Federico Caprilli

NAME Federico Caprilli

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Federico Caprilli is renowned for revolutionizing equestrian jumping techniques by introducing the "forward seat," a riding style that transformed show jumping and military equitation worldwide.

BIRTH Caprilli was born on April 8, 1868, in Livorno, Italy.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Federico Caprilli was one of four children born to Enrico Caprilli and his wife, Elvira. His early life was marked by the loss of his father, who passed away when Federico was still a child. Subsequently, his mother remarried Carlo Santini, an engineer who was also a known patriot and a devoted follower of Giuseppe Garibaldi. This remarriage led to the family's relocation to Rome. (1)

CHILDHOOD Caprilli demonstrated a strong interest in the military from an early age, enrolling in cadet training at just 13 years old.

EDUCATION Caprilli attended the Military College of Florence at 13, later transferring to Rome and Modena. Despite being marked as a poor rider upon graduation, he pursued equestrian training and joined the Cavalry Regiment "Royal Piedmont".

It was during his time at the newly established Military College in Rome that he first rode a named horse, Bertone, marking the beginning of his equestrian experience.

Even in his early years, Caprilli stood out for his athletic abilities, particularly in gymnastics and fencing, suggesting a natural physical aptitude and discipline that would serve him well in the physically demanding world of horsemanship. (2)

CAREER RECORD Caprilli rose through the ranks of the Italian cavalry, becoming chief instructor at the Cavalry School of Pinerolo and Tor di Quinto. He broke world records in equestrian jumping and trained riders who achieved international success

APPEARANCE Caprilli was noted for his striking physical presence. He was considered tall for his era, standing at six feet. Descriptions portray him as handsome with an erect posture. In his cavalry uniform, he was described as long-waisted, whip-thin, and elegant. A particularly distinctive feature was his spectacular handle-bar mustache.

Federico Caprilli prior to 1907

FASHION As a military officer, Caprilli adhered to the formal attire of his rank, favoring uniforms over civilian fashion.

When participating in steeple chases, he wore a white jacket adorned with silver stitching and a light blue cap. These were his personal racing colors, reflecting his involvement and identity within the competitive equestrian world. 

CHARACTER Caprilli was innovative, determined, and rebellious against traditional equestrian methods. His passion for horses and riding defined his character.

RELATIONSHIPS Federico Caprilli shared a close friendship with Marquis Emanuele Cacherano di Bricherarasio, who exerted a considerable influence on him. 

 Rumors circulated about his "turbulent sentimental life with women of the high aristocracy" , suggesting romantic entanglements with prominent figures of the time. He was also known to associate with "fast company," including duchessas and contessas , further reinforcing the notion of his relationships with women from high society.

A particularly important relationship was with cavalry captain Carlo Giubbilei, who was not only his friend but also his sole biographer. Giubbilei's account serves as a crucial source of information about Caprilli's life and work. (1)

MONEY AND FAME Federico Caprilli achieved considerable fame during his lifetime, primarily through his revolutionary contributions to equestrianism. His participation in horse racing competitions brought him initial recognition. However, it was his high jump record in 1902 that catapulted him to widespread fame , with his innovative style being celebrated as the “Caprilli Revolution”. His developments led to a period of dominance for the Italian cavalry in international competitions , attracting riders from around the world who sought to learn his system.

His lasting fame is evident in the posthumous renaming of the local horse racing track in Livorno to Ippodromo Federico Caprilli in 1937. During his career, he received prizes for his achievements, such as a hunting horse and a ceramic vase at the "International Horse Competition" in Turin. He even offered a significant cash prize of 500 lire during a height jump challenge in Turin

Caprilli did not accumulate significant wealth. His contributions earned respect rather than material riches.

HORSE RIDING Federico Caprilli’s professional life was, in the nicest possible way, a wild gallop through military tradition, stubborn hierarchy, and the occasional rumor-fueled scandal—all while completely reinventing how humans sit on horses.

It all began in 1886, when Caprilli, a fresh-faced Second Lieutenant, was assigned to the exceedingly grand-sounding Cavalry Regiment of the Royal Piedmont in Pinerolo. Now, if you’re imagining this as a charming Italian village filled with noble horses and elegant officers, you’re half right. The other half involved a lot of men shouting, starched uniforms, and a strict insistence on doing things exactly as they'd been done since the 17th century.

Caprilli began watching how horses actually moved when they were jumping without someone flopping around on top of them like a sack of potatoes. He noticed, astonishingly, that horses knew how to jump just fine on their own—and that riders might do well to get out of their way. This simple, sensible idea would soon turn the entire riding world on its well-polished head. 

