VERSILIA HORSE SHOW 2025: A NEW CHAPTER OF ITALIAN EXCELLENCE

Top riders, a stunning new seaside venue in the charming Versilia region, and the timeless elegance of Giorgio Armani: the show opens in true style.

The curtain rose yesterday on the Longines Versilia Horse Show 2025, and the debut edition did not disappoint. Under the shining Tuscan sun at the brand-new venue in Parco Bussola Domani in Lido di Camaiore—just outside the renowned Forte dei Marmi—the opening day featured thrilling sport, with the first horse-and-rider pairs taking to the arena, a refined atmosphere, and strong international participation. Italy’s most anticipated spring equestrian event has officially begun!

Taking part are 180 riders from 22 countries, accompanied by 300 of the best horses on the international scene. They started to dazzle in the sparkling silica sand arena—now named the Giorgio Armani Arena—during the first CSI1* ICT PRO and CSI4* classes. The technical and fast-paced courses left the crowd thrilled. It was an excellent start to a weekend of top-level show jumping. But there’s more: many free and educational activities for children and families are also on offer, designed to promote horse culture through nature, art, and inclusion.

Just to name a few of the stars in these days of great sport: Swiss rider Martin Fuchs, Longines FEI European Champion 2019; Austrian Max Kuhner, 2024’s top earner; Frenchman Roger Yves Bost; Dutch rider Harrie Smolders; and Britain’s Jack Whitaker. From across the ocean: Brazil’s Luciana Diniz and husband Luiz Felipe De Azevedo Filho, and Argentina’s José Maria Jr. Representing Italy: Eugenio and Guido Grimaldi (the latter won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this January), Giulia Martinengo, Emanuele Gaudiano, Piergiorgio Bucci, and Giacomo Casadei.

The new facility, built specifically to host this high-level event, has received praise from riders and teams alike, thanks to its excellent footing, efficient logistics, and field-side hospitality areas that allow for full spectator engagement. And thanks to Giorgio Armani, official sponsor of this edition, the atmosphere exudes refined and unmistakably Italian elegance—a perfect blend of sport and style.

We spoke with Maria Vittoria Nicolai, event manager of the organizing body Italian Champions Tour, right after the first day of competition: “Today is a beautiful sunny day, and we are very pleased to have Giorgio Armani as our main sponsor—for the first time in show jumping.”

With the GIORGIO ARMANI Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 PM and many more classes to come in the days ahead, all eyes remain on Versilia. Sport, elegance, and the unmistakable rhythm of show jumping: Tuscany is aiming high once again.

                                                                                                                                 Sara Giavarini

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