Riding alongside Emilio Puricelli, learning from Pessoa and Sloothaak's wisdom.
Emilio Puricelli, born in 1955, has made a significant mark in the world of equestrianism. His competitive career, spanning several decades, was guided by renowned coaches such as Nelson Pessoa, Henk Nooren, and Franke Sloothaak.
Under their tutelage, Puricelli experienced great successes, culminating in the youth sector's three gold medals at the European Championships. One of his most memorable achievements was being part of the Italian team that won the Nations Cup at Piazza di Siena in 1985.
However, due to health reasons, Puricelli had to retire from competitive riding. But his love for horses and equestrianism did not wane. After retirement, he transitioned into coaching, and along with Markus Fuchs, led Italy to win the silver medal at the European Championships in Windsor in 2009.
Puricelli believes that the first thing a young rider should focus on is having a passion for horses and a strong desire to learn. He advises young people who want to pursue equestrianism to have the desire and humility to continue learning. If possible, he suggests having a valid reference person who gives the right advice at the right time.
The basics of riding, as emphasized by Puricelli, include having a good position in the saddle. A good riding position involves sitting forward in the saddle with open shoulders, high eyes, elbows close together, and hands in front, just above the horse's withers. The inside of the lower leg should have a slightly open toe in the saddle, allowing for effective use of aids and a proper fit against the horse.
In flat work, the horse should lengthen, shorten, and turn at the rider's request, demonstrating elasticity. Improving the flexibility and elasticity of a horse is crucial in flat work, achieved through exercises like shoulders in, shoulders out, leg yields, and shoulder-ins. Exercises like setting up two fences at 15-16 meters and 'the clock' can help riders maintain rhythm and manage lines.
Flat work is fundamental for having a trained, balanced, and obedient horse, making everything easier in equestrian competitions. Puricelli emphasizes the importance of flat work in equestrianism, even though it is a neglected topic in Italy.
Puricelli's experience commenting on international equestrian competitions on television allows him to observe sport at the highest level and notice the technique, position, and nuances. He has worked as a commentator for various television stations, sharing his vast knowledge and insights with a wider audience.
Throughout his career, Puricelli has learned a lot from different coaches like Nelson Pessoa, Henk Nooren, and Franke Sloothaak. He believes that there are many lessons to be learned in equestrianism, and he continues to pass on his wisdom to young riders and fans of the sport.
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