Born and raised in the stables, she’s been riding since she learned to walk. Giulia Martinengo Marquet immediately understood that her passion for riding was too strong to remain just a hobby, so she made it not only her profession, but her whole life.
An elite horsewoman from the Air Force, she founded SGH stables with her husband, Stefano Cesaretto.
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Which was your most important competition?
The most important competition for me, emotionally speaking, was the Nations Cup 2018 I won in Piazza di Siena. It was because Piazza di Siena represents the most important show for Italian riders, and to gain a result such as this in front of the Italians was an undefinable feeling.
Do you think it is possible to grow in this sport even without owning a horse?
The answer is yes, in this sport you can grow with someone who believes in you and gives you his horses. There are a lot of stories of Italian riders who grew and became champions without owning their horses.
Which is your favorite horse?
My favorite horse is Athletica. Always and forever.
What flatwork exercises help the horse to be relaxed?
I think it is important to begin the flatwork session in relaxation. Then you can be more demanding with your requests, it is useful to do the transitions and a work on two tracks. I don’t like to exasperate this kind of work, but it is useful to get the horse relaxed because it finds movement and attention. This is what I do.
Have you ever wanted to give up?
I have been through difficult times during my sport career, as everyone, but I never wanted to give up my entire career. There have been moments in which I thought I had to try once more and with more determination.
Are there competitions which are required for a young rider in order to show his potential?
I don’t think there are competitions which are required for a young rider in order to show his potential. I think the most important thing is to do the right competition at the right moment, in order to respect the growth of the rider, the horse and the binomial. If you have passion, the results will come. You can show your potential with your good work.
Do you have any advice to begin a horse riding career?
The best advice I can give is to start with passion and determination in everything you do, and never give up when things go wrong. There are a lot of other aspects affecting your career, but this in the fundamental thing to begin well.
How many Scuderia 1918 horses do you ride?
Daytona della Caccia (7 years), Hopkins (8 years), Hornesch (8 years), Claristo (8 years), Calle Deluxe (8 years), Carisma (10 years), Elzas (11 years), Princy (11 years), E. Adore Joh (11 years).
Do you prefer stallions, mares or geldings?
I have more affinity with mares. But I have many geldings like Hopkins or Elzas. The truth is I like them all!
How did you get here?
Well, I don’t feel like I’m done in my career, this is what pushes me to strive to do better everyday. I always met people in my life who supported me: my family, my husband Stefano, the Air Force who has been supporting me for fifteen years, the owners, the sponsors.
Do you need masseurs and physiotherapist for the wellness of your horses?
Yes, absolutely! In my beautiful team there is a masseur and a vet who see my horses regularly.
Do you use horse boots after every race?
Yes, after every race I put the horse boots on their legs. Maybe I don’t do it with every young horse, but with the horses which compete at high levels I take this precaution after every race.
Is it possible to rise in this sport without having much money?
Yes, it has been proved. This is surely a challenging sport, but work and commitment are the basis of everything. There are many examples of riders who succeed because they believed in their dreams and in their abilities.
Would you like to ride in Sicily?
Yes, I’d like to. My parents have ridden many times in Sicily and they always told me it was incredible. My husband Stefano jumped in Catania and Palermo and says that those were the most beautiful races of the year.
Which is the horse you are more bonded with?
The horse I am more bonded with is Athletica, which is the first who made me ride the most important competitions. I even have her name tattooed!
Have you ever wanted to do Dressage instead of Show Jumping?
Never! I have always had an insane passion for Show Jumping!
