Rome’s Piazza di Siena returns to green

Rome’s Piazza di Siena is back green. Works are in progress in the wonderful elliptical course of Villa Borghese that has been the venue of the horse jumping show, taking place in late May, since the 20’s. The city of Rome gave the area to the Italian National Olympic committee (CONI) and to the Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports, and they decided, under a project of renovation, that the event will be back to be contested on a grass pitch instead of the present silica sand one (it was changed in 2007).   FISE president, Marco di Paola, was so excited at the beginning of the laying of the grass. He said: ‘The first impact is wonderful itself and brings back memories of how Piazza di Siena was and has remained in the hearts of all Roman people and horse fans. It is a big commitment for the Federation and for CONI. We will be proud to present a really extraordinary edition of the show next May.“ Works kicked off two weeks ago: they started with disposing the sand and the rubber mats underneath. After a first levelling of the site, they went on with draining and making the irrigation system. Then they brought volcanic material that, after organic fertilization, was covered by turf. 770 rolls of grass carpet will be required and weather permitting, works will be finished by the end of next week.  Uliano Vezzani, one of the most appreciated showjumping course designers, who has also showed for 14 times his unique abilities at Piazza di Siena, was so excited to return back to the past. He said: ‘I made my debut as course designer at Piazza di Siena in 2000, when there was no grass and the field was extraordinary. The new generation grass pitches have technical features same as artificial turf. Of course the event should be developed in a different way in terms of competition number. Last season I was asked to discuss with the CONI specialists before planning the new course and I was astonished at their professionality. I was really happy to work with them and I had everything almost clear about what I had to do. It would be really stimulating to to work again together at Piazza di Siena.“ Press release Equi Equipe