Piazza di Siena to take on its 90th edition from 25-28 May
After 90 years, Rome’s beautiful Villa Borghese is once more preparing for its world famous and glamorous International Horse Show.
This year the appointment with the Official International Horse Show runs from Thursday May 25 to Sunday May 28.
Spectators will be allowed in for free to enjoy the ancient stands as well as the ‘natural’ ones surrounding the arena.
This four-day event features top international riders competing in traditional riding displays, as well as thrilling show-jumping and polo matches (on Saturday at 8.30pm and 9.15pm). The line-up for the 90th edition of Piazza di Siena reads like the “who’s who” of the world of international show jumping.
Four of the top five riders in the current world rankings will be present including von Eckermann who continues to hold the number one slot, on-form flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard who lies second, double European medallist Martin Fuchs from Switzerland who sits in fourth place and Dutchman Harrie Smolders whose sheer consistency leaves him in fifth. Also lining out will be reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher from Great Britain.
– Roma, Piazza di Siena, 27 May 2018
– ph.Mario Grassia/FISE
Piazza di Siena takes its name from the city of origin of one of the most ancient and noble families of Rome: the Borghese. At the end of 16th century, Prince Marcantonio Borghese commissioned to architects Mario and Antonio Asprucci a new space, able to recall the places he beloved. His desire, in fact, was to bring, in the city of Rome, the traditional popular celebrations atmosphere they enjoyed, since the Middle Ages, in Tuscany.
It is recognised as one of the most beautiful horse shows in the world, with its gala dinner with local and international glitterati. A demonstration of elegance and style with high class festivities.
Just like last year, the horse show will be held in two different arenas in Villa Borghese; the oval in Piazza di Siena, even more enchanting now the grass has grown back, and the Galoppatoio, which will host some of the international classes as well as almost all the national ones.
The stage for the grand finale on Sunday May 28th will be reserved entirely to the prestigious and rich Rome Rolex Grand Prix, with prizemoney increased this year to 500,000€.
Fifty horses and riders will compete over two rounds with jumps measuring up to 1.60m with the winner assigned not only victory in what is considered one of the most coveted Grands Prix in the world but also a place in the history of show jumping.
25-28 May 2023
Piazza di Siena, Villa Borghese
