Italian number one Grand Prix rider Valentina Truppa can sigh in relief as the ride on her horse Eremo del Castegno has been secured until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Italian Equestrian Federation as well as the Italian Olympic Committee have signed a contract to financially support the combination for four years so that the horse will not be sold and lost to Italian dressage.
Eremo del Castegno is an 11-year old Italian warmblood horse by Rohdiamant x Weltmeyer, bred by Italian Guerino Boglioni. The bay gelding is owned by the company Gavan SRL which includes Valentina's father Enzo Truppa and some friends.
Before the 2012 Olympics the horse was on the market even though Truppa made vigorous attempts to find national sponsorship to keep the horse in the country. Both FISE and the Italian OC stepped up to the plate in support. At the 2012 Games the Italian combination finished 15th in the Kur to Music finals.
Both federations will now extend their support until 2016. "We have received many other offers for him, but we decided not to sell him because FISE and the Italian Olympic Commitee have extended the contract for four more years and meanwhile we also found some sponsors," Enzo Truppa told Eurodressage. "They give a financial contribution to reimburse the expenses of the horse. Travels to competitions, insurance, driver, groom, etc. The amount depends on expenses incurred based on a program agreed at beginning of the season."
Photo © Astrid Appels
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