Talent Search to World Cup: Fratelli Fabbri's Riders are at the Top
Talent Search to World Cup: Fratelli Fabbri's Riders are at the Top
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ Verona, Italy (November 18, 2023) - As the year nears its final cycle, Fratelli Fabbri's riders once again find themselves at the pinnacles of the sport. From the best young talent US equitation has to offer to the electric atmosphere during Jumping Verona at Fieracavalli in Italy, Fabbri's riders have relied upon the brand's designs, materials, and performance to join them on the podium.
Longtime #FabbriFamily and double Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher and the Selle Français mare Dallas Vegas Batilly (Cap Kennedy x Violetta Batilly) were brilliant under the lights during the Fieracavalli's Jumping Verona, which served as the fourth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League. Triumphing against a line up of 40 starters that included some of the best in the sport, Maher proved his mettle guiding the Dallas Vegas Batilly to a double clear effort and the fastest jump off time by .15 seconds to edge out Martin Fuchs, Nicola Philippaerts, and Steve Guderdat for the win. Fieracavalli which is touted as the world's largest equestrian festival, celebrated its 125th anniversary this year and attracted over 130,000 visitors from 60 countries around the globe. The Jumping hall was packed to capacity, putting added pressure on both horse and rider especially as the competition came to its thrilling climax.
Maher's partnership with the mare, while going on just over a year, took time to develop. Mare riders can no doubt relate: "My horse, she lands, she turns, and everything went my way today but it was so very close," said Maher. "It took me some time to get to know her well. She’s great but she likes to be the boss and for me to be the passenger!"
As for his Fabbris, Maher stated that their boots have been a staple in his competitive collection throughout his impressive resume of championships, including multiple Olympics. "I have been wearing my Fabbri boots for many years," said Maher. "The combined comfort and great design make my Fabbri riding boots an essential part of both my competition and everyday riding equipment. I can trust Fratelli Fabbri for the attention to detail."
From fair Verona to fair New Jersey, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East crowned another #FabbriFamily rider, Luke Jensen, as the elite rider. The unique competition took place in October at the USEF Headquarters in Gladstone, and includes four phases and horse swaps to truly measure form and competency over fences. Jensen and Calina M (Cador 5 x Le cou cou 4) displayed all the elegance and synergy required to top one of the country's most prestigious equitation events. Jensen, of course, chose equally elegant and performance-focused boots as the foundation for his winning rides.
"The horse swap," Jensen noted, "is the most difficult part of the week. To ride a horse for two minutes and then prepare to jump a course is always tricky, but that challenge makes it my favorite part. To be at the top of the level among your peers and to compete in a high-pressure situation is a great way to prepare yourself for future situations. As you come through as a junior and experience this fall season, it gives you the tools you need to begin dealing with pressure, which is very important because this sport is very mental. To be able to do this and continue to learn to deal with the pressure and the mindset has been super important. It's very special to be successful here and something I'll never forget. I'm also lucky to have a great team behind me, including Fratelli Fabbri."
In addition to Maher and Jensen, Fabbri's riders include a cross section of the top athletes in a variety of disciplines, from the 2020 Olympic Gold Medalists and the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Champion to Hunter Equitation all-stars and 2023 North American Young Rider Champions in Jumping and Dressage. Input from their riders has lead to Fabbri implement a boot that conforms to its rider, with supple, grip knee patches, an elastic and leg-molding elastic gusset from heel to knee, and a double secured snap closure at the top of the zipper to prevent zipper slip even during the most intense ride. Fabbri's latest generation of performance-focused dress and field boots feature a built-in, interchangeable spur, which eliminates the need for bulky and inefficient spur straps. Every detail of Fabbri's boots, from the vegan VEG and the off the rack PRO to their detail focused Customs are handcrafted in Italy. Generations of knowledge, skill, and passion have culminated in riding boots that wear, perform, and ride like no other from toe to zipper closure.
USA's Kat Fuqua, Reserve Champion in the USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship, Nations Cup Bronze Medalist, FEI YR Dressage World Ranked 21, and multiple champion in Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation (Photo by SusanJStickle.com)
