Italians Abroad: Face to Face with Maria Nella Dell’Orbo CEO and Rider of DO Dressage.
Maria Nella Dell’Orbo, an Italian rider and dressage trainer, has turned her love for horses and her passion for riding into a successful international career. Originally from Vigevano, with roots in the Marche region, she has embarked on a journey that has led her to become a leading figure in dressage. From her degree in Sociology to her training in Ireland and the UK, to the creation of the DO Dressage project, Maria shares her philosophy based on respect for horses, personal growth and the continuous pursuit of excellence. In this interview, she tells us about her extraordinary journey, the challenges she has faced, the successes she has achieved and the dreams that still guide her.
Can you tell us something about your origins in Italy and how your passion for dressage began? Originally from Lombardy, born in Vigevano, I grew up between the Po Valley and the green hills of the Marche, which allowed me to live in close contact with nature and animals, in complete freedom. I graduated in Sociology at the University of Urbino, a course that gave me the opportunity to delve into the psycho-pedagogical aspects useful in training horses and riders. Since I was a child, horses have fascinated me with their magical aura, and riding them has always been a way for me to get in tune with them. I started riding regularly early on, experimenting with the three Olympic disciplines and working with different types of horses, such as thoroughbreds, point to pointers and trotters with sulkies. I also experienced the unique environment of hunting stables on horseback. Dressage, however, has always had a special charm. For me it is not just a sport, but an art that combines music, dance, philosophy and athletics, allowing me to spend a lot of time outdoors. Perfect for my spirit.
What was the main motivation that led you to move abroad? The equestrian culture that surrounded me had never seemed enough to me. I was driven by the desire to delve into all aspects related to the care and management of horses, going beyond their training. I was fascinated by learning from the young English grooms, very skilled in the daily management of horses, and discovering the educational system of the British Horse Society (BHS), a structured and rigorous model. What better place to explore these traditions than Ireland and England, countries with such a deep-rooted and complete equestrian culture? Furthermore, the daily use of the English language would have been an additional advantage. Moving to Ireland was my first concrete step in this direction. Here I started to build my career, acquiring both practical and theoretical skills. I took the BHS exams and obtained my first qualification as a level 1 instructor: BHS AI. I then moved to the UK, where I continued my education and became a BHSI Performance Dressage Coach (Level 3). In order to be completely self-sufficient, I obtained my C-license and a “Travelling Groom” certificate, which allows me to travel with horses on trucks. I also had the opportunity to learn how to rasp the hooves of my bare horses, thanks to my farriers, the Casserlys, who have won many international and national awards. In Ireland, I also began to take on saddlery repairs, a skill I honed in the UK. Some knit, I repair leather
What have been your biggest competitive successes to date? As a rider, the most significant achievements have been representing Italy in CDI and having the opportunity to ride in Grand Prix. As a coach and trainer, my goal has always been to offer horses the opportunity to express themselves to the best of their athletic potential, while preserving their enthusiasm and desire to work. For me it is essential that horses, both at basic level and in Grand Prix, never tire of having me in the saddle, maintaining a calm and collaborative attitude.
Which horses have been the most important to you? Is there a horse with which you have had a special bond? All the horses with which I have had the privilege of working, both as a rider and as an instructor, have been special and have enriched me deeply. Even the humblest school horses have played an important role in my journey. However, Stella SI, who followed me during my experience in Ireland, and Allés of Nicks KWPN, who is still with me, have been truly fundamental to my professional and personal development. They have left an indelible mark, helping me to grow not only as a professional but also as a person. They have made me better.
What is your philosophy in dressage? Is there a particular aspect of this discipline that you like to pass on to your students or collaborators? The value that I put above all else is respect for the horse. It is not something that applies only to dressage, but to every aspect of the relationship with them. Horses are extraordinarily generous animals, often accommodating to all our requests. Unfortunately, this availability is too often abused, leading to horses that are rendered unrideable or even dangerous. In my approach, I always try to keep my horses curious and motivated, eager to work with me. I prefer to ask a little less rather than push beyond the limit. I want them to end each session thinking: “That’s it? It wasn’t that difficult!”. I also apply the same principle with my students.
