Vittoria Panizzon is a 3-time Olympian, a multi-medalled Championship competitor, former World number 8, with placings at the very top levels of the sport – she has enjoyed top 10 finishes at 5* and championship level, along with numerous wins at CCI4* level.
Vittoria spent her childhood growing up in Italy and started off her eventing career in her home nation, and was quickly selected to represent Italy.
Vittoria's Father was Italian, while her Mother is Scottish, and at the age of 17 Vittoria made the move to the UK to finish off her education and gain more eventing experience.
Vittoria graduated from Bristol University in 2005 with a degree in Biology, having successfully negotiated studying and eventing a string of horses at the same time. During this time Vittoria based herself with Sarah Bullen, who has been her long term mentor ever since.
As a non-British competitor, Vittoria is in the fortunate position that with the right horsepower, she is highly likely to be offered a team place at all major championships, therefore giving a potential sponsor significant coverage on the world stage.
Due to greater selection opportunities over the years, Vittoria has gained significant championship experience, and successful form. Since coming over to the UK, Vittoria has been selected to represent Italy at every Olympics since 2008, on three different horses, all of which she has produced from the start of their careers.
In October 2023 Italy qualified for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
Horse sports have a unique feature; the cooperation between two athletes, horse and rider, and the relationship and mutual respect built up between them is the key to a successful partnership. Thus equestrian sport is a way of life requiring immense dedication.
Eventing is the most complete and daring combined equestrian competition. It covers every aspect of horsemanship: the elegance, the obedience of the horse and its harmony with the rider characterise Dressage; speed, endurance, jumping ability and bravery are essential for the Cross Country; agility, technique and coolness under pressure are a necessity for the Show Jumping.
Eventing is the ultimate equestrian challenge. Comprised of dressage, show jumping and cross country, it can be likened to a triathlon, with horses and riders demonstrating a range of skills across the three disciplines. To compete successfully in eventing, combinations must show harmony and rhythm in the dressage, balance and precision in the show jumping and accuracy and bravery in the cross country phase. The combination with the lowest penalty score at the end of the event is the winner. As horses and riders move up the levels, the difficulty and technicality of the phases increases.
The focus of the whole competition is the Cross Country which consists of a course of imposing solid natural fences to be completed within a time limit.
Eventing is the ultimate equestrian challenge. Comprised of dressage, show jumping and cross country, it can be likened to a triathlon, with horses and riders demonstrating a range of skills across the three disciplines. To compete successfully in eventing, combinations must show harmony and rhythm in the dressage, balance and precision in the show jumping and accuracy and bravery in the cross country phase. The combination with the lowest penalty score at the end of the event is the winner. As horses and riders move up the levels, the difficulty and technicality of the phases increases.
