Luca Lanzi: The Future of Italian Horseball Between Passion, Adrenaline, and Success

At just 21 years old, Luca Lanzi is already a rising star in the world of Italian horseball. Growing up with a passion for the sport, Luca has managed to combine technical skills, leadership, and a deep bond with his horse to emerge as one of the most promising players of his generation. His journey, inspired by his father, has led him to achieve significant milestones, including a silver medal at the European Championships in Portugal.

The Origins of a Passion

Luca’s love for horseball started early, fueled by his father’s passion for the sport. “My interest in horseball began when I was very young, watching my dad play,” Luca recalls. “I was immediately intrigued by the adrenaline and the bond of mutual trust that developed with the horse. It was something magical to me, and I knew right away that I wanted to be part of that world.”

From a young age, Luca recognized the importance of the human-horse relationship, a central aspect not only in horseball but in all equestrian disciplines. “Before a match, I always spend time alone with the horse while preparing him,” he explains. “Once he’s ready, I give him a pat on the muzzle and share a sugar cube with him. Horses are very methodical animals, and trust is built daily, by attending to their needs and consistently caring for them.”

Teamwork: Trust and Respect

In horseball, teamwork is essential. Luca, who has often served as captain both in his club team and in the national team, emphasizes the importance of creating a solid synergy among team members. “In my opinion, the key elements in any team sport are trust and mutual respect,” he asserts. “Once you’re on the field, it’s like being a family: personal problems don’t matter anymore; it’s all about playing the game and supporting each other.”

This philosophy has been crucial for Luca in leading his team through complex challenges and high-pressure moments. “During a match, there’s always a tense and focused atmosphere because the whole team wants to do well and achieve the best possible result,” he explains. “In difficult moments, to keep my focus high, I use the 3- minute break between halves to take a deep breath and reflect on how to improve my play and that of the team.”

Achievements and Future Challenges

Despite his young age, Luca has already accumulated several significant achievements. The most notable so far is the silver medal at the European Championships in Portugal, accompanied by the title of top scorer of the tournament. “Without a doubt, my greatest satisfaction has been winning this silver medal at the European Championships in Portugal and being named the tournament’s top scorer,” he proudly recalls.

But being a captain has not always been easy, and Luca has had to learn to manage the responsibilities and pressures of the role. “I’ve always been the captain of my club team, as

well as for the national team in the past two years,” Luca explains. “The pressures are always high, and the biggest challenge has been learning to handle them, bringing a team together, and keeping it united in all situations.”

Training and Preparation for Success

Horseball requires rigorous preparation, both for the rider and the horse. Luca describes a typical training session: “A horseball practice isn’t much different from other disciplines. You always start with warming up the horse, then do exercises with the ball to improve various aspects of the game. Finally, you work on team cohesion and often finish with a scrimmage to assess the overall level and identify areas that need improvement.”

Luca pays particular attention to his horse’s physical condition and their bond, factors he considers crucial for competing at the highest levels. “This year, we remained undefeated for the first time in the history of Italian horseball, but there’s still the regret of missing the gold medal,” Luca admits. “My goal is definitely to win it.”

The Relationship with the Horse: An Indispensable Connection

At the core of every success in horseball is a deep bond with the horse. Luca is fully aware of this and dedicates great attention to cultivating this relationship. “The relationship with the horse is fundamental because, for most of the match, we don’t have our hands on the reins, so our only means of communication are our legs,” he explains. “Without a relationship of trust and a solid understanding, I don’t think it’s possible to perform well in this sport,

especially at high levels. I build this bond every day, trying to understand the horse and make myself understood, always with compromise and respect on both sides.”

With his constant commitment and passion, Luca Lanzi represents the future of Italian horseball. Determined to reach new milestones and continually push his limits, Luca is ready to write more important chapters in the history of this sport. With his eyes set on the next goal—the gold medal—Luca continues to show that, with dedication and love for his horse, dreams can indeed become reality.

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