The equestrian world has its capital in Verona from today to 12 November, with the great ‘Fieracavalli’ event, now in its 125th edition. The event, which occupies the spaces of the entire Verona exhibition centre, was inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, who underlined the importance of uniting horse lovers and sportsmen in a shared mission. Together with him the president of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia, and the president of the Scaliger trade fair organization Federico Bricolo. With over 700 exhibiting companies from 25 countries and 2,500 animals of over 60 breeds on display, Fieracavalli has been celebrating the profound passion for the world of horses for more than a century. Minister Lollobrigida highlighted how strategic it is for our country to grow the Italian equestrian sector, and cited in this regard the promotion models already adopted in France and Sweden. The event offers over 200 initiatives, including shows, in-depth conferences, competitions and sports competitions; among these the prestigious Italian stage of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ and the national finals of the Italian Champions Tour. With a turnover worth almost 3 billion euros in Italy, the equestrian world directly involves 100 thousand horses in sporting practice and employs 35 thousand people – research source “The winning horse” – Luiss Business School and Fise – Fieracavalli also confirmed its position as a global reference in the horse racing sector. But tourism, especially ‘experiential’ tourism, is also looking with interest at the Verona fair. If it is true that years ago equestrian tourism also linked to bridle paths was a niche sector, today – as Zaia recalled – it is no longer so, because there are already 1,500 kilometers of bridle paths in Italy.”. At this edition there are 35 present breeding associations, and 700 companies from 25 countries. 25 foreign delegations of buyers, selected by Veronafiere together with Ice-Agenzia, are expected. A large parterre of authorities present at the ribbon cutting of the 125th edition, including Flavio Massimo Pasini, president of the Province of Verona; Damiano Tommasi, mayor of Verona; Matteo Zoppas, president of ICE-Agenzia. Also present were the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Fernández-Palacios, and of Qatar, Khalid Bin Yousuf Al Sad.
This article is originally published on ansa.it
