05/04/2026
Peter Leone’s Breakout Year: Rising Star of 1982 🐴🇺🇸
In 1982, a 21-year-old Peter Leone was called up as one of two young riders on the U.S. World Championship Tour — and his life changed forever.
Joining legends like Melanie Smith (Calypso), Joe Fargis (Touch of Class), Michael Matz (Jet Run), and Bernie Traurig (Eadenvale), Peter’s summer journey took him to Hickstead 🇬🇧, Dublin 🇮🇪, Aachen 🇩🇪, and Paris 🇫🇷.
At Hickstead, Peter was wide-eyed and inspired:
“Wow, we’re at Hickstead! The history, the incredible venue, the larger-than-life riders!”
When Joe Fargis was sidelined with a broken leg, Peter Leone stepped up and represented the U.S. at the World Championships in Dublin, jumping double clear in the individual competition and placing third among the sport’s elite. 🥉
The U.S. team narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, with the 15-foot open water proving a major challenge.
Then came Aachen, where Peter placed second on Opening Day, and the team earned silver in the Nations Cup. European coaches remarked Peter reminded them of “a young Steinkraus.” 🇺🇸🔥
🏟️ From awe at Hickstead to podium finishes on the world stage, 1982 marked the arrival of Peter Leone — a rising force in international show jumping.