Fieracavalli 2024 closes with attendance of 140,00 from 73 countries: an increasingly international, across-the-board and inclusive show

The next edition of Fieracavalli - number 127 - is scheduled 6-9 November 2025.

Verona 10 November 2024 – The 126^th Fieracavalli closes today after attracting to Verona over four days today140,000 visitors and operators, thereby confirming the show’s across-the-board success among horse lovers, sport figures and professionals in the sector. There were73 countries of origin, up from 60 in 2023, thereby emphasising the event’s increasingly international vocation.

The 128,000 square metre exhibition area comprising 12 show halls and 6 outdoor areas was the stage for the “pure beauty” of 2,200 horses representing 60 different breeds. The business offering involved 700 exhibitors from 25 countries, accompanied by 35 breeder associations. Thanks to an incoming campaign developed together with the ITA Italian Trade Agency, delegations of top buyers travelled to Verona from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates, joined by 600 operators from Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia. Visitors greatly appreciated the programme of more than 200 events, including shows, conferences, competitions and sports, demonstrating Fieracavalli’s ability to valorise every aspect of the equestrian world.

“This important milestone is recognition of a collective commitment and the work of an entire team that combines passion and expertise,” said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. “Through Fieracavalli, we continue to pursue the objective of supporting a supply chain that, in terms of the Italian economy, is today worth more than 3 billion euros, while equally promoting values associated with sport, inclusion and participation. Our special thanks go to the institutions taking part, with Government Ministers Lollobrigida, Locatelli and Abodi, and Under-secretaries La Pietra and Rauti visiting Verona, as well as the ITA Italian Trade Agency, the FEI and FISE federations, the Veneto Region and to Verona City Council, networked with local businesses, and to all enthusiasts – everyone at the soul of Fieracavalli for 126 editions.”

“Fieracavalli once again saw sport as a protagonist of excellence in the equestrian sector,” said Maurizio Danese, CEO of Veronafiere. “This year we hosted the 23rd edition of the only Italian stage of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup™ that sold out over the weekend with 10,000 spectators, as well as the national finals of the Italian Champions Tour and the 126 Grand Prix, competitions organised by FISE-Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports, and the challenges animating the Westernshow. We are also very proud to have presented the first Jumping Verona Racing Team made up of five Italian riders who will wear the official colours of the event to carry the Fieracavalli brand to the top in competition fields throughout Europe.”

“Fieracavalli means we are the custodians of an equestrian passion that continues to evolve – just like the format of the event which ranks as one of the landmark brands in the Veronafiere portfolio,” said the General Manager of Veronafiere, Adolfo Rebughini.  “Attendance data for the four days gives us a picture of an active world that is growing in terms of enthusiasts and users who consider Fieracavalli to be a key moment when the community can come together again, meet colleagues, do business and enjoy the spectacular sporting events and many other facets that horses can inspire.”

Fieracavalli’s strength lies in its ability to innovate thanks to its international soul, while equally maintaining a powerful connection with its history and local area, which in turn is involved in some of its social inclusion and sustainability initiatives, such as Impronte Equine to assist the rehabilitation of soldiers affected by post-traumatic stress, or training courses as stable technicians for the reintegration of prison inmates into the workplace with the Si Sostiene in Carcere project. The parade supporting Gi.A.DA. was an opportunity for raising awareness of the importance of primary and secondary prevention when caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

One year after the launch of Apen’Down, the Apen’Down – Irriverenti Sociali cooperative has been officially established. A milestone involving 20 boys and girls with Down’s syndrome who welcomed visitors to the refreshment points in Show Halls 7 and 9 – an innovative job placement approach designed to break down barriers and promote full social and economic integration. There were also new horizons for Riding the Blue, the project for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder which this year involved 120 children to become a leading study on an international scale. Considerable attention is also paid to gender equality with the new Westernshow competitions specifically for lady categories, as well as awareness initiatives to combat violence against women.

This year’s show also spoke out for the latest trends and sentiments of the most enthusiastic equestrian world, while also ensuring entertainment, thanks to a schedule of events valorising horses in all forms of expression by blending art, entertainment and music – starting with the traditional appointment with the Pathos Gold Gala. The Crazy Horse Day saw sports competitions alternated with musical performances by Italian singers in a non-stop marathon of shows and jumping that concluded with the equestrian musical directed by Gessica Notaro. There were two off-show events with Crazy Horse Night, in the evocative setting of the Gallerie Mercatali di Veronafiere, with the Teenage Dream Party and top techno figure, Sven Väth.

The Exhibition of Rural Tourism and Typical Produce welcomed 30 exhibitors who promoted local specialities by guiding visitors through Italy’s food and wine excellence. At the same time, equestrian tourism was highlighted as a slow and green approach to tourism capable of promoting a culture based on environmental sustainability.

Veronafiere put forward a diversified proposal that helped consolidate awareness of the Fieracavalli brand and meet the needs of a growing sector, as also demonstrated by the research report commissioned of Nomisma. The Veronafiere trade fair, according to this report, is recognised by over half the Italian population, while 2.5 million people have attended the Veronafiere event at least once in their lives. These figures also increase if look at the cluster of practitioners: 33% took part and 81% know about the event. The number of horses and farms currently active in Italy is also growing, respectively to 314,303 and 137,258 – an increase of 5.3% involving 29 breeds – thereby highlighting the wealth and variety of Italy’s livestock heritage, the richest in Europe in terms of biodiversity.

The 127^th Fieracavalli is scheduled 6-9 November 2025. See you there!