12/10/2026
Pan Pacific Masters Games Equestrian Dressage featuring stories sharing the behind the competition stories and celebrating the dedication that goes into preparing for an event like this:
Meet 62 year old Daniela Restaldi. From Morayfield, Qld, Daniela is a chef and the owner of an Italian food truck Flavours Of Eataly 🇮🇹.
Daniela is entered preliminary level on her horse, MAXIMUS DECIMUS MERIDIUS. Max is a 7 year old , standing 15.3 hands, and Daniela has only had him 8 months.
This will be Daniela’s first Pan Pacific Masters Games Games, and she has an inspiring story to share…
Facing a frightening health warning at 57, losing an extraordinary 80kg, Daniela found her way back to horses after 22 years away from it, and goals started to form. A major set back last year, involving a broken femur, shoulder and 3 ribs, meant the sale of her horse and resulting depression. Faced with pills or something that made Daniela feel alive, she made the choice her soul needed; and along came Maximus Decimus Meridius🐴🇮🇹! What a PERFECT name for a woman from Rome to give her new equine partner - “What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
Of Max, Daniela says - ‘he is an attractive red head and knows it. He can slide in his halter himself…love his carrots, liquorice and food in general! But most of all, he seems to know what I need and keeps me safe, even with all my broken bones and full hip replacement.
Entering the Pan Pacific Masters has required dedication and this is everything! Success isn’t necessarily winning a medal or a ribbon. Success for me, involves loving and respecting my horse, and if there are medals, this would be a consequence of my appreciation of Max.’
Daniela has overcome insurmountable odds to be at the Pan Pacific Masters Games and she is really looking forward to it. She is living proof that we each can be the best version of ourselves, physically and mentally, if we put our mind to it💪🏻.
‘Age is just a number after all!’ ~ she says.
Daniela - we are in awe… you found the courage to start again - TWICE! Your story is one of resilience, determination, and an unbreakable love for horses, and we will all be rooting for you and Max!
