This episode of The Ride Podcast is brought to you by League of Legends Invitational Horse Sale.
For many in the Western performance horse world, the name Fappani is synonymous with excellence. But Luca Fappani isn’t just known as Andrea Fappani’s son, he’s earning his own reputation as one of the top young trainers in reining.
Growing up surrounded by elite horses and trainers gave Luca a front-row seat to the work it takes to succeed in the reining pen. But from an early age, he knew he wanted to earn respect in the industry for his own merits, not just his last name. In this episode of The Ride Podcast, Luca shares what that journey has looked like—from riding as a youth to his first major wins and everything in between.
Lessons From the Legends
After aging out of youth competition, Luca Fappani took a critical step in his professional development: going to work for NRHA Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary. That experience, he says, played a major role in shaping the horseman and business owner he’s becoming.
From day-to-day training insights to behind-the-scenes lessons on running a successful program, working with Deary offered Luca the tools to refine his approach and better understand what it takes to thrive as a professional trainer in today’s competitive environment.
Joining the NRHA Million Dollar Club
In 2024, Luca Fappani hit a major milestone: surpassing $1 million in NRHA lifetime earnings. That achievement placed him among an elite group of reiners, and solidified his status as more than just a rising star.
Reaching the million-dollar mark was more than a number. It was a moment of validation, a reflection of years spent learning, riding, and pushing toward excellence. It also marked a turning point, as Luca prepared to take the next step in his career: going out on his own.
Launching His Own Program in 2025
This year, Luca is officially launching his own reining horse training program. In the podcast, he talks about the excitement and responsibility that comes with building something from the ground up.
From finding the right horses to developing young prospects and building a strong client base, Luca is focused on creating a program that blends top-tier horsemanship and long-term goals.
