The equestrian tradition of the horse and rider is the dominating and recurring image in Marini's work in his paintings, drawings and sculpture.

He began with a sedate sculpture of 'Cavaliere' in 1936 where the proportions of horse and rider are relatively slender, and both figures are poised, calm and formal. However, by 1947 his portrayal of the animal had begun to change. It was losing its calm, relaxed appearance; its muzzle was uplifted, its neck stretched in apprehension. The naked rider was no longer united with the horse. By the time the present picture was executed, the horse and its rider are in great motion. The horse is stumbling to its knees and the rider is being toppled.