Gianluigi Pavani: “From Italy to Germany for the Best Training”
Gianluigi Pavani (13) has been driving ponies since he was eight years old, inspired by his father, who has always played an important role in his passion for the sport. With his pony Elly, the young Italian won the Italian Combined Driving Championship four years in a row. Now, with his young pony Young Winsome’s Florance, he is focusing on the European Championship for young drivers in Romania this week. A journey that sees him travelling between Italy and Germany to receive the best possible training and support.
Gianluigi’s competitive career began in Italy under the guidance of coach Alberto Tosi. Together with Elly, he won the Italian Combined Driving Championship four consecutive years. "My passion for this sport comes from my father, who has been involved in carriage driving for many years," Gianluigi explains.
New Pony, New Trainer
To help Gianluigi progress further, the family bought another young pony: the Dutch-bred New Forest pony Young Winsome’s Florance. With Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium considered the heartland of international carriage, Florance was entrusted to Italian trainer Gabriele Grasso, who is based in Germany. Florance remains in training with Grasso, while Gianluigi regularly travels to his training centre to train and compete.
On the Road to Romania
Gianluigi’s most exciting competition experience so far was his first international start in Kronenberg. "I realised I was competing at one of the most important driving venues in Europe. I’d never driven such a demanding marathon before, but in the end I was incredibly proud and happy to finish on the podium."
More recently, Gianluigi also competed in Książ, where he finished third. He is now looking forward to the FEI European Championship for Young Drivers in Romania this week. "It will be a challenging competition that requires concentration, precision and speed. Representing Italy at the European Championship is already a huge achievement, but what excites me most is the opportunity to compete against the best young drivers in Europe."
His ultimate ambition is to compete at the FEI World Championship for Pony Driving one day, followed later in his career by the FEI Four-in-Hand World Championship.
Click here for more information about the European Championship in Osorhei this week
Source: MenSport & Showpaard. Republishing without permission is prohibited. For permission requests, please contact info@mensport.nl
Photos: Matteo Pavani
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