The Army squadrons, engaged in the journey commemorating the anniversary of the establishment of the Cavalry School, they reached Rome, after traveling approximately 1.500 km along two itineraries: one from Venaria Reale (TO), the first headquarters of the Cavalry School, the other from Lecce, current headquarters.
The Bicentenary ceremony took place at the green oval of the Villa Borghese riding track, a prestigious location hosting the most important international equestrian competitions which served as the setting for the event, hosting 18 Standards of the Cavalry units and three training regiments who, through demonstrations on horseback, recalled the traditions of chivalry.
In the presence of the Minister of Defense, the Hon. Guido Crosetto, the Chief of Staff of the Defense, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Pietro Serino, the "knights" of the Italian Army gathered in Piazza di Siena to witness the famous carousel of the "Lancieri di Montebello" (8th), the test of equestrian courage by the military riding center and the legendary “charge” of a training department. Furthermore, as a preface to all the demonstration activities, the "passing of the shaken horse", one of the most evocative traditions of the Army, remembered all the knights who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
“200 years of heroism by knights, men and women who dedicated their lives to serving their country. Always with the humanity that distinguishes the Italian way of being military without precluding the choice of becoming heroes. Today we are here to obstinately defend the strength of memory in history and we celebrate a crucial anniversary for the knights who made chivalry great.". Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated and added: “The cavalry today is a modern component of the Army with armored and armored vehicles that enhance its protection capabilities, but which preserves the traditions and spirit that have always accompanied it”.
The Army Chief of Staff, Army Corps General Pietro Serino, in greeting the personnel involved in the ceremony and all the guests gathered, wanted to underline: “Today we celebrate an important aspect: the friendship between man and the true protagonist of this story: the horse! An extraordinary animal who became a friend, comrade in arms, comrade in arms, sharing hardships, sweat, hunger, fears with the knights, but without ever lacking his commitment and, above all, his courage". And, concluding, he addressed the "knights" by defining them: “Great soldiers capable of going further, serving among the first even in innovative weapons and specialties where technique and courage were and are needed”.
