FISE and ANCI sign pact to promote equestrian sports in Italian

FISE and ANCI join forces to promote equestrian activities in municipalities

On 2 April 2026 at the FISE headquarters in Rome (Viale Tiziano), the Italian Equestrian Federation and the ANCI signed a three-year memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding equestrian activities across Italian municipalities.

The agreement seeks to combine sport, culture, environmental stewardship and social inclusion, making horse-related activities more accessible to young people, persons with disabilities and local communities. Representatives from both organisations and local administrations attended the signing.

Main objectives and actions

• Promote equestrian practice in schools and youth centres.
• Enhance hippotherapy and integrated riding as tools for inclusion.
• Engage municipalities in developing facilities, green areas and dedicated routes.
• Promote a sporting culture based on fair play, animal welfare and the fight against bullying, doping and discrimination.

The protocol foresees a joint working group between FISE and ANCI to coordinate initiatives and ensure effective implementation nationwide.

HorseEssence: nature, culture and territory through the horse

At the signing, FISE presented the initial stops of the HorseEssence project, designed to showcase nature, cultural heritage and local gastronomic excellence through equestrian experiences. Early locations include Pratoni del Vivaro, Cala Gonone and Pescasseroli, with activities focusing on sustainable tourism and environmental education.

The collaboration aims to strengthen the role of municipalities as hubs of social cohesion, promoting healthy lifestyles and educational paths grounded in contact with nature and animals.