Joao Marcari Oliva and Mantovani Horses Part Ways

Dressage

Portugal

Portuguese horse investing company Mantovani Horses and Brazilian Olympian Joao Victor Marcari Oliva have parted ways. The Brazilian has decided to start his own business.

The 29-year old Joao Victor Marcari Oliva began riding for Mantovani Horses, initially under the banner of Campline Horses, in 2020.

Unprecedented Success

The 2016 Rio Olympic Brazilian team rider was matched with the Lusitano Grand Prix stallion Escorial (by Spartacus x Edo RHE), which investment group JRME Horse Campline had acquired from Coudelaria Luis Bastos. The pair went on to represent Brazil as an individual at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where they finished 26th in the Grand Prix with 70.419%. Coached by Norbert van Laak, the duo continued and showed at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, where they were 21st in the Grand Prix Special with 73.313%, an unprecedented result for Brazil.

Oliva with Escorial at the 2021 Olympics

Based at Thiago Mantovani's Lusitano and warmblood breeding yard in Portugal, Oliva got a string of horses to ride and took two more out into the international arena: Mantovani's Nuelo das Lezirias and Orion de la Gesse. Both were shown at the World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo and Verden between 2023 and 2025.

On his own Feel Good VO (by Franziskus) he won silver at the 2023 Pan American Games

Parting Ways

After wrapping up his ride on Mantovani's Orion de la Gesse at the 2025 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Oliva and Mantovani announced that they were parting ways.

"A story of triumph — written and never to be forgotten," both Mantovani and Oliva stated. "In 2020, destiny brought Thiago and Joao together in Portugal, united by a bold dream: the Olympic stage. That was when João took the reins of Escorial and found an environment of excellence where respect and trust shaped a lasting partnership — one that led them directly to their Olympic goal."

Joao getting Orion de la Gesse ready with coach Norbert
van Laak and Thiago by his side at the 2024 WCYH in Ermelo

They continued, "from there came podiums, unforgettable moments, and two special names that defined this journey: Nuelo and Orion (..) These were years of dedication, friendship, and victories that became an indelible part of our story.
Now, João begins a new chapter with his own business, and we wish it to be every bit as victorious as he has always been. As clients and friends, we proudly remain by your side — always cheering you on."

As of 2024 Mantovani branched out into investing in warmblood horses as well as breeding Luso-warmbloods. He signed German Maxi Kira von Platen to ride a set of his horses, including rising Grand Prix horse Nuelo das Lezirias, Oporto d'Atela, and the recently acquired German sport horses.

Independence

Oliva has decided to start his own barn and business in Santo Estêvão, Portugal, together with his fiancée, 23-year old Portuguese U25 rider Marta Fernandes.

"This marks the beginning of an important new chapter in my career, as my previous contract with Mantovani — concluded on excellent terms — only allowed me to ride their horses and my own," Joao told Eurodressage. "Together with my fiancée, I am committed to developing a professional environment dedicated to excellence in training, with a strong focus on high-level competition as well as the sale of quality horses."

In 2025 Oliva has competed clients' horses O Dom Pedro VP and Marechal do Castanheiro in the international young horse classes at CDI's in Portugal.

Mantovani continues with his principal rider Maxi Kira von Platen in Germany. Yara Fernandes (BRA) has relocated to Maxi's barn to learn, train and compete under her wings. At Mantovani's home yard in Portugal Brazilian Victor Avila takes care of the training and supervises Thiago's daughter, Duda Mantovani, on her dressage path.