of people and horses that allows me to compete at top level for as long as possible and continue enjoying this job, day by day.”

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