Camporosso, Italy | October 2024 |What began as a family’s passion for horses has transformed into Liguria Jumping, a world-class equestrian training facility offering young riders an unparalleled path into the elite levels of showjumping. Just a short drive from Monaco, Liguria Jumping is more than a state-of-the-art facility; it’s a labour of love born from the vision of a family deeply invested in the welfare of their horses and the future of equestrian sport in the Mediterranean region.
The founding family, all avid equestrians, faced a challenging landscape when it came to high-quality training and competition opportunities near their home in Monaco. Despite their collective love for showjumping, they found few local venues provided ample opportunity to progress within the sport. This, paired with the family’s understanding of how crucial top-tier coaching is to success in the sport, led to a bold decision: to build their own premier facility designed with the well-being of both horses and riders at its core.
“The foundation of Liguria Jumping is deeply personal for us,” shares Gary Fitzgerald, Founder of Liguria Jumping. “We created this space not only to fulfil our own dreams, but to bring the highest levels of equestrian training to a region where ambitious riders otherwise had to move potentially far from home to reach their goals. Liguria Jumping represents our commitment to providing a nurturing, professional environment for aspiring riders, so they can thrive and develop here without compromising their connections to family, community, or education.”
At the heart of Liguria Jumping is the Elite Showjumping Program, led by internationally acclaimed 5* showjumper, Richard Howley. Currently ranked 38th in the world, Howley brings unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to guiding young riders towards success. Together with Anna Pezzoli, an experienced trainer and manager, they offer a comprehensive, personalized training experience that supports both athletic growth and personal development. Riders benefit from frequent training sessions, bi-annual intensive camps, and year-round support to excel both in and out of the ring.
A central tenet of the Liguria Jumping philosophy is the balance between high-performance training and academic achievement. For young athletes who are also students, the program ensures seamless integration of education by providing a dedicated study space and coordinating with academic schedules. “We believe that equestrian excellence should not come at the cost of a well-rounded education,” explains Howley. “Liguria Jumping is designed so that riders can pursue their passion and training at an elite level without sacrificing their academic goals.”
Beyond technical skill development, Liguria Jumping prioritizes a holistic approach to horse and rider welfare. Its facilities include cutting-edge indoor and outdoor arenas, luxurious stabling, and a fitness centre tailored to equestrian conditioning, reflecting the founders’ commitment to creating a haven that supports peak performance and well-being. “Our goal was to build an environment where horses are respected and cared for to the highest standards,” shares Fitzgerald.