Inauguration of the 126th Edition of Fieracavalli
“Fieracavalli is an extraordinary event in terms of numbers, and it represents a vital part of our economy and a passion that unites people of all ages, bound by the desire to live in close contact with such a fascinating animal as the horse. Today, the equestrian industry is a key element for growth, and the Ministry continues to be committed to it, also through the promotion of Italian horseracing.”
This is how the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida, described the event as he officially opened the 2024 edition of Fieracavalli, the international fair that for four days transforms the Verona Exhibition Centre into the capital of the equestrian sector.
From now until Sunday, November 10, the exhibition expects 140,000 visitors to admire over 2,200 horses of 60 breeds across 12 pavilions and 6 outdoor areas, covering over 128,000 square meters.
This international event hosts 700 exhibitors from 25 countries, along with an incoming campaign promoted by the ICE Agency, featuring a delegation of top buyers from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, the UAE, and other 600 operators from Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia, all selected by Veronafiere.
At the opening ceremony of Fieracavalli, Veronafiere’s president Federico Bricolo, CEO Maurizio Danese, and General Director Adolfo Rebughini were present. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was also attended by the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, Patrizio Giacomo La Pietra; Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Region; Flavio Massimo Pasini, President of the Province of Verona; Monsignor Domenico Pompili, Bishop of Verona; Luisa Ceni, Councillor for Social and Housing Policies of the Municipality of Verona; Marco Di Paola, President of the FISE (Italian Equestrian Sports Federation); and Maurizio Croceri, curator of the new Fieracavalli brand identity campaign.
After the ceremony, the delegation of authorities visited the Veneto Region stand at Pavilion 4 and the MASAF area at Pavilion 2.
According to Federico Bricolo, president of Veronafiere: “Fieracavalli is a symbol of excellence, an event that for 126 years has represented the soul of the equestrian world. Edition after edition, the fair has evolved and grown, becoming an unmissable event for its versatility. It offers a complete experience thanks to a format that highlights every aspect of the horse world: from breeding to sports, from business to sustainability, and even entertainment and solidarity. This would not be possible without the collaboration of institutions and partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as those for Disabilities and Sport, the ICE Agency, the Veneto Region, the Municipality and Province of Verona, and the FISE and FEI federations.”
“Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Region, also expressed: “Today, Verona reconfirms itself as the world’s largest equestrian center by hosting the 126th edition of Fieracavalli, making Veneto the preferred destination for equestrian tourism thanks to its horse routes and a rapidly growing equestrian sector. With over 23,000 horses and 31,258 total equids, the region ranks among the top in Italy for the number of animals and dedicated facilities, positioning itself as a reference point for enthusiasts, athletes, and tourists who want to experience the area from a unique perspective.”
Marco Di Paola, president of FISE, conveyed the greetings of the Federation and the entire sporting community: “Fieracavalli is not only an unmissable sporting event, but it is an event that puts the horse at the center, an animal that has always been present in human history and is now synonymous with social activities and inclusion. Recently, Italy has regained a top position in the world of show jumping, thanks to our athletes who are ambassadors of Made in Italy and represent a sector with a significant impact on the national GDP. A big thank you to all of Fieracavalli for the commitment and vision that made possible an event that not only celebrates the competitive value of horses but also underscores all the facets of this magnificent animal and its bond with humans.”
