The beautiful city of Atina overlooking the maneggio where we watched an equestrian competition: Un concorso Ippico. We sat under the trees while a nice breeze kept us cool. Dry heat is good!

My boys and I under one of the tents watching the competitors jump fences.

This girl was really good - she took second place. Interesting part is that she is in the Italian army (Esercito) and her assignment is to perform at equestrian competitions.

There were other army personnel, including a Colonello with his own groom and also members of the teams from the Polizia di Stato and Carabinieri.

My friend explained that people join the army (or other branch) just to compete in their sports. They get paid their monthly salary and get to practice whatever sport they are good at.

I guess it is similar to how our colleges and universities give out scholarships.