Scuderia 1918 launches a new international Pony Team to support young equestrian talent from their very first competitive experiences. Five international under-17 riders have been selected to take part in this project, which already includes high-level formative experiences alongside figures such as Henk Nooren.
The Pony Team
The brand new Scuderia 1918’s Pony Team is composed of five young riders under the age of 17 who will compete in pony classes up to 1.30m. The selection was overseen by Andrea Caprara, pony trainer, coach and Scuderia 1918’s Pony Talent Scouter, who identified riders with strong technical skills, discipline, and the potential to grow within the values of Scuderia 1918.
Meet the Riders:
Paul Colin (France) – Born in 2010, Paul has already delivered strong performances at major events including the 3rd place at the Pony Nations Cup in Opglabbeek with Team France this year. He recently won the 1.30 m class in the CSIP at Fontainebleau with Douchka De La Lande.
Zoe Audouin (Switzerland) – Born in 2010, Zoe has competed successfully in several national and international events. She recently won the CSIP TEAM PONY COMPETITION at Busto Arsizio with Guimauve Du Chene.
Giorgio Marini (Italy) – A leading figure on the Italian pony circuit, Giorgio has secured top results both nationally and internationally. Giorgio is a member of the Italian team in the 2025 Pony Nations Cup.
Sophie Caprara (Italy) – Leader in the “Pony Brevetti” Italian Computer List, Sophie (born in 2014) recently confirmed her potential on the national scene in Piazza di Siena earning the 2nd place with the regional team in the national competition “Coppa del Presidente” and placed 3rd in the individual ranking.
Tess Ghironi (Italy) – Among the most promising names in Italy’s younger generation, Tess closed the 2024 season with a series of top finishes in regional competitions, including the recent win in the 2025 Italian regional Championship with RANGER VAN SPORKINGSHOVE.
Learning From the Best
Scuderia1918’s approach to talent development is rooted in the belief that excellence is not only the result of talent, but also of the environment, mindset, and support system surrounding each athlete. Since 2021, the launch of the Under 20 Team — and from 2024, the Talent Team — has reflected this philosophy, offering young riders a unique platform for growth. With the creation of the Pony Team, this vision now extends even further, supporting athletes from the very beginning of their journey.
Sophie Caprara and Tess Ghironi
The Pony Team has already taken part in key learning experiences aimed at introducing the riders to the world of elite sport. Earlier this season, several team members visited the Research & Training Center in Massazza (Italy), where they observed a full day of training sessions conducted by Henk Nooren, Head Coach of the Scuderia1918 Talent Team and Scuderia 1918’s Team Manager.
Training session with Henk Nooren at Scuderia 1918’s Research&Training Center
Additionally, during the CSIO5* at Piazza di Siena, the team joined Nooren for the course walk of the Small Grand Prix, gaining valuable insights into strategy and competition management at the top level.
Henk Nooren walking the Small GP’s course with U20 and Pony team members