Michaela Ricci: Dressage as a Balance of Heart, Welfare, and Elegance

A modern vision of dressage, where performance grows from respect, partnership, and daily care

In the international dressage scene, Michaela Ricci embodies a modern vision of equestrian sport—one in which performance is born from respect, daily management, and an authentic relationship with the horse. An international Grand Prix rider, Level II instructor, and now an athlete competing for Italy, Michaela represents a natural meeting point between elite sport, equine welfare, and lifestyle.

As she explains in her own words: “I’m Swedish, I was born in Sweden a bit north of Stockholm, in the countryside, with horses all around the house. For us, horses were part of the family, just like dogs. My mother rode, my grandmother rode—not in a competitive way, more countryside riding—and that’s how it all started.”

From a 360-Degree Education to Dressage

Growing up in Sweden played a fundamental role in shaping Michaela’s sporting identity.
“At home there isn’t such a strong division between show jumping and dressage like there is here in Italy. Children have to do both disciplines—it’s a 360-degree form of riding and, in my opinion, it’s incredibly educational.”

A system that first educates riders and only later specialists, allowing them to develop balance, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the horse from a very young age.

The decision to dedicate herself exclusively to dressage came early, but without pressure.
“I continued doing both disciplines with different ponies and then horses, but I could see that I was always improving more in dressage—it suited me better. So around the age of 14, I decided that for competition I would follow that path only.”

A choice that marked the beginning of a career built on consistency, awareness, and respect for the horse’s timing.

From Sweden to Italy: A Change in Perspective

Michaela has lived in Italy for over sixteen years, but only recently decided to change her sporting nationality.
“I’ve been in Italy for so many years, but I always competed for Sweden because they supported me a lot. I didn’t really see the need to change. Then I reached a point where I decided to do it, hoping it would give my career an extra push.”

A clear-headed decision: “In Sweden there are so many riders at an extremely high level, and it’s very difficult to achieve something truly big. In Italy, on the other hand, there’s still an opportunity—a different kind of chance.”

Zulù: The Horse of the Heart and the Truest Meaning of Dressage

Among the many horses Michaela has ridden throughout her career, Zulù holds a unique place.
“Zulù is the horse I truly carry in my heart. He came to me without a passport, living in a field, doing nothing. He was a hacking horse, eight or nine years old, with no pedigree and nothing that would make you think of a dressage horse.”

And yet, from the very first moments, something was clear: “He had an incredible energy, a passion for work that I had never seen before.”

His story is also one of resilience. “He suffered two serious fractures, then another accident when I truly thought he wouldn’t make it. Three times I thought it was over, and three times he came back—each time even better than before.”

Zulu took Michaela all the way to international Grand Prix competitions, including CDI-W events. “I entered the arena next to huge horses, against combinations like those of Dorothee Schneider, Isabell Werth, and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, but he didn’t care at all. He went in and flew anyway.”

For Michaela, Zulù represents the essence of dressage: “He didn’t have everything in his legs, he didn’t have the perfect conformation, but he had everything in his heart and mind. And I believe that’s what truly matters—if you have that, you can achieve anything with your horse.”

Welfare and Management: Equiplanet, Nutrition, Prevention, and 360-Degree Support

Michaela’s daily work begins far away from the competition arena. “The foundation of everything is management. Letting horses out, allowing them to stay in paddocks, always having hay available. In Sweden it’s the law: horses must go outside every day, for at least four hours, in a paddock where they can move freely.”

An approach that is increasingly gaining ground in Italy as well. “I must say I see a lot of improvement—the mindset is changing, and that’s very positive.”

Within this vision of the horse as both athlete and individual, nutrition plays a central role. “Every horse is different: some struggle to build muscle, some are too hot, others more sensitive. For me it’s essential to have a partner who supports me 360 degrees and helps me give each horse exactly what it needs.”

