Neri Pieraccini Shines at Piazza di Siena: A Weekend to Remember with Horses & Fun

Rome, Piazza di Siena – It was a weekend filled with emotion, success, and pride for 25-year-old Italian show jumper Neri Pieraccini, who delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious Piazza di Siena. Alongside him were the students from his family-run stable, Horses & Fun, marking a special moment for the young rider—not only as a competitor but also as a coach and mentor.

Pieraccini is part of a new generation of equestrian talent in Italy, combining technical skill, determination, and a deep passion for horses. His journey began in the family stable and has grown into a full-fledged professional career.

A Family Legacy Turned into a Profession

“I’ve been around horses my whole life,” Neri explains. “Both my parents have always been passionate about this sport—it’s their work and their life. I was lucky enough to turn that same passion into my career as well.”

Today, the Pieraccini family runs three riding centers in the Rome area under the Horses & Fun banner. Their approach offers comprehensive training to riders of all levels—from complete beginners to international competitors.

Balancing Two Worlds: Athlete and Instructor

In addition to his success in the ring, Neri is also a dedicated instructor. “I really enjoy the teaching side,” he says. “Thanks to my parents and the network we’ve built with Horses & Fun, we’re able to support riders from the very beginning all the way to the highest level. That structure also gives me the chance to focus on my own competitive goals.”

That balance is clearly paying off. At this year’s Piazza di Siena, Neri secured two top finishes in the first days of competition, proving that he’s a serious contender among the sport’s elite.

High-Caliber Horses and Big Results

Key to his recent success are the exceptional horses under his saddle. “Right now, I have three horses competing at a really high level,” Neri says. “The first is Oakley van Dorpenheide, who finished sixth at the Italian National Championships last year. He gave me my debut at Piazza di Siena with a clear round in one of the major classes.”

Also on his team is Orléans, a horse Neri has known since it was seven years old. “He’s now eleven and we have an amazing bond. Last year, he finished fourth at the Montefalco Championships. We’ve come a long way together.”

Rounding out the group is a new arrival. “I recently started riding a stallion who’s been with me for just a few months. He’s already placed third here in the MAG Prize. He’s super competitive and I hope to bring him to the same level as my other horses.”

Learning by Teaching

Coaching has also helped Neri become a better athlete. “Training my students has made me understand how important it is to have a routine,” he explains. “In this sport, you face a lot of ups and downs—injuries, horses being sold, or just tough periods. When you’re not in a consistent rhythm, things don’t always feel natural. That’s when mental structure matters. I’ve learned to focus on the basics, on what I need to do in the ring, not just what feels instinctive.”

It’s a lesson that’s served him well—not just in coaching others, but in building a strong, sustainable path for his own career.

A Family Affair

At the heart of Pieraccini’s success is the team behind him—his family. “We’ve built all of this together: me, my dad, my mom, and now my girlfriend, who supports me in everything. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

Eyes on the Future

With a strong support system, top-level horses, and a growing network of talented students, Neri Pieraccini is building something special—both in and out of the ring.

“In this sport, you have to be involved on every level,” he says. “With the horses, the owners, the training, the competition. That’s what allows you to stay at the top.”

For Pieraccini, Piazza di Siena is more than just a competition—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when hard work, passion, and family come together. And judging by the weekend he just had, the future looks brighter than ever.

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