The Editorial
Returning to the past for a better future
After a pause that has lasted almost a year and a half we are off again. While reorganising the start, a thought appears like lightening: what have we learned? How do we start again? In what direction are we going? While we each search for our own answers there is one everybody agrees on. Piazza di Siena this year is the answer.
So as to respect strict FEI guidelines concerning Covid-19 and the Herpes Virus EHV-1 to protect both riders and horses, this year Piazza di Siena will appear ‘au naturel’. Yes indeed, every cloud has a silver lining. The spectacle that appears to riders, organisers and the few people lucky enough to be there is the enchantment of the Villa Borghese.
All the problems and restrictions are compensated by a stunning scenario with the famous oval that welcomes horses and riders enveloped by the park’s natural environment. No stands, no large facilities ruining the enchantment, just very few with minimum impact, only what is needed to host the show.
In spite of the diffi culties of the moment, Piazza di Siena has increased even more its charm and appeal as a historical show in the most beautiful city in the world. It is a scenario that has attracted to Rome a group of extraordinary riders that includes the top three in the world ranking, Steve Guerdat, Daniel Deusser and Martin Fuchs, and a total of six of the world’s top ten. The United States is fi elding Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, McLain Ward and Jessica Springsteen. France instead will be represented by Kevin Staut and Penelope Leprevost, while British Scott Brash and Irish Darragh Kenny are also coming together with many others who will be starting their journey to Tokyo right here in Rome.
Piazza di Siena in its original form with its charm, its beauty and its colors, in an open setting of greenery and wonderful trees, is at last putting horses at ease, allowing them to compete in an environment even closer to their nature. Is this perhaps the spark from which a reflection might begin?
A return to the past for a better future by abandoning excesses, leaving behind all pointless opulence and returning to the essence of our sport, to respect, truthfulness, beauty and the pureness of passion.
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