August 15, 2025 
Qannando B&V had Alessandra Volpi at “walk.”
The striking black stallion was under the saddle of Gilles Thomas when she first swung her leg into his stirrups two years ago. From their first steps, she knew he was something special.
“From the walk, I was like, wow, he gets it,” said the 25-year-old American. “He just paid attention. He was alert. He was looking at his surroundings and like confident of himself as well, which surprised me too. Already, I [could] tell that this horse has such a presence. I don’t know if that’s a little frou-frou, but that’s what I felt.”
In the two years since, the Kannan-sired Belgian Warmblood, now 9, has been proving her hunch correct—and it’s only getting better. In the past two months, they’ve jumped to four FEI podium finishes.
“It’s taken us a while to develop him. He’s a pretty big horse. It took him a while to grow into his body, but this year he’s just been unbelievable and every time I show him he keeps impressing me.”
In June, Volpi and “Nando” captured her career best finish when they won a three-star 1.55m Grand Prix in Lichtenvoorde, NED. They also took third in a 1.50m class A month later, they earned their first four-star 1.50m win in Chantilly, France. On Friday, at the RBC Ottawa International, they won their first five-star 1.50m, topping a 12-horse jump off in the Grand Prix Qualifier, presented by Steel-Craft Door Products.
“I’m just climbing the ranks here,” smiled Volpi, who has jumped 30 spots up the world rankings since June. “Watch out Sunday!”
Volpi, who trains under Germany’s Marcus Beerbaum, says that behind Qannando’s imposing looks lies a gentle soul.
“He’s a bit of a toddler still,” she continued. “He’s very sweet despite his slightly threatening appearance. He loves to play with his toys. He loves his treats and he plays with my dog. He’s very sweet. He’s a great stallion. He is really easy.”
Volpi and Qannando B&V will make their five-star Grand Prix debut on Sunday. Watch the RBC Ottawa International on ClipMyHorse.
