Clara Pezzoli’s 5-star debut at Fieracavalli: triumph, teamwork, and trust in the saddle

Italian Rider Clara Pezzoli Reflects on Her First 5-Star Event, the Strength of Her Team, and Her Future Aspirations

A Transformative Debut in Verona

For Clara Pezzoli, her debut at the 5-star Fiera Cavalli Jumping event in Verona has been nothing short of transformative. The Italian rider, taking on her first top-tier event in her home country, found herself navigating a whirlwind of emotions that pushed her focus and resilience to new heights. “I didn’t expect such intense emotions and tension,” Clara shares, still processing her experience. “Honestly, I was sweating cold—I had to work hard to keep my head in the here and now, to stay concentrated and focused solely on riding.”

Handling Mistakes with Confidence

With a first day filled with challenges, Clara openly admits that her path hasn’t been flawless. “On Friday, I made two mistakes on a jump, getting too close, and it was very visible,” she recounts. “But I kept my nerve, held steady, and then went on to have a debut with a capital ‘D’ the following day. I competed in my first 150 cm course with Quick Nek and my first 155 cm with Fantasia de Beaufour. I am proud of how I handled it and incredibly grateful for my horses and everyone who supported me through it.”

The Power of Team Support

Clara acknowledges that this achievement is not one of personal triumph alone, but a victory shared by her team. “In this sport, it might be just you and the horse in the ring, but the team is essential,” she explains. “The team builds the rider, they support you, they give you the strength to win—and I don’t just mean winning in terms of placements. They help you stay resilient in tough moments and prevent you from falling into a negative mindset.”

Training with Francesco Turturiello

Much of her growth in recent months has been psychological, a journey guided by her trainer, Francesco Turturiello. Together, they’ve prepared for the rigors of the sport, cultivating both physical and mental strength. “We’ve worked a lot on psychology, on how to stay active and responsive on the course,” she says. “Mistakes happen— what matters is how you handle them afterward, how you respond.” She reflects that making the choice to train with Turturiello was crucial: “This year, I made a big decision to choose Francesco as my coach. We created this path with dedication and energy, choosing horses suited for my growth and adjusting our goals based on results. We didn’t know how it would turn out, but today, we’re very satisfied.”

Looking Ahead to New Challenges

Looking forward, Clara’s ambitions remain high, with a focus on both immediate competitions and long-term objectives. “In the short term, we have the Madrid Cup and

possibly A Coruña,” she reveals. “Then, in January, we’ll start a tour in Spain, including the Sunshine Tour, to continue competing at high levels.” For Clara, this structured progression is essential to keep pushing her limits.

Fantasia de Beaufour: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Horse

One of Clara’s proudest achievements this season has been her partnership with Fantasia de Beaufour, a young mare with an extraordinary presence. “Fantasia is incredible.

We’ve only been working together for six months, which isn’t much, but we’ve built a strong bond,” Clara says with admiration. “She’s a horse that doesn’t hesitate before anything. Even though she’s only nine, she gives me the confidence of a 15-year-old horse—as if she’s already seen and done it all. Where I fall short, she steps up; she’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and I believe we’ll accomplish great things together.”

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

For Clara, the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event on home soil is a significant milestone. “These are chances that come once in a lifetime, and making the most of them with awareness is the biggest victory for me today,” she reflects. It’s a journey marked by hard work, highs and lows, and a profound belief in the power of teamwork. And as Clara moves forward, backed by her family, trainer, groom, and beloved horses, her sights are firmly set on the future, with an unshakable commitment to continuous growth and excellence.

Valentina Sozzi | Ph Stefano Secchi

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