As one of Italy’s most iconic equestrian events, Fieracavalli captures the elegance and spirit of the equestrian world. Held at Veronafiere, this grand event draws over 140,000 visitors from around the globe, offering the finest in equestrian sports, artistry, and heritage. Against a backdrop of Italian sophistication, Fieracavalli honors the deep bond between humans and horses, blending tradition, innovation, and passion into an unforgettable experience.
Highlights from Fieracavalli 2024:
- Longines FEI World Cup Gallery: Presented by KASK, this segment celebrated show jumping champions with world-class performances.
- Historic German Victory: Germany’s Hinners and her horse Prins made history by becoming the first-ever female winner of the Italian leg of the FEI World Cup series.
- Sergio Grasso Competitions: Class n. 6 and the Sergio Grasso Accumulator showcased top performances, with Schneider and Judy KM claiming victory.
- Coppa degli Assi Winter Tour Champions: The Banca del Fucino-LAS Helmets squad, with headliners Carabiniere Bruno Chimirri and young rider Sofia Manzetti on Samara and Fiolita, respectively (managed by Fabrizio Bignardelli), triumphed in the winter edition of the Coppa degli Assi. This year’s competition witnessed intense rivalry, with Chimirri and Manzetti emerging as prominent winners, enhancing the event’s reputation and creating a noteworthy moment in the tournament’s history.
Fieracavalli’s Stellar Event Lineup
A major highlight of Fieracavalli is Jumping Verona, the only Italian stop of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup, drawing top riders and horses from around the world. Spectators were treated to showjumping excellence with renowned athletes such as Italy’s Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Lorenzo De Luca, British champion Ben Maher, and Swiss star Steve Guerdat competing in the prestigious Show Hall 8. The event culminated in the thrilling Longines FEI Grand Prix Show Jumping World Cup™ on November 10, delivering an unforgettable display of elite sporting achievement.
Adding to the excitement, Fieracavalli launched the Coppa degli Assi Winter Tour, a dynamic indoor event featuring Italy’s top riders. The program also included the grand finale of the Italian Champions Tour and the Fieracavalli 126 Grand Prix, celebrating Italy’s brightest emerging equestrian talents.
Saddle Up: The Westernshow Experience
Bringing a slice of America to Italy, the Westernshow at Fieracavalli allowed attendees to experience the excitement of premier American sports competitions and explore the iconic horse breeds that define this region. The Fieracavalli Western Show kicked off with an impressive opening parade honoring Otello Ugolini, the trailblazer who brought Western riding disciplines to Italy. Highlights of the event included the exhilarating Futurity competition, where young horses showcased their skills through various precise challenges and categories for Ladies and Youth.
The event also featured a Barrel Event, freestyle reining performances, and competitions for beginners in the Non-Pro category to add to the excitement. The Italian Quarter Horse Association organized morphology competitions, and attendees enjoyed live reining demonstrations from the Pietravalla Ranch, providing a complete immersion into the Western riding experience.
Elegance in Motion: Pathos Gala D’oro
Captivating audiences for over 30 years, the Pathos Gala D’Oro was as mesmerizing as ever. This year’s edition presented ten breathtaking performances celebrating the profound connection between humans and horses. Highlights included Jean François Pignon’s renowned Liberty Act with 13 horses and Kintsugi, a powerful tribute to resilience starring Gessica Notaro and Rudj Bellini. Enchanting acts included Mirela Paulus’s violin performance on horseback and Carmelo Saenz Mendoza’s gentle horsemanship, showcasing the grace of trust between rider and horse.
The evening also featured Compagnie Jehol’s stunning equestrian dance and the ‘Lavanda’ performance by the Cavalieri Maremmani, honoring Tuscany’s lavender harvest traditions. The grand finale brought a spectacular display of carousels: Accademia il Nero Luminoso’s academic carousel inspired by Verdi, the lively Respiro carousel by young riders from Rudj Bellini Equestrian Theatre School, and the disciplined Montebello Lancers’ performance. The event was a remarkable tribute to the art and elegance of equestrian performance.
Celebrating the Roots of Equestrian Culture
Guests were allowed to discover Italy’s vibrant rural heritage in Show Hall 4, which featured the Exhibition of Rural Tourism and Local Products. This homage to Italy’s rustic allure offered a carefully curated journey through the country’s tastes, landscapes, and cultures, enhanced by the involvement of local producers and agritourism enterprises. From the vineyards of Sicily to the undulating hills of Tuscany, the exhibition delivered an engaging experience of Italy’s rural spirit.
In Show Hall 10, the Biodiversity of Italian Breeds highlighted 25 horse breeds and 7 donkey breeds, celebrating Italy’s equestrian diversity. Guests appreciated presentations, parades, and hands-on activities, culminating in the Parade of Italian Breeds by CSE Arma dei Carabinieri, honoring the bond between Italy’s breeds and heritage.
Tech Meets Heritage: Promoting Well-being with the Fieracavalli App
In line with its commitment to animal welfare, Fieracavalli introduced a new app that allowed visitors to report any discomfort among horses, enabling prompt interventions by on-site veterinarians. With QR codes dedicated to each horse, this initiative seamlessly merged ethical equestrian practices with advanced technology to uphold the highest standards of horse welfare.
Fieracavalli 2024 was more than just a conventional equestrian exhibition; it was a tribute to beauty, tradition, and the enduring connection between humans and horses. From the excitement of competitive show jumping to celebrating Italian heritage, every aspect of Fieracavalli reflected the spirit of excellence and showmanship. Held in the historic city of Verona, this event proved to be a must-see for equestrian enthusiasts and a heartfelt homage to the artistry and elegance of the equestrian world.
