CSIO Rome - Masters d’Inzeo definitely looks different this time around. In a dramatic reinvention of the showground that every year since 1922 has popped up in the fabulous Villa Borghese public park in the heart of Italy’s capital city, this year’s fixture is all about restoration and respect for the ancient surroundings in which it is held. Everything is much more subtle. Buildings have been kept to a minimum and are all clad in wood, there is 70 percent less in terms of structures and the natural amphitheatre that provides the main arena has been returned to a grass surface.

And that amphitheatre is being further preserved by running 14 of the 25 competitions on the busy four-day show programme - that includes the CSIO, the CSI-YH and the National classes - in the newly-refurbished sand arena at the nearby Galoppatoio, just across from the main entrance to Piazza di Siena. This area has been used for stabling and lorry parking in recent years, but was a very popular venue for equestrian activities throughout the early part of the 20th century and right up until the 1980s. It is springing back to life once again this year, with shopping and dining on offer to spectators along with exciting competition, and it is there that the international action will get underway tomorrow morning with the Prix Safe Riding speed event that begins at 10.00.

Most of the national classes will also take place at the Galoppatoio, but Piazza di Siena remains the main stage for CSIO Rome 2018. It takes its name from the place of origin of the Borghese family who, in the late 18th century, created the wonderful gardens enjoyed so very much by Roman residents and visitors all year round. With careful choreography it is possible for cyclists, joggers, dog-walkers and tourists to share the space being occupied this week by the very best showjumping horses and riders in the world. And the interaction is intriguing. Most of the local people don’t realise they are passing Olympic and world champions as they go about their business. This is what makes CSIO Rome “one of a kind”.

All that will change on Friday however when crowds of equestrian enthuasiasts will also pour in to see the Nations Cup Intesa Sanpaolo. The roar of approval for every Italian effort will echo right across this city when teams from nine countries line out to contest the coveted Rome title which has so much history attached to it. Italy has lifted the trophy 28 times, and last year’s victory was extra special because it came after a 32-year drought. Plenty of pressure on the home side then when the first horse-and-rider partnership set off over the course set by Italian maestro Uliano Vezzani.

The Loro Piana Trophy will be followed by the always popular Six-Bar on Saturday and then on Sunday the Prix Samsung will be the prelude to the much-anticipated Rolex Grand Prix of Rome. It’s not just the €350,000 in prize-money that is the attraction here, for every rider it is about the pride and prestige of placing his or her name alongside the list of legends that have gone before them, all the way back as far as 1926. The winner’s role of honour includes the Italian brothers, Piero and Raimondo d’Inzeo, Ireland’s Colonel Billy Ringrose and Eddie Macken, Great Britain’s Harvey Smith, John Whitaker and Nick Skelton, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and Canada’s Eric Lamaze to name but a few.

America’s McLain Ward claimed the honours in 2016 and The Netherlands Jur Vrieling reigned supreme last year. The battle for the title, sponsored by the revered Swiss watchmakers Rolex for the first time this year, is likely to be second to none.

“La forza e la natura” - the power and the nature - is the theme for this year’s show at Piazza di Siena, and there’s evidence of both everywhere you look. Those signature umbrella pine trees that have witnessed so much over so many years will be more visible than ever, standing proud and tall as another great chapter in the history of CSIO Rome plays itself out under their gracious canopy this week.

Thanks to the initiative of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE), and the expertise of the Rome’s Department of Fine Arts who are guiding the renovation of the Borghese Park and limiting impact while permitting activity in this most precious venue, this Italian gem is making its way back to the future. CSIO Rome 2018 plays a major part in that so don’t miss a precious moment of it….

Ph. Simone Ferraro - CONI