By the late 1890s, Caprilli was actively developing his new method of riding, which basically involved leaning forward a bit and not treating the horse like a Victorian fainting couch. Revolutionary! Naturally, this ruffled a few feathers among the brass buttons and monocle set, who believed innovation was something that happened to other people.

Below: The old jumping seat: leaning back to "save" the horse's legs. Note the horse's inverted frame and poor technique by Eadweard Muybridge.

In 1904, after years of side-eye and resistance, Caprilli was finally allowed to teach at the Italian Cavalry School in Pinerolo. His technique—what we now call the “forward seat”—was soon adopted throughout the Italian cavalry, which, given the glacial pace of military reform, is akin to the Vatican announcing it will now livestream mass on TikTok.

But Caprilli wasn’t content with theory and tinkering. No, he was also a sportsman. He competed in steeplechases (as a “gentleman rider,” naturally), wore a splendid white jacket with silver stitching and a pale blue cap, and rode horses with names like Sfacciato, Rugantino, and Instructor. You get the sense that if someone had asked him to race a giraffe, he probably would’ve done it, just to see how it jumped.

By 1901, his ideas were officially published in the Rivista di Cavalleria, and new cavalry regulations followed shortly after. He was promoted to captain, transferred to Genoa, and invited to Saumur—the Versailles of cavalry academies—where he was treated like the horse-whispering genius he clearly was.

And then, in 1902, just to put a jaunty feather in his already well-feathered cap, he set a world record during the Turin Trials. He achieved a remarkable height of 2.08 meters, showcasing his revolutionary "forward seat" riding technique, by clearing a high jump of 2.08 meters. That’s roughly the height of two very surprised donkeys stacked on top of each other.

But of course, no hero’s tale is complete without a dash of scandal. Whispers about Caprilli’s personal life (because of course there were whispers) led to a temporary exile to a southern regiment. Even there, he kept riding, teaching, and winning over hearts, hooves, and minds. When called back to demonstrate his system to a skeptical committee, he rode like a man possessed by logic and physics—and convinced them all. In 1904, he was formally appointed instructor at Pinerolo, and by 1905 he was running his own department and jotting down his revolutionary musings for posterity.

His method went international when he demonstrated it at the 1906 Olympic Games, proving that a man with a good eye, a sturdy saddle, and a stubborn streak could upend centuries of tradition—one forward-leaning ride at a time.

FOOD AND DRINK As a cavalry officer and equestrian, Caprilli's meals were influenced by the standard provisions of military life in late 19th and early 20th century Italy, which would have included simple, practical foods suitable for an active lifestyle.

MUSIC AND ARTS Caprilli's life was deeply focused on revolutionizing equestrian techniques and advancing military riding practices, leaving little indication of involvement or passion for cultural pursuits like music or the arts.

LITERATURE In 1901, he authored a series of articles published in the cavalry journal Rivista di Cavalleria under the title “Principi eli Equitazione eli Campagna,” which translates to “Principles of Cross-country Equitation”. These writings, though totaling only seventeen single-spaced typewritten pages , are considered historically significant as the first formal articulation of Forward Riding. While his writing style was described as somewhat rambling, repetitious, and brief , the impact of these articles on the equestrian world was profound. 

It is noted that he was in the process of compiling his notes at the time of his untimely death, suggesting that he intended to further elaborate on his methods. (3)

NATURE Federico Caprilli's approach to horsemanship was deeply connected to his understanding of nature. His innovative techniques were born from his careful observation of horses in their natural state, allowing him to understand their biomechanics when jumping and moving across various terrains. 

The region of Pinerolo, where he spent a significant portion of his career, featured pine-covered hills that provided excellent natural training grounds for cross-country riding practice. (4)

PET Caprilli had aa favorite mare who served as his "inseparable companion in experiments". He even devised a unique method of studying her movements by fitting her with a straw-stuffed dummy used for sabre practice. 

His first horse was named Sfaceto , an Italian word meaning "insolent," "cheeky," or "impudent," which might offer a subtle insight into his personality or his relationship with that horse. He also rode horses named Mélepo and Montebello at the 1900 Olympics, although he was a non-starter. In competitions, he rode horses such as Grana, Rugantino, and Instructor , as well as Codino. (1) (3)

Photo of Caprilli from https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/training

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Caprilli excelled in gymnastics and fencing during his youth but devoted most of his life to equestrian sports. His intense dedication to studying and experimenting with horses suggests that his work was not just a profession but also his primary passion and a significant part of his personal interests.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Federico Caprilli's approach to horsemanship was underpinned by a scientific and analytical mindset. He conducted a "thorough study of the psychology and mechanics of locomotion of the horse". His methods were based on observing and understanding the biomechanics of horses during movement, particularly when jumping. His core principle of reducing and simplifying rider intervention was rooted in a deep understanding of the horse's natural balance and capabilities. His revolutionary techniques were not simply based on tradition but on a keen scientific understanding of equine physiology and psychology. (5)

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Caprilli’s philosophy centered on respecting the horse’s natural abilities and minimizing rider interference during jumps.

