Barrel Racing & Pole Bending Club Championship — Scuderia Luciani Horses

Barrel racing and pole bending come to Oricola

In the small town of Oricola, located in the province of L'Aquila at the western edge of the Marsica region, Scuderia Luciani Horses has become a benchmark for Western-style riding. Here, the Barrel Racing & Pole Bending Club Championship comes to life—a multi-stage circuit that energizes the Abruzzo equestrian season and draws enthusiasts and riders from several regions.

Two disciplines of speed and precision

Barrel racing and pole bending are disciplines born in the American West and are now highly popular in Italy. In both, time is the only judge: the horse-and-rider team enters at a gallop, navigates tight paths around three barrels or a row of poles without knocking them over, and sprints toward the finish line. A few milliseconds—or a touched barrel—can decide the outcome of a run. It is a spectacle of power, control, and adrenaline that captivates even those watching from the sidelines.

A multi-stage circuit between Oricola and Marsica

The format is a club championship spread over several days between spring and autumn. The opening stages take place at the Scuderia Luciani Horses facilities in Oricola, while other legs of the circuit move to the Circolo Ippico Marsicano "La Petogna", expanding the event's geography into the heart of the Marsica region. Each stage offers prizes and giveaways, aiming to showcase the riders' talent and further promote these disciplines in the area.

Scuderia Luciani Horses

Managed by Luca and Matteo Luciani, the stable is one of the most solid entities in the Italian barrel racing scene. In recent years, it has distinguished itself with significant results, including the prestigious 2024 Derby Champion title, as well as participation in international competitions such as the 2022 Golden Buckle held in Malta. This expertise makes the Oricola Club Championship a well-organized, dynamic, and growing event.

An event open to the public

The competition days are designed for the public as well: those unfamiliar with Western riding will find a direct and engaging way to discover it, amidst the thunder of hooves, the country atmosphere, and the passion of the teams on the track. It is an opportunity to experience equestrian sports in an authentic setting, deep in the mountains of Abruzzo.