Vaulting is dance on horseback and a great sport which Gioia has been pursuing alongside growing up in Mallorca. This is a life of dedication to her horse ‘Smarty’ and the daily practices. Vaulting is still in its infancy in Mallorca although very popular in Germany and Switzerland. Gioia is one of the local people determined to change this and raise the profile of her sport. Dance on horseback can be practised competitively and for entertainment. This is Gioia’s world in Mallorca where she choreographs her own routines. She is judged on the routine, the performance and how the horse behaves. She travels internationally and competes at important competitions at prestigious shows, like Aachen and Saumur. Vaulting has opened up the sporting word for Gioia and she feels grateful to her family for allowing her this opportunity.

Arriving at 6 weeks old from her native Germany she has never lived anywhere else. A Human of Mallorca, currently making decisions about the next part of her life. The great outdoors and access to nature has been a huge part of her childhood. The horse and all the experiences and fun she has experienced in that world will be missed, when university decisions are finally made.

London is on the horizon and possibly Sports journalism a career path. No firm decisions yet but it is no surprise she wants to share her sport with everyone. What she does know is that easy access back to Mallorca and Smarty, will be part of the autumn discussions.

This island has given Gioia a great, outdoor start to her life, and she is delighted to be a Human of Mallorca. She also wants Smarty to be known forever, as a ‘Horse of Mallorca’.