POLITICS Caprilli's life was influenced by the political context of his time. His stepfather, Carlo Santini, was a known patriot and a devoted supporter of Giuseppe Garibaldi , suggesting that Caprilli was likely exposed to the political movements and ideologies of the era through his family. Furthermore, his career as a cavalry officer in the Italian military inherently placed him within the political and military structures of the Kingdom of Italy.

SCANDAL Rumors of a "turbulent sentimental life with women of the high aristocracy" led to his temporary transfer to a cavalry regiment in southern Italy , suggesting a potential scandal involving his personal relationships and the social norms of the time. (6)

The circumstances surrounding his death were also somewhat mysterious, with one hypothesis suggesting a possible murder linked to sentimental issues. 

MILITARY RECORD Federico Caprilli's military career formed the bedrock of his professional life.  In 1886, he entered the Military School of Modena as a cavalry aspirant. By 1888, he was appointed as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Piedmont regiment. He served in the cavalry regiment of Piedmont Royal in Pinerolo  and was also assigned to the Cavalry Regiment 'Royal Piémont'. 

He eventually rose to become the chief instructor at the Cavalry School of Pinerolo and its subsidiary in Tor di Quinto  and was promoted to the rank of captain.  He was temporarily transferred to a cavalry regiment in southern Italy  before returning to become Instructor to the Cavalry School in 1904. In 1905, he was appointed director of a department. 

Caprilli's military career provided the structure and opportunities for his groundbreaking equestrian innovations.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Caprilli was physically fit due to his military training and active lifestyle as an equestrian athlete.  However, it is noted that he suffered “innumerable accidents that probably contributed to his early demise” , suggesting a history of injuries.(7)

HOMES He resided at the headquarters of the Pinerolo Riding School in Saluzzo  and worked extensively in Pinerolo at the Cavalry School. Caprilli also spent time working at the Tor di Quinto Cavalry School near Rome. For a period, he was transferred to Genoa  and was also stationed in southern Italy. He ultimately died in Turin. His frequent relocations reflect the demands of his military service and the various stages of his career development. Pinerolo and Tor di Quinto stand out as key locations central to his work as a riding instructor and the evolution of his groundbreaking equestrian methods

TRAVEL Caprilli traveled extensively within Italy for military duties and internationally for equestrian demonstrations.

His growing reputation led to international travel, including a visit to Saumur, France , a significant center of equestrian tradition. 

A notable instance of international travel was Caprilli's demonstration of his method at the 1906 Olympic Games in Athens. 

DEATH Federico Caprilli died on December 6, 1907, in Pinerolo, Italy, at the age of 39. While riding a borrowed horse on a snow-covered cobblestone street, he inexplicably lost consciousness and fell from the saddle. He struck his head on the sharp edge of a curb, suffering a fatal skull fracture. Despite being taken to a hospital, Caprilli never regained consciousness and passed away shortly thereafter. (7)

Federico Caprilli was buried in Pinerolo, Italy, the town where he had spent much of his career as chief instructor at the Cavalry School. His tombstone bears the simple yet profound epitaph:

FRIDERICUS CAPRILLI

MAGISTER EQUITUM

1868 – 1907

This translates to "Federico Caprilli, Master of Horsemen."

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Federico Caprilli's prominence led to appearances in various media forms. There are mentions of photographs capturing his image. Notably, a photograph documenting his victory in setting the high jump world record in Turin in 1902 was featured in the esteemed publication L'illustrazione Italiana. These media appearances, particularly in illustrated magazines, likely contributed to the dissemination of his revolutionary ideas and enhanced his public recognition during his lifetime

Caprilli’s legacy is preserved through historical accounts, documentaries, and writings on equestrianism. His techniques are visible in early Olympic footage showcasing Italian dominance in show jumping.

ACHIEVEMENTS Caprilli revolutionized equestrian sports with the forward seat technique, breaking world records and transforming military cavalry training globally. His methods remain foundational in modern show jumping

Sources (1) Clubcavalloitalia (2) Italy On This Day (3) Horse magazine (4) US Horsemanship (5) Britannica (6) Wikipedia (7) Practical Horseman