Excellent horses, top riders,
prestigious events with big money. What’s not to love about Italian reining?

If asked to list Italy’s favorite sports, what comes to mind? Soccer? Formula 1 racing? Bocce? Would it surprise you to hear that an equestrian sport has captured Italian hearts?

As a matter of fact, Italians aren’t just crazy over ­soccer. They’re wild about reining too—a passion that is set to reach new heights this year. In September, Italy is scheduled to host the first FEI World Reining Championships held outside of a World Equestrian Games.

Italy was chosen to host this elite reining event as a result of decades of dedication and hard work to ­become the best at their adopted national sport. If you believe reining is strictly American, take a look at Italy. You’ll see it’s become a global phenomenon, and the Italians have become a force to be reckoned with.