Est. 1978
Bridle & Bit
Arizona's Premier Equestrian Publication
Feature Interview
Feature Interview · November 2024
Luca Fappani
Online Training, Million Dollar Tips & Opening in Scottsdale
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Luca Fappani — Bridle & Bit November 2024
Luca Fappani  ·  Bridle & Bit Magazine · November 2024
Since turning pro under Casey Deary, Luca Fappani has continued to build his career both in the show pen and beyond it. In this November 2024 feature, Luca discusses his online subscription training service — a resource he created after recognizing how few quality training tools existed for everyday riders. As a Million Dollar Rider who grew up alongside one of the sport's greatest, Luca brings rare insight into the fundamentals of reining, and he's making that knowledge accessible through video content, Q&A sessions, and one-on-one coaching calls. He also shares his exciting next chapter: opening his own business in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Subscription Service
Q What inspired you to create an online subscription service, and how do you envision it helping riders at all levels?
A

What inspired me to create the subscription service was going through the learning process myself and realizing how few online training resources are out there. I was blessed enough to grow up with the help of a multimillion dollar rider; however, this is not the case for most people trying to train horses. Therefore, I wanted to put out quality training advice that would help people learn and improve their training methods all the way from beginner to advanced training. Moreover, I wanted to create a resource for individuals who are unable to put their horses under the guidance of a trainer but are still in need of training advice.


Q Could you tell us more about the kinds of videos and content subscribers can expect? What sets your service apart from other online equine training resources?
A

Our subscription service offers content over most all aspects of reining. I believe our service is different from other services out there due to the fact that we have training videos on horses of every age. This winter, I will be launching a colt starting series that explains the absolute foundation of a reining horse. We also currently have training videos that go through the two-year-old process later in the year, focusing on the maneuvers and mental aspects. For three year olds, we offer maneuver tips and show the process of how I school my horses in preparation to show. As for the aged horses, we have a variety of videos displaying how I keep my derby horses pure and progressing during prime show season. Moreover, we have videos covering common complications of showing older non-pro horses and how non-pros can keep their horses honest to show. In addition to covering all age categories, we have videos reviewing some of my show runs and how our subscribers can improve their showmanship and pattern placement. Finally, we interact with our subscribers through a Q&A series that answers questions asked by our subscribers.

As the subscription library grows, my goal is to have a specific horse that I show the process of their entire two year old year from the start all the way up to the futurity season.


Q You've been incredibly successful as a Million Dollar Rider; how do you break down and share that experience through your videos?
A

I am able to break down the training tips that I have used that have helped me on all of my horses. In addition, I explain key tips that I use in the show pen that keep me successful. Most importantly, I am able to share the knowledge I've learned over years of messing up, hopefully helping subscribers bypass some of those costly mistakes and improve their performance in the training process and the show pen.


Q How are you making this experience interactive? Are there ways for subscribers to ask questions or request topics?
A

Our subscribers are always able to send inquiries from the website, as well as take advantage of our one on one service. We offer 30 minute video call sessions in which subscribers can meet with me for one on one help. These sessions are completely tailored to our subscribers needs. During these calls, subscribers get detailed tips on anything that they are needing help with. Most subscribers take advantage of sending me videos of them training beforehand and I am able to review those videos and provide them with constructive feedback during the call. In addition to the one on one service, we also have the Q&A series where we answer interactive questions from our subscribers.

What's Ahead
Q With new content being added regularly, what can subscribers look forward to in upcoming videos?
A

As we come into winter, we will be covering a large portion of colt starting and groundwork videos. I am extremely passionate about this portion of horse training, so I am super excited to get hands on in the round pen and show my subscribers what I have learned throughout the years. We will also be following my two-year-old's careers as they become three-year-olds and I continue training them, getting them more broke for the show pen.


Q What's next for you in terms of both your career and new content for subscribers?
A

In terms of my career, I am excited to be opening my own business in Scottsdale, Arizona next year. I will get the opportunity to train out of my dad's ranch, and continue growing my knowledge of reining while competing with the highest level of horses. I am excited to dedicate more time to my online services in order to help my followers grow as horse people and help those who have passion for the game get more involved.


Q Do you have any other business ventures beyond the service?
A

I have recently opened a shop on my website where I will be selling my most used equipment that I couldn't train without. Currently available online, my go to hackamore is what I start all of my colts in, as well as what I use when I go back to the basics on my older broke horses.