ROME
GLADIATORS
2025

ROME GLADIATORS X CAVALLERIA TOSCANA MERCHANDISING

Join the Team! Support the Rome Gladiators and experience an unforgettable 2025 GCL season filled with sport, style, and excellence.

Show your support for the Rome Gladiators by wearing our exclusive merchandise range.

THE TEAM’S UNIQUE IDENTITY: COURAGE, DETERMINATION AND GLADIATOR MINDSET.

Cavalleria Toscana is more than just a sponsor—it is a true partner in the team’s journey throughout 2025, accompanying them across 16 world-class venues on a global tour of sporting excellence.

Each team member has reached the highest level in this sport and has a personal story of resilience, discipline, ambition, and dedication—values that are also part of Cavalleria Toscana’s DNA.

Echoing the spirit of strength, courage, and discipline that defined Roman fighters who battled for survival, honor, and glory in the Colosseum, the Rome Gladiators fight for victory in the Global Champions League arenas, striving for excellence in show jumping and pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits.

AMBITION AND TEAM SPIRIT TO REACH THE GOAL.

John Whitaker

The one and only, John Whitaker, a true legend of show jumping. His extraordinary career, spanning over five decades, has cemented him as an icon of the equestrian world. He has represented Great Britain in the most prestigious international events, including six Olympic appearances, several World Championships and European Championships, where he has won 25 medals and made history in the sport. 

 ‘’Everyone wants to succeed, but in the end, it comes down to pressing the right buttons for those 60 seconds when you’re in the ring. It’s one thing to be keen and interested, but it’s another being good enough. You’ve got to have that little bit extra: the will to win, horsemanship and the right character.”

Rikke Belinda Barker

The talented Danish rider, a perfect combination of grace and determination, stands out for her patient and respectful approach to horse training. 

“Each horse has its own personality and pace of development. My job is to be patient, consistent, and help them reach their full potential.”

Yali Kass


An emerging talent, Yali represents the future of show jumping. Thanks to his determination and dedication, he is making great strides, passionately chasing his Olympic dream. 

‘‘My goal is to be the best. To achieve that I need to maximize my work and preparation and take advantage of every opportunity.’’

Roy Van Beek

A young Belgian rider, Roy is a force to be reckoned with in the competition arena. He has stood out as a top rider since the Junior National Championships and later in the Young Rider European Championships, showcasing his talent on an international level. 

“My goal is to build a bond of friendship and trust with my horses in order to achieve the best results together.“

Nadja Peter Steiner

A career that began in Germany under the guidance of Lars Nieberg, Olympic and World Champion. Since then, he has represented Switzerland in numerous international competitions and made his debut in the GCL circuit in 2024. 

“Your horse has not to be treated like your partner or your best friend, he has really to become your best friend!! When you get this with your horse, they will fight for you in the most important moments and they will give their heart for you. This is just the most beautiful thing you can reach.’’

Emanuele Gaudiano


An Italian pride, Emanuele combines speed and precision, proudly representing the Italian flag in the most prestigious arenas worldwide and participating in two Olympic Games. A Cavalleria Toscana ambassador for many years, he has a strong and well-established bond with the brand. 

“The mental aspect is fundamental. It’s not easy to stay at the top … you can’t afford to relax.”

John Whitaker

The one and only, John Whitaker, a true legend of show jumping. His extraordinary career, spanning over five decades, has cemented him as an icon of the equestrian world. He has represented Great Britain in the most prestigious international events, including six Olympic appearances, several World Championships and European Championships, where he has won 25 medals and made history in the sport. 

‘’Everyone wants to succeed, but in the end, it comes down to pressing the right buttons for those 60 seconds when you’re in the ring. It’s one thing to be keen and interested, but it’s another being good enough. You’ve got to have that little bit extra: the will to win, horsemanship and the right character.”

Rikke Belinda Barker

The talented Danish rider, a perfect combination of grace and determination, stands out for her patient and respectful approach to horse training. 

“Each horse has its own personality and pace of development. My job is to be patient, consistent, and help them reach their full potential.”

Yali Kass

An emerging talent, Yali represents the future of show jumping. Thanks to his determination and dedication, he is making great strides, passionately chasing his Olympic dream. 

‘‘My goal is to be the best. To achieve that I need to maximize my work and preparation and take advantage of every opportunity.’’

Roy Van Beek

A young Belgian rider, Roy is a force to be reckoned with in the competition arena. He has stood out as a top rider since the Junior National Championships and later in the Young Rider European Championships, showcasing his talent on an international level. 

“My goal is to build a bond of friendship and trust with my horses in order to achieve the best results together.“

Nadja Peter Steiner

A career that began in Germany under the guidance of Lars Nieberg, Olympic and World Champion. Since then, he has represented Switzerland in numerous international competitions and made his debut in the GCL circuit in 2024. 

“Your horse has not to be treated like your partner or your best friend, he has really to become your best friend!! When you get this with your horse, they will fight for you in the most important moments and they will give their heart for you. This is just the most beautiful thing you can reach.’’

Emanuele Gaudiano


An Italian pride, Emanuele combines speed and precision, proudly representing the Italian flag in the most prestigious arenas worldwide and participating in two Olympic Games. A Cavalleria Toscana ambassador for many years, he has a strong and well-established bond with the brand. 

“The mental aspect is fundamental. It’s not easy to stay at the top … you can’t afford to relax.”

RACE CALENDAR

27 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH

 Doha

 

5 - 7 JUNE

 Cannes

 

8 - 10 AUGUST

 London

 

26 - 28 SEPTEMBER

 Vienna

 

27 - 30 MARCH

 Mexico City

 

12 - 14 JUNE

 Ramatuelle St. Tropez

 

22 - 24 AUGUST

 Valkenswaard

 

10 - 12 OCTOBER

Rome

 

2 - 4 MAY

 Shanghai

 

20 - 22 JUNE

Paris

 

11 - 14 SEPTEMBER

Riesenbeck

 

30 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER

Riyadh

 

16 - 18 MAY

Madrid

 

3 - 5 JULY

 Monaco

 

19 - 21 SEPTEMBER

 New York

 

20 - 23 NOVEMBER

Prague

 

27 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH

 Doha

27 - 30 MARCH

 Mexico City

2 - 4 MAY

 Shanghai

16 - 18 MAY

Madrid

5 - 7 JUNE

 Cannes

12 - 14 JUNE

 Ramatuelle St. Tropez

20 - 22 JUNE

Paris

3 - 5 JULY

 Monaco

8 - 10 AUGUST

 London

22 - 24 AUGUST

 Valkenswaard

11 - 14 SEPTEMBER

Riesenbeck

19 - 21 SEPTEMBER

 New York

26 - 28 SEPTEMBER

 Vienna

10 - 12 OCTOBER

Rome

30 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER

Riyadh

20 - 23 NOVEMBER

Prague

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