A Special Evening to Celebrate Owners. True horse-lovers and passionate about the sport, owners always support riders through thick and thin.

The International Jumping Riders Club hosted an evening  dedicated to the Owners of Horses, on the occasion of the FEI European Jumping Championships 2023 in Milan. The event was held in the splendid Palazzo Borromeo D’Adda, an historic edifice in the centre of Milan.

Situated in via Manzoni, a short walk from the celebrated Teatro della Scala Opera House, Palazzo Borromeo D’Adda was once a renaissance convent, whose splendid courtyard makes it one of the Lombard capital’s most admired historic buildings, even today. The location was selected for its rich architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, attributes which represent the city of Milan. A homage to Milan, a means of presenting the city to those who do not yet know it, and at the same time a prestigious tribute to the evenings’ guests.

The event consisted of a cocktail evening/dinner, entirely dedicated to the Owners of Horses, without whom our sport could not exist.

Hosting the event were IJRC director Eleonora Moroni Ottaviani, IJRC president Kevin Staut and board member Ludger Beerbaum. Together they greeted guests with words of warmth celebrating the fundamental role that Horse Owners play in Equestrian Sport.  

“Owners, who are true horse-lovers and passionate about the sport, support riders through thick and thin, sharing the joys of victory, and the pain of defeat, both inevitable in our sport.   Their financial and moral support is the engine which allows riders to attain high levels and important wins, moments of pure joy and strong emotions.  This provides the reward for their commitment, consolidating the trust and ties with their riders,”  affirmed Eleonora Ottaviani, backed up by Kevin Staut, who spoke in French, and Ludger Beerbaum, in German,  a homage to the guests of many nationalities present at the event.

The long, elegant table situated in the Palazzo’s internal garden hosted more than 90 guests, including representatives of the Federations, Chefs d’equipe, riders and members of the IJRC. It was an important opportunity for impromptu meetings, for the sharing of opinions and for motivation; as well as for enjoying pleasurable moments in the company of those who love horses, who work hard to meet financial commitments, yet are conscious that the satisfactions given to them by their horses with their riders are priceless, and touch everyone’s hearts.  

Over the course of the evening, the Club presented an Honour Award to Adolfo Juri, accompanied also by his young Granddaughter Penelope, owner of some of the horses ridden by Martin Fuchs, including Leone J. Mr Juri has been present on the international scene at a high level for several decades.

The following day saw the Final of the Individual Championships, won by the new European Champion Steve Guerdat, with the Silver Medal going to  Philipp Weishaupt and the Bronze to Julien Epaillard.

At the end of the Press Conference, the IJRC expressed its gratitude to the  grooms of the three winning horses, Dynamix de Belheme, Zineday and Dubai du Cedre, honouring each of them with a gift. In doing so, the Club aims to underline the esteem in which grooms of all levels, nationalities and disciplines are held, and their vital importance to our sport.