By Randy Caluag
Vittorio “Vic” Barba has brought pride to the Philippines in the world of equestrian sports, becoming the country’s first certified Grand Prix Dressage Judge through the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (Fédération Équestre Internationale or FEI).
A 1995 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champion, Barba has since become an FEI 3 judge and a prominent figure in the Australasian dressage circuit.
As a judge, Barba emphasizes mental fitness as a cornerstone of his preparation. In a previous interview, he shared insights into how he maintains his readiness for high-stakes competitions.
“As an FEI judge, our mental fitness always needs to be at its peak during CDIs. I make it a point to read up on rules and guidelines, attend as many FEI seminars as possible, and engage in discussions with colleagues. These steps keep me sharp and informed,” Barba said in a previous interview.
Barba served on the ground jury for two landmark events — the inaugural FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, and the first-ever CDI (Concours de Dressage International) held in Shanghai, China.
These events not only showcased his judging acumen, but his commitment to the development of equestrian sports in the region as well.
Barba’s equestrian journey began with eventing—an intense competition combining dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
However, a pivotal meeting with Ulla Salzgeber, who would later become an Olympic medalist, changed his trajectory.
Ulla encouraged and guided him, ultimately helping Barba secure the SEA Games’ championship in 1995. Even today, he continues to share his passion as a trainer and coach, conducting clinics across the Philippines and other countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan.
Barba is a fashion designer— a career he finds surprisingly complementary to the sport. According to him, the artistry and precision required in fashion mirror the discipline needed in equestrian dressage.
Adding to his creative pursuits, Barba coined the term “hortography” to describe his l ve for photographing horses, combining his artistic eye with his equestrian passion.
