Italian horse performer compares acrobatic shows to extreme sports

Italian equestrian performer Diego Giona says his acrobatic horse shows are as extreme as motorcycle stunts, ERR reported, citing its Ringvaade programme.

Giona began working with horses alongside his father at a young age and performed with ponies when he was eight. The show he brought to Estonia features spectacular and acrobatic riding stunts, including jumps.

His most dangerous act involves jumping over an obstacle with eight horses. Giona said he has never suffered a serious injury. “It is dangerous, but I like it. We like it,” he told Ringvaade.

Giona said his horses know the routines so well that they can help if he forgets what comes next. When he stands on two horses, he said, he does not even need to guide them: he thinks about where they should go, and they go there.

The horses also recognise when a performance is taking place, he said, adding that they enjoy louder applause. Giona has ten horses and said he would not sell any of them, describing each as invaluable.