Italy’s Silvia Rizzo, an accomplished grand prix dressage rider, made her inaugural trip to the United States this past winter, showing and soaking up the sun in South Florida. She piloted her powerful Oldenburg stallion, Donnerbube 2, to an ever-improving series of performances on the dressage circuit, smashing several personal records along the way.
Silvia’s bubbly personality, fun fashion sense and compelling dressage rides earned her dedicated fans during her United States competitive venture.
Although she rides for her native Italy, she is based at her farm in Germany, Hof Marabunta.
She visited Florida to give herself a chance to train and compete with Donnerbube 2, as well as get a glimpse of the equestrian life in Wellington and a taste of American culture. Silvia is devoted to Donnerbube 2, whom she calls “Bubi,” and the two share a close relationship.
Their connection and hard work resulted in impressive results in Florida, including fifth place in the Grand Prix Special at the prestigious World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach and third place in the Grand Prix Freestyle at Wellington Classic Dressage’s Spring Challenge CDI3* (Feb. 8-10).
“Bubi brought me to this level,” Silvia explained. “We arrived there together. So we know each other really well, and we really love each other. As in long marriages, there are days in which we really love each other and days in which we do not love each other so much,” she added, laughing.
“We sometimes have a little discussion, like a husband and wife. It’s a really funny relationship, I have to say.” Silvia rewards Bubi’s good behavior with his favorite treat: bananas.
“Every time we finish work, or we finish a competition, he is expecting his bananas,” she said. “He is like an orangutan. Every time I go to the supermarket, I have my arms full of bananas – they must be thinking that I have monkeys at home!”
But while Bubi is playful around the barn, he is a serious competitor in the show ring.
“He really knows when he is in a competition,” said Silvia. “He knows that he has to behave a little bit more than when he is at home.” Bubi also enjoys the prize giving ceremonies and takes advantage of the opportunity to show off.
“He wants to have fun with the people and the other horses, and to be watched by everybody,” she noted. “So he’s really full of himself.” Bubi has a large fan club following his travels on Hof Marabunta’s Facebook page.
Silvia credits his good looks and playful personality with earning him the attention of spectators, who often ask for photos with him.
“He’s a big beautiful black stallion, so he attracts people,” she said. “And what’s really fun is that usually a big, black stallion like him might seem a little dangerous, but he’s more like a movie cartoon. His attitude is so funny and playful. He’s kind of a Mickey Mouse in horse form!” Silvia, like her horse, enjoys her down time but takes competitions seriously. “When I am in competition, I love riding and I enjoy every single moment! "
By Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
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