H&H meets Brazilian rider Marlon Modolo Zanotelli

Horse & Hound's coverage of Ashford Farm CSI4* Bolesworth International (18-21 June) is brought to you in association with Equestrian.com

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, a 27-year-old Brazilian showjumper, got his Ashford Farm Bolesworth International campaign off to a flying start by winning Friday’s MS Components CSI4* 1.35m class with Ashford Farm’s Cavalia, an eight-year-old KWPN mare by Ultimo. He also took Saturday’s opening class, the 6/7 year-old handicap class, with Cool Clarimo. Horse & Hound caught up with Marlon to find out more…

Where are you based?

I am one of the riders at Ashford Farm in Bocholt, Belgium – a great location, close to the border with Holland – along with my wife Angelica Augustsson, who is a Swedish international showjumper and is also here at Bolesworth [she finished third and fourth behind Marlon in the 6/7 year-old handicap class on Saturday] and Belgian rider Pieter Clemens.

Who are you trained by?

Between Angelica, Pieter and myself we all help each other out with training and advice, but I also take advice from my dad Mario, who is a former Brazilian event rider. I was previously based with Belgian showjumper Ludo Philippaerts, I moved to Europe to be based with him in 2008.

How many horses do you have to ride?

I currently have 12 horses to compete and we have two stable jockeys at Ashford Farm who help with the riding, but I ride seven or eight horses a day.

What are your aims?

I am heading to the Pan American Games in July with Rock ‘N Roll Semilly, a ten-year-old stallion and then I will be focusing on next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Is this your first visit to Bolesworth?

Yes and it is an amazing show, I am really impressed with the arena, the whole facility is very good – I will be back for sure. I try to come over to England as much as possible for shows like this.

Ashford Farm Bolesworth International takes place from 18-21 June, with the Redrow Homes CSI4* 1.60m Grand Prix taking place on Sunday, 21 June.

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