It will take place from 7 to 10 November Fieracavalli (www.fieracavalli.it), the main national equestrian event, arrived this year at the finish line of the 121 editions at the Verona Fair. In 2018 Fieracavalli registered 160,000 visitors arriving from 60 countries and the presence of 750 exhibiting companies from 25 countries. On average every year there are 200 events that enliven the 128 thousand square meters of the fair, including top-level sporting competitions such as the only Italian stage of the FEI World Cup longines, morphological competitions, Western disciplines, shows and educational activities. More than 2,400 specimens of 60 equine races showcase Italian and foreign biodiversity. In addition to the exhibition part with the most important international brands for breeding and riding and the proposals for the equiturismo.
The debut of the Academy
Among the novelties of this 21st edition Fieracavalli presents its Academy which aims to promote a new ethical approach to the world of horse. The project aims to spread a culture more and more respectful of animal welfare at all levels, also looking at environmental sustainability, of which tourism is ambassador. As mentioned by Giovanni Mantovani, general manager of Veronafiere: In 2014 we established a commission charged with protecting the more than 2,000 animals present at Fieracavalli. Now we have developed and put into system this experience and its values with the Academy, to continue to accompany and support the evolution of the role of the horse in society, as we have done for 121 years». Fieracavalli Academy is divided into several areas with initiatives, coordinated by a group of references, of which Vittorio Garrone– entrepreneur and founder of Team Wow– and Michel Robert– champion and trainer of international fame– are responsible for the sports part, present at Fieracavalli with Verona jumping, hosting the only Italian leg of the FEI jumping World Cup Llongines. On the other hand, Nicole Berlusconi and Matteo Gianesella, respectively president of Progetto islander, who is responsible for the recovery of ill-treated horses, are responsible for the protection of animal welfare, and professor of veterinary medical clinic at the University of Padua. Mara Manente, director of the International Centre for the Study of Tourism at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, supervises instead the sector of the Academy that refers to equitourism and sustainability. At Fieracavalli 2019 will also debut the “Sustainable Tourism Square” with a space dedicated to meetings and seminars held by Earth Academy and ciset. The ethical imprint is also present in the furnishings and structures of this area, made by the workshop reverse IN which gives work to the prisoners of the House district of montorio, in the province of Verona.