Rob de Bruin: Excellence for Italian Vaulting

The Centro Ippico Monzese in Villasanta recently hosted a significant event for Italian vaulting, organized by the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE). The spotlight was on Lorenzo Lupacchini, a federal coach and internationally acclaimed athlete who led training sessions for high-level athletes, and Rob de Bruin, a 4* FEI Judge and esteemed trainer, who conducted lungeing courses for first and second-level coaches. This initiative confirmed the importance that the FISE places on continuos training towards the devlopment of this discipline.

The Pillar of Growth: Education

“Education is the key to growth,” stated Rob de Bruin, emphasizing the importance of investing in educational programs for judges, coaches, and athletes. “Without a solid foundation, progress is nearly impossible—it’s like building a house without a base.”

Italy has made notable strides in this direction, as evidenced by the increasing number of FEI-certified judges. “Currently, there are two FEI judges in Italy, but next year, I expect there will be five,” de Bruin shared. “This not only boosts Italian vaulting’s credibility on the global stage but also enhances the technical quality of competitions.”

For de Bruin, training courses go beyond improving individual skills; they foster collaboration and exchange among participants. “Training together, sharing experiences, and avoiding isolation—this is how we grow,” he emphasized, highlighting the significance of teamwork among both coaches and athletes.

The Horse: A Central Figure

In vaulting, the horse plays a pivotal role, not merely as support but as a true partner in the performance. “A horse accounts for 25% of the total score in competition,” de Bruin explained. “You might be an excellent vaulter, but without a well-trained, high-quality horse, aiming for a medal is almost impossible.”

At international events, two out of eight judges focus exclusively on evaluating the horse, with these scores being as crucial as the artistic and technical ones. “Top athletes often score between 9 and 10 for technique, but it’s rare for a horse to score above 8. That’s where the real difference lies,” he noted.

While Italian vaulting horses are considered to be of good quality, there is always room for improvement. “Targeted training is essential to help horses meet the unique demands of vaulting,” de Bruin added, calling for greater efforts in this area.

A Career Built on Passion and Dedication

Rob de Bruin recounted his journey, which has made him one of the most respected judges in international vaulting. “I started vaulting at 16, which is considered late, especially in the Netherlands, where vaulting was not very developed,” he said. Yet, just two years later, he became the Dutch national champion.

While competition levels were modest at the time, this experience became the springboard for his technical career and eventual transition to judging. “Becoming a judge made me a better coach. Experiencing both sides helps you notice aspects others might miss,” he reflected.

The Italian Judges’ Contribution

De Bruin also highlighted the professionalism of Italian FEI judges. “They have an excellent level of competence and are role models to follow,” he commented. Their work not only elevates competition standards but also strengthens athletes’ trust in their evaluations.

The Human Touch

What truly motivates Rob de Bruin is the joy vaulting brings to athletes. “For me, a day is special when I see vaulters or children with a big smile on their faces. While medals are important, what truly matters is people enjoying their time with horses. If you can make them happy, it’s been a good day.”

This sentiment captures the essence of vaulting: a discipline where technique, passion, and collaboration come together in a unique harmony of athlete, horse, and lunger. The event at Centro Ippico Monzese was a testament to how education and teamwork can shape a brighter future for Italian vaulting.

The path forward is clear: investing in education and nurturing the bond between horse and athlete are key to success. As Rob de Bruin reminds us, nothing is more rewarding than the smile of someone who truly experiences the magic of this sport.

Alessandra Ceserani

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