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Daniele Bizzarro is an Italian International Event Rider based in Oxfordshire, U.K. He’s been based in the U.K. since 2011 when he came over to work as a rider for William Fox-Pitt. Having previously competed in pure Dressage up to Advanced Medium level and Show Jumped up to 1.40m, he’s since set up his own Eventing yard with competition horses, livery and training facilities. We spoke to him to find out more.

 

“I’ve been riding since I was 9 years old – my Mother used to ride at a local riding stables and it was here that I really caught the bug. My first really good result was with a New Zealand Thoroughbred called Fair & Square – Fair & Square took me to CCI* but unfortunately an old tendon injury resurfaced and he had to be retired. We had good results at Junior and Young Rider level at which point I started to ride for my Italian sponsor of 7 years, Bolaffi, an Italian stud owner. I then made the decision to move abroad to gain a different level of experience and was then employed by William Fox-Pitt. I stayed at his yard for the 2011 season before setting up my own yard of 18 stables in Lechlade, Gloucestershire. At this point, I started to compete more horses and was teaching more regularly. In 2015, I started holding a monthly clinic at Lyneham Heath Equestrian in Oxfordshire. They have world-class facilities including an 80m x 70m all weather arena, an all weather cross country loop and a 130 acre cross country course with 300 fences. So you can imagine my joy when I was offered the opportunity to take on one of the 2 barns! I moved on the 1st July 2017 and haven’t looked back since!

 

I always try to have between 6 and 8 horses to compete, I much prefer a small team of quality horses so I can really bond with each horse, giving them the time and attention they deserve. I also do a lot of teaching so this number of horses fits in nicely with my coaching schedule. From February onwards, I run a monthly clinic at Lyneham Heath, but I also regularly teach at camps (Pony Club, Riding Club, Retraining of Racehorses) and do a lot of individual lessons as well.

 

Alongside my competition horses, I have 8 horses on full livery. I regularly train these horses and work with their owners to create a competition plan to suit them. The liveries have access to the amazing facilities too – it really is like The Ritz for your horse!

 

Finally I really enjoy buying and producing young horses – the facilities at Lyneham Heath really lend themselves well to doing so. Last Summer I bought a 4 year old who had done nothing. Within a month he was ready to do his first event then finished 2nd in a 90cm. It’s the same with ex-racehorses; they work best when they have the regularity and facilities for their training so from that point of view, I am very fortunate.

 

I really enjoy working with ex-racehorses; I got my first one 15 years ago. I’ve always liked Thoroughbreds – they are such triers and you really notice the difference cross country when comparing a round to that of a non-Thoroughbred. The point at which a horse would normally tire, a Thoroughbred just finds more in the tank. One of the best ex-racehorses I’ve ever had was Squadron Leader, owned by Jane Arnold. In the 2014 season he competed at Novice, Intermediate, CCI* and CIC**, achieving five top 10 finishes from seven runs before we were crowned the RoR Elite Eventing Champion in 2014. He was very special. It would be great for many owners and trainers to look into exploring the retraining of a racehorse, even if they haven’t been successful as a racehorse.

 

Another great horse I had was Vallera Del Ferro, a lovely little mare who was placed in the 7 year old Championships at Osberton in 2015 and qualified for the Burghley Young Event Horse before being sold to a young rider in Germany.

 

As with any professional rider, I couldn’t be where I am today without my loyal, supportive sponsors. I have worked with Devoucoux for 2 years now – they are world leaders for their exceptional quality saddles and leatherwork. I’m very fortunate to have their support, which ensures my horses are comfortable and happy, enabling them to work at their very best.

 

Spillers Feeds understand the importance of providing a balanced diet for the horse, particularly an athlete such as an Event horse. My requirements differ for each horse, and I’m safe in the knowledge that their dedicated nutritionists will create a bespoke dietary plan to suit each horse, as they have done for the past year of sponsorship. You can’t expect your horse to perform to its best, if you’re not offering them the best nutrition.

 

Horse Events are the Number 1 UK provider of online bookings for third party horse events as well as their own. They run competitions and clinics throughout the year at a number of U.K. venues. It’s been a pleasure working with them for the past 5 years as their brand continues to grow.

 

Owners are also a crucial part of the sport and Eventing is certainly a great discipline to be an owner in! I love having my owners visit their horses at Lyneham Heath, join us for training sessions and to come and see their horse at an event. There’s a real team aspect with Eventing and I really ensure that all parties involved feel part of our Eventing family.”

 

Dan really brings his Italian charm and charisma to his Eventing business. He works closely with his grooms and owners to ensure their experience is joyful. You get a real sense of a family spirit upon arrival at Lyneham Heath Equestrian. It’s admirable, exceptional and you can’t help but wanting to live there yourself!

 

You can keep up with Dan’s news, updates and successes at http://www.dbeventing.co.uk.

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