Federica Sileoni is an Italian international para dressage rider and Paralympian. The twenty-eight year-old recently moved back to the Marche region of central Italy having spent many years away in Tuscany, Belgium, and the Netherlands training and developing her skills. For the past seven years, Federica has dedicated her life entirely to horses: “I am incredibly fortunate to have turned my passion into a career,” she says.
Who are you riding and what is your weekly plan?
Federica relaxing with Leonardo and her dog Tokyo
The horse I ride is named Leonardo; he is a 10-year-old Dutch horse. I’ve been riding him for four years now, and together we competed in the Paris 2024 Paralympics and the 2025 European Championships. Leonardo was a challenging horse to partner with at first; he is very skittish and introverted, and he was also quite green when we first got him. Over time, I came to understand his temperament and worked on his fears as well as our technique; today, I believe we make a perfect team.
I ride him six times a week, alternating between light work—such as casual hacks—and more technical training in preparation for competitions. One day a week is dedicated to complete rest.
How did horses come into your life and what led you to dressage?
Horses entered my life by chance on May 1st, 2006, when my sister and I went with our family for an introductory lesson; I haven’t stopped riding since that day. My first pony was named Pink Full; I fell off the first time I rode him, but it was love at first sight nonetheless!
I started out competing in Eventing and continued doing so until 2018. After graduating from high school, I moved away to university to study Psychology, so I stopped competing, although I would go riding whenever I came home. Initially, Dressage was the most nerve wracking of the three Eventing phases and the one I struggled with the most but then I had a mare who was a bit difficult to jump. That experience made me realise the importance of flatwork, and consequently, I began to appreciate dressage much more.
Who have been your mentors?
Federica and Leonardo with Norma Paoli
I was fortunate enough to spend a few years abroad and see how things are done there; during that time, I tried to absorb as much as possible both from the trainers who worked with me and from the people I watched riding and working in the stables.
Since returning to Italy for good in September, I have been training with Norma Paoli. I believe she is one of the best trainers in Italy, with a work ethic that few others possess.
What do you love about dressage?
Dressage is all about discipline, and anyone who knows me knows that in my everyday life I’m a bit undisciplined and unconventional but in the saddle, it’s a different story. Dressage and horses have taught me patience, hard work, and discipline; they’ve taught me that it’s the details that make the difference and that consistency and dedication pay off sooner or later. Outside of the equestrian world, though, I remain undisciplined otherwise, everything would be just a little too perfect!
Can you share some of your best moments?
My fondest memories are in the saddle of the two horses that changed my sporting life, Burberry and Leonardo. The emotions they gave me at the end of every competition are priceless; every championship from the Tokyo Paralympics to last year’s European Championships delivered an incredible adrenaline rush, regardless of the actual result.
What challenges have you faced?
Federica and Leonardo during a test
The challenges are daily, anyone who works with horses knows that well. I believe equestrianism is one of the most beautiful sports there is (though I’m obviously biased), but because you are dealing with animals, there is no such thing as a strict schedule, rushing, or impatience. It is an all-consuming sport, and at times it was perhaps difficult to balance my personal life with it; I had to make sacrifices giving up time with the people I love and spending long periods away from home. Yet, looking back, I would do it all over again, because there are no results without sacrifice and above all, because my loved ones have always encouraged me without ever holding my absence against me.
Do you ever get nervous in or out of the saddle?
I’m a very positive and energetic person, but sometimes I realise I don’t channel that energy in the right way; I struggle to put my emotions and feelings into words, and in my personal life, this trait hasn’t helped me quite the opposite, in fact. Fortunately, horses help me switch off from my personal problems; when I’m in the saddle, I’m so focused that I can put everything else on hold.
Can you offer any advice to those aspiring to become professional riders?
My advice is to commit yourself and focus on small goals. I am firmly convinced that results will come; sometimes it takes time, and sometimes they are more immediate, but hard work always pays off. Along my journey, I was fortunate enough to meet Gea Einaudi and her non-profit organisation, Worldsoul; without her, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. She encouraged me to step out and leave my comfort zone, providing me with the best tools to do so, something for which I will never stop thanking her. In addition, of course, to supporting me financially throughout this entire journey.
Dedication, sacrifice, and let’s face it being in the right place at the right time certainly doesn’t hurt.
Your Top Tip
Federica with her first full-sized pink pony
LIVE AND LET LIVE – without overthinking things or causing trouble for others, applies to life and to your relationship with horses!
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
I’ve received plenty of useful advice—both technical and otherwise—but one phrase has really stuck with me; more than just advice, it is a lesson that fully captures the essence of our sport and something I strongly believe in: “I have seen modest horses give their all to please their rider simply because they were loved and appreciated.” This quote is by Antonio Tabarini.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My team has always consisted of my boyfriend acting as groom and Gea handling a bit of everything. Since moving back to the Marche region in September, the setup has shifted slightly due to logistics: my boyfriend has a new job now but still travels with me to competitions, while Gea continues to support me from afar. Then there is the support of my family, first from a distance and now close by which has always been crucial to me.