It will be the first time he takes part in the Gold Gala but showman Carmine Pignataro is by now a veteran of performances at Fieracavalli. Over the last 15 years, he has enchanted innumerable visitors to the equestrian event in Hall 9 and the external areas dedicated to live performances.
And this is a special year, not only for Fieracavalli – which is preparing to celebrate 125 years – but also for Carmine: for the first time, accompanied by his Friesians and Miniature horses, he will cross the earth-covered ring of the Pala Volkswagen with an exhibition inspired to the french painter and scenographer Raoul Dufy.
Bringing together two creatures so similar in appearance yet with such different temperaments in a performance is not as easy as it may seem to inexperienced eyes. Carmine explains: “There are so many differences between horses and miniature horses. To begin with, the character of ponies must never be underestimated: so small and apparently harmless yet just as rebellious as only children can be. You have to know how to take them in the right way.”
Despite these differences, Carmine has managed to find his own approach that has helped him forge a special relationship with his horses, be they young or old. Proceeding in small doses, with moments of play and light-heartedness – lasting no more than 25 minutes per day -, Carmine established a telepathic connection with them: “Every morning, 360 days out of 365, as soon as I go to the box and say good morning to them, they neigh in return. Then one look is enough to understand that they are eager to play, or as it happens that they don’t want to and, really, one look suffices to make me understand. Short but constant training, always done with a delicate spirit. This is the basis of my relationship with them.”
For the Gala, Carmine, with his Friesian and Miniature horses, is preparing to bring a smile to audiences in Hall 8 with a performance we can’t really talk about much but which will hardly ever be forgotten.
“For me and for them, I know that the ARTè Gold Gala will be very exciting and I can’t wait to be on stage. We will certainly tackle this new experience in the same way we handle our daily challenges: together.”
Carmine and his ponies are ready to entertain you at Fieracavalli with a breathtaking performance at ARTè 9-11 November 2023.
