The origins
The Allevamento delle Paludi stud farm was founded by Luc Verheyden, father of Italian international Mario Georges Verheyden. Born in Belgium in 1939, Luc Verheyden was a ‘horse man’ in the truest sense of the word. A nuclear engineer at Euratom in Ispra, near Varese, his passion for horses led him to found the Centro Ippico e l’Allevamento delle Paludi in Angera, which has produced foals that have achieved brilliant results on the international stage, especially under the saddle of his son, Mario Verheyden, for whom “Dad” Luc was the first trainer.
A man of profound equestrian culture, outgoing and gifted with great humour, Luc Verheyden brought the professional mentality of the Nordic countries in terms of breeding and riding to Italy in the 1970s, helping to enrich our sporting world. He was very active in show jumping, including at pony level during the early competitive days of his son Mario, who immediately showed the talent of a champion, which he went on to become, often wearing the blue jersey. Behind the successes of the likeable and imaginative Mario, who inherited his character from his father, lies all the passion, dedication and equestrian expertise of Luc Verheyden. Luc Verheyden brought to Italy a passion that he never lost, both in small and large equestrian competitions, from Angera to iconic venues such as Rotterdam, Helsinki, World Cup stages in San Patrignano, Tokyo… but his free and shrewd spirit, his clarity of ideas and his knowledge of horses will always be a treasure to carry with us.
Awards
WINNER DELLE PALUDI Sella Italiano 2003 (CLINTON x CAY). Winner of the performance test in Italy. Born from ELITE DELLE PALUDI, who with Mario Verheyden was ranked 7th at the WBCYH in Lanaken at the age of 7 and then jumped internationally up to 1.60m. Winner of the Piccolo Gran Premio at the CSIO in Piazza di Siena and 6th in the Nations Cup in Rotterdam.
