Riccardo Boricchi, from Bettolle in Tuscany, has been since 2019 the ‘show director’ of Jumping Verona, the only Italian leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup. While highlighting the prestige of the Veronese event (“the number and quality of horses and riders, as always, will be absolute amazing”), Boricchi also outlined the innovations prepared with Fieracavalli for the 2023 edition.
Safety and comfort of horses: “There is growing awareness of these aspects, especially in areas such as the stables which may not be visible to everyone. In addition to all the “aisles” finished with rubber and carpet tiles in the corridors and stalls as in previous years, this year we will use thicker and more resistant materials. The classic, thinner carpet tiles will now be replaced by reinforced versions of higher quality like those used in our homes, which will remain intact even if the horse slips. They will also be more comfortable for horses and easier to clean. Finally, an indoor area for walking horses has been created inside the stables, and the space set aside for national competitions can also be used for this purpose – obviously when no competitions are in progress.”
Attention to grooms: “Grooms are important professional figures who deserve the utmost attention. In addition to the welcome kit, launched last year, they will also receive a “goodbye kit” for the return journey. They will also has an exclusive “free bar” and relaxation area at their disposition in the stable area, starting from breakfast in the morning.”
Places for audiences: “There are now 400 extra seats for spectators, since we have set up a second corner are similar to the one installed up two years ago on the other side of the hall. And more space has also been created for the new VIP area: there are now 120 tables while at the same time as aiming for higher quality service in terms of food and hospitality. A kids area has also been installed so that parents, be they riders or guests of the sponsors, can leave their children there free of charge and watch the events in peace even for some considerable time. And speaking of riders, the stand set aside for them is better than ever: it is located next to the “kiss & cry” space set up in the ring.”
(In the picture: Riccardo Boricchi and Henrik von Eckermann – ph. JV/Stefano Grasso