The “Stable life and horse care” course for artificers took place on Saturday 15 June, organized by Palio Committee of the San Silvestro district of Asti.
L’equestrian artist, is an ancient and precious figure, of high responsibility as he is responsible for the care of horses, their management, accompaniment in transfers in the event of sporting competitions and their psycho-physical well-being. More than seventy registrations received and divided into two working groups of heterogeneous ages, origins and typologies.
The part conducted by the Palio Captain Gianbattista Filippone on the importance of the horse in the world of the Palio and on how to become future Captains, held in the Trophy Room, in via Micca 36 in Asti, was very dynamic and interactive.
The part with video cards and interventions by professionals and managers of the CSVV and animal protection bodies was more theoretical and didactic and then continued at the “La Ciocca” Riding Club of Tonco (AT).
The practical lessons with horses were exciting, coordinated by the athlete Jacopo Bandiera who with patience and precision had the participants try their hand at the cleaning and preparation phase of the horses, with specification of the different types of horse breeds and riding, description of techniques and tools. The meeting continued with the practical test and the final exam of this first course, with the promise of repeating others at other stables in the area, in order to enhance the enormous opportunity for qualified offers present in the Astese area.
At the end of the delivery of the first level certificates given to the participants by the prior Gianpiero Giordano and the rector Emerita Maria Teresa Perosino, the rector Samantha Panza thanked all the staff of the “La Ciocca” riding club for the extreme availability, hospitality and professionalism demonstrated , a delightful place in the hills of Tonco, where the collaboration will continue during the summer preparatory horse riding center which will take place at the same facility.
“Sandra and Mirko Bevilacqua and their daughters Ilaria and Elisa, already known in the paliophile world as grooms of the Captain’s Group, and Mirko’s sister, Raffaella, with their daughters Chiara and Emma, are a splendid family – comment the promoters of the course – With joy, harmony and union they know how to convey the passion that animates them. Naturally with the support of the proud grandfather Sandro, who despite his incredible 80 years, never stops contributing to the success of the company and family harmony”.
The Neo Artieri’s day ended with the celebrations at the “Nuovo Falcone”. During the greetings, special thanks went to the Zoofile Guards of ENPA Claudio Chirminisi and Patrizia Dalmasso, for their commitment to the protection and safeguarding of animals, to veterinarians, athletes, trainers, experts and enthusiasts who every day promote care and passion for the horses, and there was no lack of emotion in remembering great figures who set a precedent in this sector such as: Edoardo Treselli, Lillo L’Annunziata and Lazzero Beligni known as “Giove”.
Given the success of the initiative, and the high number of applications received, further appointments with other in-depth topics are scheduled.
The next course for craftsmen on the role of “Horse Box Attendant and Racing Commission: rules, laws, health regulations, equipment, protection of Palio and competition horses” is scheduled from Wednesday 28 August to Saturday 31 August. Registration deadline: Thursday 22 August.
The course includes a lesson from the President of the Technical Commission of the Palio di Asti, Roberto Sabatini, participation in the official veterinary visits of the Palio di Asti, at the “Capricorno Equestrian Center” of Castell’Alfero coordinated by Dr. Fulvio Brusa, an interview to the former Palio Captain Enzo Clerico, an inspection of the Piazza Alfieri track and the pit area with the Palio Captain’s Group, a meeting with the well-known commentator and journalist Camillo Pinelli, known as Brontolo, and, naturally, a lesson on the rules and analogies of the different Palios in Italy and the races on the hippodrome, held by the jockey Carlo Sanna known as Brigante, who will race for the Oro Argento on September 1st.
The course will end with an exam and delivery of certificates by the mayor Maurizio Rasero and captain Gianbattista Filippone on Saturday 31 August.
The artisans will witness the blessing of the horse of the Palio of the San Silvestro district, in the evocative night ceremony celebrated by Don Andrea Martinetto and then all together they will continue the celebrations with the dinner show, again at the Church of San Silvestro, set up in collaboration with the Center San Silvestro, the Mondino family, the CDC staff, the district club, representatives and managers of the main Italian Palios and the teachers of the various courses.
The courses are free and open to all.
For those who would like information or to book the ritual dinner, preceded as tradition by the Offering of the Candle to the Patron Saint, with solemn blessing of the horse, entertainment in medieval costume, organ music, ancient propitiatory rites of the Order of the Porcupine and vigil at the church of San Silvestro (registrations by Thursday 22 August) can contact the rector Samantha Panza on 335 6641102 or write to the committee’s email: [email protected]
