A new science-based tool to better understand sport horses through behaviour, cognition and individuality.

Scuderia 1918 presents the “Horse Personality Test”, a new digital project designed to help riders, owners and equestrian enthusiasts better understand the behavioural and cognitive characteristics of their horses.

Developed as part of Scuderia 1918’s ongoing commitment to the “Horse First” philosophy, the Horse Personality Test combines behavioural observation, learning theory and communication principles into an accessible and engaging experience. The initiative aims to encourage a more conscious and individualised approach to horse management and training.

In equestrian sport, horses are often described through generic labels such as “hot”, “lazy” or “difficult”. However, modern equine science increasingly recognises that every horse processes stimuli, stress, learning and social interaction differently. Understanding these differences can play a key role in improving communication, welfare and long-term performance.

The initiative also reflects a growing shift within the equestrian industry toward data-informed and horse-centred management systems, encouraging younger generations of riders to observe their horses more carefully, recognise behavioural patterns, and better understand how individual personality traits influence daily management, training and welfare.

The Horse Personality Test was created to translate these concepts into a format that is both educational and shareable. The test is designed for social sharing and community engagement, with visually distinctive result cards inspired by music genres and contemporary digital culture. Users are encouraged to share their horse’s personality profile online and compare results across the equestrian community. 

Beyond entertainment, the project aims to introduce broader conversations around equine welfare, neuroplasticity, stress management and learning processes in sport horses.

“At Scuderia 1918, we believe performance starts with understanding the horse as an individual,” says Marta Tagliaferri, CEO of Scuderia 1918. “The Horse Personality Test was designed to make behavioural observation more accessible, especially for younger generations and digital audiences, while still being rooted in scientific principles and real equestrian culture.”

The Horse Personality Test is part of Scuderia 1918’s broader ecosystem of science and performance-focused educational projects, developed in collaboration with veterinarians, researchers and equestrian professionals.

Scuderia 1918 is an international show jumping team and equestrian performance ecosystem based in Italy. Guided by the philosophy “Horse First”, Scuderia 1918 combines high-performance sport, scientific research, breeding and education to develop a modern and welfare-oriented approach to equestrianism.