This is where the support of Equiplanet comes in—not as a simple supplier, but as a true ally in the daily management of the stable.
“With correct nutritional management, you work on prevention. You can eliminate many issues before they arise, such as colic, ulcers, or other pathologies.”

Supplementation is not a random addition, but a tool for balance. “Feed and hay are often not enough, especially for sport horses. Working with nutrition professionals means safeguarding the horse’s long-term health.”

An approach fully shared by Equiplanet, based on observing the individual and creating targeted programs designed to support welfare, recovery, and performance.

Equus Primus Scuderia: A Young Project

Since last May, Michaela has opened Equus Primus Scuderia in Florence. “It’s a family-run stable, we’re still at the beginning, but my dream is to create a place where horses can feel good, work peacefully, and find tranquility.”

An environment that welcomes Grand Prix horses, young prospects, and school horses alike. “School horses also need to feel good, because they too are athletes and require complete management.”

Continuous Education and International Exchange: Working with Edward Gal

For Michaela Ricci, sporting growth inevitably comes through dialogue with the best professionals in international dressage.
“It’s essential to rely on professionals, attend clinics and training sessions, and keep learning. No one gets there alone, especially at certain levels.”

This belief led her to seek collaboration with some of the biggest names in the discipline, first and foremost Edward Gal, long her technical and personal point of reference.
“Edward has always been my great idol. When he rode Totilas, it gave you goosebumps—it was incredible.”

Meeting Gal marked a turning point in her journey.
“I thought he would never accept, and instead he said yes. For me it was an enormous honor.”

From that moment, a stable collaboration was born, with regular training sessions and continuous sharing of methods and vision.
“I absolutely love his approach: it’s gentle, calm, and very respectful of the horse. It’s a way of working that I deeply feel is mine.”

Opening her stable to other riders was an equally conscious choice.
“I wanted to share this experience, to give Italian colleagues the chance to take part, grow together, and get closer to top-level dressage.”

A gesture that reflects a clear philosophy: individual progress also comes through collective growth and the building of a more open and aware equestrian culture.

Fieracavalli Verona, Art, and Lifestyle: When Dressage Meets Elegance

The Fieracavalli stage represented far more than a simple sporting performance for Michaela Ricci—it was a moment of dialogue between dressage and a broad, diverse audience, often far removed from competition.
“When you see a horse dancing to music, in complete harmony with the rider, you realize that dressage is not boring. It’s art, it’s emotion, it’s elegance,” she explains.

A universal language, capable of going beyond the technical boundaries of the discipline and showing the horse not only as an athlete, but also as the interpreter of a refined and deeply emotional form of expression.

It is precisely in this context that the link between sport and elegance—so characteristic of Michaela’s life even outside the arena—naturally emerges. By her side is her husband, Stefano Ricci, founder of the eponymous luxury brand that symbolizes Made in Italy around the world and who in 2026 will dress Carlo Conti on the stage of the Festival di Sanremo, once again confirming his role as an absolute reference in international elegance.

From this universe was born the STEFANO RICCI Equestrian Line, the equestrian brand founded by Michaela together with her husband, conceived as a natural extension of the maison’s values into the equestrian world.
“With this line, we wanted to combine technique and elegance, creating something truly 360 degrees, both for the horse and the rider,” explains Michaela.

It is not simply a collection inspired by equitation, but a cultural project that interprets sport as a lifestyle—where functionality, comfort, and design coexist without compromise.

The goal is clear: to bring together two worlds that share the same values of discipline, attention to detail, respect, and beauty.
“Equestrian sport is class, it’s art, it’s style. It’s an extremely elegant sport and, in my opinion, it naturally pairs with the world of high fashion.”

Looking Ahead: Goals and the Olympic Dream

Michaela’s future is made of concrete dreams.
“My main goal is to reach the Olympic Games for Italy. We’re working hard, with a great team behind us, searching for the right horse and growing step by step.”

A journey built with patience, vision, and respect for timing—perfectly aligned with the values shared by Equiplanet.

Alessandra Ceserani

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