Alberto Zorzi: Italy’s Show Jumping Maestro with Eyes on the Top
Alberto Zorzi, born in Monselice, Italy, has become one of the brightest stars in international show jumping. His love for horses began at a young age, introduced to the sport by his older brother, who took him to the stables when he was around nine years old.
Though initially passionate about football, Zorzi chose to pursue equestrian sports—a decision that would shape his life and career. “I liked football too, but in the end, I chose horse riding, and I’m happy I made that decision,” Zorzi reflected, recalling his early choice between two sporting passions.
Zorzi’s natural talent and hard work eventually earned him the opportunity to train under Jan Tops, the renowned Dutch show jumper and Olympic gold medalist. Moving to the Netherlands to join the Stal Tops team became a turning point in Zorzi’s career, as he spent seven years refining his skills in one of the most competitive environments in the sport.
Zorzi’s time with Tops not only improved his technical abilities but also gave him a deeper understanding of the horses themselves. “The experience with Jan Tops was fantastic, seven years of intense learning,” he says. “I tried to absorb all his knowledge, but he’s a very mysterious man. He’s a true horseman.”
Zorzi’s time at Stal Tops paid off handsomely. One of the highlights of his career came in 2017 when he rode Cornetto K to victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Monaco. That same year, he helped lead Italy to victory in the Nations Cup in Rome, solidifying his place as one of the top competitors on the international stage. His success didn’t stop there, as Zorzi consistently performed well in the FEI World Cup series and European Championships.
Key Horses and Career High Points
Throughout his career, Zorzi has ridden some of the most talented horses in the sport, forming strong connections with each of them. Cornetto K was one of his standout partners, playing a significant role in his rise to prominence. However, Zorzi also had the opportunity to compete with horses like Contanga, Barak Manjoo, and Going Low. Each horse brought its own unique qualities to the table, but one horse in particular holds a special place in Zorzi’s heart: Fair Light.
Fairlight was a horse that Zorzi personally developed over time, taking her from smaller competitions to winning at the highest levels. “Fairlight is the one that remains closest to my heart. I brought her up from the smaller shows to winning the World Cup and Global Champions Tour,” Zorzi explains. The process wasn’t easy, and it took over a year for the mare to reach her full potential. But once they established a connection, Zorzi describes their partnership as nothing short of magical. “Every competition with her was an indescribable thrill,” he adds. Fairlight became a testament to Zorzi’s dedication and patience as a rider, showing his ability to nurture a horse to peak performance.
A Return to Italy and New Challenges
After seven years of success abroad, Zorzi decided in 2022 to return to Italy. His decision was partially motivated by a desire to reconnect with family and friends after spending so much time away. “I wanted to take a break, to be with my family and friends, to enjoy a more relaxed pace,” Zorzi explained. However, even after his return, the competitive fire still burned brightly. With the support of sponsors like Francesca Castellani, Zorzi regained his drive to compete at the highest levels once again. “Thanks to Francesca, I’m motivated again. I’ve found the right partners and sponsors, and I’m aiming to return to the top,” he says.
Despite his continued success, Zorzi admits that he is still pushing to reach the absolute peak of the sport. “At the moment, I’m at a good level, but I want to return to the top. It’s not easy—it’s tough—but I’m working hard to get there,” he reveals. His ambition is clear, and he is determined to not only perform well but to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite
Looking Ahead: Big Plans for the Future
While Zorzi is currently focused on his upcoming competitions, including the European Championships in La Coruna, he hints at even bigger plans on the horizon. “That’s my goal for the coming year,” Zorzi says of the Championships, though he acknowledges the unpredictability of competing with horses. “With horses, it’s hard to plan everything, but I’m working hard to achieve it,” he adds. Yet, despite his openness about his short-term goals, Zorzi has bigger ambitions in mind that he is not ready to disclose just yet. “I have other projects in mind, but I can’t reveal anything at the moment,” he says, leaving everyone intrigued about what’s to come next.
Alberto Zorzi’s journey from a young boy introduced to horse riding by his brother to an international show jumping star is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. From his transformative years with Jan Tops in the Netherlands to his triumphant return to Italy, Zorzi continues to push the limits of what he can achieve. His impressive career highlights—including victories at the Nations Cup and Global Champions Tour—are matched only by his relentless pursuit of improvement.Now, with his eyes firmly set on the European Championships and other prestigious competitions, Zorzi is preparing for the next chapter in his career. His passion for the sport, combined with his deep connection to his horses, ensures that his future in show jumping remains bright. And while he remains tight-lipped about some of his long-term projects, one thing is clear: Alberto Zorzi is far from done, and his best may still be yet to come.
V. Sozzi Senn | Foto Stefano Secchi (c)
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