«A love of horses was born with me. I have lived with them since I was a child and over time I have transformed this passion into a real job, which I do every day accompanied by the finest colleague ever, my M. Doriano».
This is how Ernesto talked about his life with us, made up the traditions of the Maremma area and a job – as a Buttero cowboy – which has its roots in his homeland.
«My morning begins in the saddle with M. Doriano. With his help, I manage my daily work managing the herds of Maremma cows and other livestock from the local farms. We spend so much time with horses that it is impossible not to build a relationship of trust and complicity».
Ernesto’s day begins at 6.30 every morning. Once he arrives and makes sure that the gates and fences are closed, he gets on with his other daily business on foot, remounting only at sunset, when he takes the animals back to their shelter.
«The work of a Buttero cowboy is never the same. Every single day is planned with the welfare and state of mind of the horses always in the forefront, to ensure that they can carry out their own work in complete tranquillity. There are no demanding tasks and all the horses are physically trained and mentally prepared for this type of work which is always at a walk and rarely at a gallop».
The relationship that bonding a Buttero cowboy and his horse is as spontaneous as that between people; it develops from sharing the day with a colleague to discovering a trusted friend and considering him or her to be a full member of the family.
«Some time ago I worked for Aldo Novembri, a highly experienced and well known Buttero cowboy in our world. He received a very generous offer to sell one of the two horses he owned; it would have ensured him an immediate and easy annual annuity, but he didn’t even think about it for a minute – he immediately refused and when I asked him why he simply replied: would you ever sell your workmate? This perfectly describes the meaning of our relationship with horses».
Ernesto’s special bond with M. Doriano– and his other horses – has taken the stage at Fieracavalli several times, as well as during Gold Gala performances.
«Fieracavalli is a special place. It encourages everyone to get in touch with the thousand facets of the equestrian world. I began my adventure with the Show way back in 2007, returning in 2008 with my Maremma cows and in 2009 when I took part in the Gold Gala. That year, just before entering the ring, I experienced a sensation that still excites me: I was the first to perform and when the gate swung open in front of me to the notes of a lyrical aria, I and M. Doriano both felt the same sensation, we were excited in unison, we hesitated for a couple of seconds and then the show began, for us as for the audience».
You can get to know Ernesto, M. Doriano and the ancient traditions of the Butteri cowboys in Verona 9-12 November 2023 during the 125th edition of Fieracavalli.
