By Grace Allen

At just 15 years old, Francesca Morando is already making waves in the world of competitive show jumping. With nearly a decade of riding under her belt, the Wrentham teen is preparing for a big year ahead, with national finals in her sights.

 

Morando was just 5 years old when she went on her first pony ride, at a carnival.

“I fell in love with the sport as soon as I threw my leg over the saddle,” she said. “I begged my parents to let me take lessons and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Her passion for riding has grown into a commitment to success. She finished the year ranked number 2 in the nation out of 1,800 athletes in Children’s Hunter, with her horse Earro. She was ranked number 1 in New England in Children’s Hunter, also on Earro. She was Reserve Champion in USHJA Zone 1 (12-14 year-olds) on her horse Red Bull, and won the silver medal in the USHJA Hunter Team Northeast Challenge. She finished the last winter season as overall Circuit Champion in Ocala, Florida. 

Though Morando’s accomplishments are impressive, she’s quick to share that her journey is about much more than just winning awards.

“I think the thing I like most about riding and competing is that it taught me to be humble and work hard,” Morando explained, during a phone call from Florida, where she is training for the winter. “I’ve learned that hard work pays off. It also taught me about the team aspect of the sport. It’s me and my horse working together. We are a team.”

Morando’s current equine partner is Red Bull, a young horse imported from Europe a year ago. Red Bull is already proving himself an intelligent and patient companion, she said.

“I sold my old horse, Earro, because I needed to move up and didn’t want to push him past his limits,” she explained. “Red Bull is smart, patient, and he’s learned a lot since I got him. We both have our moments but we learn from them. We definitely have a bond now.”

Morando keeps a busy schedule, which includes riding and gym sessions. Since January, she has been staying in Ocala, one of the largest winter-season horse circuits in the country. She trains from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schoolwork, which is online, follows in the afternoons.

Show jumping—jumping over fences at different heights--is her favorite discipline. The adrenaline rush she experiences during the event is unmatched by any other sport, she says.

“The thrill and excitement of show jumping is just different. It’s not like a track meet or volleyball game,” she said, adding that other disciplines like dressage are also interconnected with jumping.

For Morando, success in equestrian sports comes down to more than just physical ability—it’s about the mental game. Patience, confidence, and focus are crucial attributes for any rider, she says.

“Patience is probably the most important quality. It takes time to build a bond with your horse and to understand how they move and respond,” she explained. “Confidence is huge, too. If I’m nervous, my horse can sense it, and it’ll affect our performance.”

While she’s pleased about her success so far, Morando remains grounded and aware that there’s always room for improvement. She credits much of her growth to her coach Annie Dotoli of Tibri stables in Chepachet, RI, as well as Annie’s mother, Fran Dotoli. Both have had a lasting impact on Morando’s approach to both riding and life, she noted.

“The Dotolis have forever altered my riding and way of thinking,” Morando said, calling the two women role models. “They teach me not only on the horse but off the horse too.”

In addition to her current success, Morando has big goals for 2025. She’s working toward qualifying for the national finals in Kentucky and Michigan. If all goes according to plan, she’ll be heading to these prestigious competitions later this year.

As for her future in the sport, Morando is determined to continue growing, learning, and competing at the highest levels.

“I’m always striving to improve my riding and knowledge of the horse,” she said. “I think I’ll qualify for the national finals, and the way things are going, I think I’ll do fine.”

For now, Morando continues to thrive in Florida, competing at some of the biggest equestrian venues in the country, including HITS Ocala and the World Equestrian Center. As she works toward her goals, there’s no doubt this young rider is one to watch in the years to come.