Poden Farms has today announced that Lorenzo de Luca will be joining their team to train Emily Moffitt. In a press release from Poden Farms, the 23-year-old British rider stated that she has appointed the “perfect match” to take her to the next level – with her sights fixed on the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. 

De Luca will give extensive training support to Moffitt, and replaces Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher who has worked with Moffitt and Poden Farms for the last five years. “It has been an incredible journey and a privilege to work with Ben for the last five years,” said Moffitt in the press release. “I now believe I am at a critical point in my development as a rider, and Lorenzo will be able to provide both his vast experience as a rider and substantial training time in the UK so I can achieve my goals."

Emily’s father Neil Moffitt, who owns Poden Farms, said: “I would like to thank Ben for all his work and achievements with Emily. It has also been a pleasure to see him develop into an Olympic gold medallist alongside Poden Farms prodigy Explosion W. It is now time for a new beginning and Lorenzo’s appointment will help take Emily and Poden Farms to the next level. He comes with a formidable record not just as a rider but also for successfully producing young horses. I believe he is the perfect match for the Farm and for Emily.” 

Emily Moffitt has had lots of success during her time training with Maher. In 2019, she was a member of the victorious British Nations Cup team in Dublin – producing a double clear round with Winning Good. Moffitt was shortlisted for this year's Tokyo Olympics and competed at the 2021 Longines FEI European Championships in September where she qualified for the individual final. Two weeks ago, Moffitt helped the British team win the Challenge Cup at the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. “I have enjoyed being a part of Emily’s successful journey over the past five years, progressing from Junior to Senior Championships. I’m proud to have been a part of her team and accomplishments and wish her every success for the future," Maher said. 

De Luca recently announced that he would leave Stephex Stables, where he has been working for the last six-and-a-half years. “I am very excited to work with Emily Moffitt and the Poden Team. Emily is already an established rider and I look forward to strengthening her talent and aiming for new goals," De Luca said. “Poden Farms is looking to produce more young horses in the future which I am very passionate about and with my experience look forward to taking these horses up the rankings to the top of the sport.”