“You Need to Constantly Adapt to Them”: Simon Delestre on Horse Welfare and the Importance of Tailoring Every Solution to the Horse

The value of Acavallo’s technical support for the French rider

At the Versilia Horse Show 2026, one of the recurring themes behind the scenes of top-level sport was undoubtedly the growing attention paid to the horse’s comfort and wellbeing. Today, this is no longer seen as something separate from performance, but rather as an essential part of it. Within this context, Acavallo continues to work alongside some of the world’s leading riders, developing technical solutions designed to support horses both in training and in competition.

Among them is Simon Delestre, one of the most respected names in international show jumping, who, during the Tuscan event, spoke about his relationship with Italy, his vision of modern horsemanship, and the importance of adapting every detail to each individual horse.

The connection between Delestre and Italy clearly emerges from his words. Over the years, Italian competitions have become a constant presence throughout his sporting career, beginning from a very young age.

“I’ve been coming to Italy for many years, probably two or three times every season for a really long time. My first major international show was in Verona when I was twelve years old with my pony, and I won my first important Nations Cup in Rome in 2006. Piazza di Siena, the Longines Global Champions Tour, and many Italian competitions are part of my sporting history.”

A relationship built over time, much like the one he has developed with Acavallo, the Italian brand that has supported him as a technical partner for several years. A collaboration rooted in daily work with horses and in the constant search for solutions capable of meeting the needs of very different athletes.

At the highest level of show jumping, details can make the difference between a clear round and a rail down. Every aspect matters — preparation, management, recovery, and of course equipment. Yet, according to Delestre, there is no universal formula when working with horses.

“At this level every detail matters,” explains Simon Delestre. “All horses are different. Some are more sensitive, others are stronger, and others need completely different feelings. You constantly need to adapt to them and try to find what makes them feel best.”

Throughout the interview, the French rider repeatedly returns to this concept: the ability to observe the horse carefully and adapt the daily work around its specific needs rather than forcing every horse into the same system.

“We have been working together for six or seven years, and what I always try to do is find the best equipment for each horse. They need to feel comfortable in order to give their best. I use many Acavallo products — gel pads, gel bit guards, bandages and nosebands — but everything always depends on the horse, because each one has different needs.”

In modern equestrian sport, comfort has become increasingly central to consistency and performance. According to Delestre, helping the horse feel relaxed and comfortable is not simply an added value, but a fundamental part of the process.

“When a horse feels good, it works better and approaches everything with more confidence and relaxation. That’s why it’s important to find the right materials and adapt them to every situation. There are many small details that can make a real difference.”

Among the products he uses most frequently are the brand’s gel pads, which have become a regular part of his horses’ daily management both at home and during international competitions.

“I use gels on almost ninety percent of my horses. I really appreciate the softness of the materials and the comfort they provide. These are products that help during everyday work as well as in competition.”

However, attention to the horse does not stop once training ends or competition is over. In recent years, the equestrian world has increasingly embraced the idea of supporting horses throughout their entire career, while also preserving their wellbeing in the long term and after retirement from sport.

This is another aspect that Delestre considers particularly important and one that naturally connects with the way he approaches technical equipment in everyday work.

“These products are not only useful during competitions. They can be used all the time, even after a horse’s sporting career. What matters is that the horse continues to feel good and comfortable.”

An approach that today is shared by many top-level riders and that relies on carefully observing each horse, understanding its needs, and adapting everyday work through increasingly tailored technical choices.

In Simon Delestre’s case, all of this is also reflected in his long-standing relationship with Acavallo, developed over the years around one simple but essential objective: helping every horse work in the best possible conditions.

And perhaps this is precisely the real thread running through his horsemanship — an approach shaped by experience, attention and sensitivity toward the horse, while never forgetting that behind every great result there is always a horse that needs to feel comfortable in its work.

Discover the full range of Acavallo products on the official website: www.acavallo.com

Alessandra Ceserani

Ph Stefano Secchi

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