Fieracavalli conquers the Show-Jumping World Cup. In the wake of excellent organisational results, 2002 will once again see the Exhibition at VeronaFiere (7-10 November) host the only Italian stage of the FEI World Cup, that in 2001- with 38 leading riders and horses - proved to be immensely successful. The 104th edition of the International Horse Show and the Exhibition of Equestrian Equipment and Activities boasts the only Italian stage of the leading event in the world indoor show-jumping season, once again turning Hall 9 into a Main Ring.
The return of the World Cup to Verona is largely thanks to the efficiency demonstrated by VeronaFiere. "I saw good organisation," said Max Amman, Director of the FEI World Cup, "and this is always a great advantage. I am delighted with this experience." "The track, the test field and the stables," said Lars Nieberg, winner after the qualification competition of the event valid for the FEI World Cup circuit at Fieracavalli 2001, "are truly excellent! I am really pleased that Verona will be home again to a stage of the World Cup."
"Organisation was very good," said Stany Van Paesschen, winner of the World Cup 2001 competition, "and this competition will certainly grow even more."
"I didn't expect to find such a well-organised competition in Verona," added second-place rider Jos Lansink, "in terms of both a technical point of view and spectacle."
The excellent facilities and optimal conditions of the competition track were highly appreciated by all participants, thanks not the least to the layout by Olaf Petersen, the German designer already engaged for the "track" at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
Fieracavalli 2002 is now determined to improve on the results achieved during the last edition of the exhibition, which welcomed to Verona the champion "trotter" Varenne, almost 105 thousand visitors from 51 countries, 483 journalists from 19 countries, 2000 horses present covering 62 different breeds and 40 breeders' associations from Italy and abroad.
"The FEI World Cup is undoubtedly the appointment of greatest international appeal, from a sporting point of view, for the next edition of Fieracavalli," said Vittorio Di Dio, Commercial Director of the Authority. "The Exhibition, the leading event in Europe in its sector, will always offer more space to the various aspects characterising the world of horses. Beginning with the various aspects of Western activity and proposals for tourism, with the involvement of high-quality farm holiday centres which focus their offering on horses, as well as the participation of tour operators, playing such an important role in holiday-making decisions. As regards the very important cultural aspects, beginning from the importance of horses in the history of all peoples, the 104th Fieracavalli will launch a series of initiatives to be developed over the next three years."
The sporting calendar of the 104th Fieracavalli is completed by the Master of Italian Horses – UNIRE (National Horse Breeding Union), highlighting comparisons between the best Italian horses; the Finals of the Unire Free Jumping Competition, with the best three-year-old ponies; and the “Under 21 Regions Cup” . The best of Italian breeding is presented once again by UNIRE in the Showcase of Mares and Foals (ponies born in 2001) and the Exhibition of Young Stallions enrolled in the Genealogical Register and the outcome of careful breeding selection.
Spectacular events are again ensured with the International Farriers Competition, the Carousel of the "Carabinieri, the Saddle Christening, Festival of Saddle-Back Acrobatics and the Rodeo Show, a full-scale American rodeo in Italy and an event of major appeal for experts and the curious alike.
All the more, the best American breeds (Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa) will be on display during the Show, in the parades and competitions of the Western Show, this year organised as the Exhibition of the Western & Country Life, with the Western Saloon and Show to highlight a life-style that equally promotes initiatives and products.
Special emphasis will be given to the Exhibition of Equestrian Tourism and Open-Air Holidays, focusing on the leading Italian farm-holiday centres specialising in horse-back trekking, as an alternative approach to holiday-making, sport and leisure in contact with Nature.
Major space will be dedicated to the Exhibition Market with horses and auctions, while enthusiasts of the world of horses - both experts or beginners - will find everything they need in the Exhibition of Equestrian Systems & Equipment. The offering is extensive and highly qualified: from accessories for equitation and stables to drinking troughs, from veterinary radiological equipment to tools and equipment for farriers, from coaches and wagons to horse transporters, from feed to management software for breeders, from clothing and saddle products to suitcases.
