There are stories that arise from a dream nurtured in silence and that, despite obstacles, find a path to fulfillment. This is the case of Sophie Tola, 19 , originally from Cagliari and raised in Capoterra, one of the promising young Italian equestrians in the show jumping discipline.

Her passion, she says, began early, "at the end of elementary school," even though her mother preferred to direct her toward swimming. But the call of horses was too strong to ignore. It was the mother of a classmate, Silvia, who changed her life: "I owe her so much. She was the one who took me to my first test. I was so happy."

From Scuderie De Bois to national competitions – Sophie took her first steps at Scuderie De Bois in Capoterra, trained by pony instructor Annamaria, before entering the competitive world under the guidance of Raffaele Mulas, owner of the center. From there, Sophie's life changed: more hours at the stables, less free time, fewer vacations, fewer hobbies. "But I was happy. Show jumping was everything to me," she says.

The turning point at 15: love for Daiquiri Frozen – At 15, the decisive moment arrived: a trip to Northern Italy to choose a more experienced horse. The goal was to find a 9-10-year-old, already trained horse. Instead, a dramatic turn of events occurred: Sophie fell in love with a 5-year-old filly, Daiquiri Frozen, from the Loggia stud farm. A mare by a champion mare, the daughter of her future master, Roberto Arioldi, a two-time Olympian and winner of everything there is to win in Italy.

Arioldi saw the young rider's talent and offered her first the opportunity to work together again, then, in the summer of 2023, the chance to move permanently to his farmhouse to train full-time every day.

Life on the farm: wake up at 5:30 and hard work – Since then, Sophie's days begin at 5:30 in the morning. She works with her two horses and also rides those from the stable, including the foals. "My training grows every day. It's a constant push, an ever-new thrill."

A commitment that bears fruit: in the computer list of October 15, Sophie is 15th in the Young Rider 1st degree category, a national ranking updated monthly.

Results and goals

In recent years Sophie has built up a very respectable list of achievements:
• jumped categories up to 135 cm;
• is working to obtain a 2nd level license, which will allow her to compete in higher categories;
• won the bronze medal at the Lombard Championships with Daiquiri;
• achieved 15th place at the Italian Championships with his previous horse, Cordelli;
• placed 5th in the Master Gold category at Piazza di Siena, one of the most prestigious competitions in Italy;
• obtained numerous placings in the two weeks of Jumping Torgnon and in other national competitions.

The Verona dream come true – A few weeks ago brought with it an unforgettable milestone: participation in the Verona Horse Fair, a dream Sophie had been pursuing for five years. In the Master Bronze 127x127 category, after two excellent performances, she finished among the top ten and advanced to the final. With her inseparable Daiquiri, Sophie earned an exceptional second place, accompanied by laps of honor and awards that will remain forever in her heart.

Gratitude and a look to the future – Behind her successes lies a network of love and sacrifice. “I can never thank my parents enough,” says Sophie, “my mother who turned her life upside down to accompany me everywhere, my family who is proud of me, and my angels in heaven who protect me.” The future? Continuing to grow, improve, and jump ever higher. With the same determination that, from Capoterra to Verona, has made Sophie Tola one of the most promising young riders on the Italian scene.

© Riproduzione riservata