Alain Patrick Giannone

Show jumping rider and trainer Alain Patrick Giannone died Oct. 1 in Ocala, Fla. He was 28.

Mr. Giannone was born in Porto, Portugal, and grew up knowing he wanted to be a horse trainer. His father, Robert, rode show jumpers and shared his love of horses with his son.

Mr. Giannone worked as a trainer and rider in Portugal, as well as Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2010, he decided to move to the United States to further his education. He worked as an assistant trainer at Aaron Vale’s farm in Ocala. There, he taught lessons and trained and competed show jumpers.

“I’ve never met someone who got along with so many horses,” said his partner, Rachel Dwyer. “He was such a kind, good-hearted person. He was a great horse person, but on top of that he was just a remarkable, genuine person.”

Mr. Giannone is survived by his parents, Sharon and Robert Giannone, Castais, Portugal; two brothers, Marc Giannone, the Netherlands, and Nicolas Giannone, Lisbon, Portugal; and a sister, Sandra.

This obituary appeared in the November 21, 2011 issue of the Chronicle.