Italy’s Pratoni del Vivaro & Montelibretti CCIs Cancelled Due to Coronavirus

Courtesy of Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri.

Two FEI eventing competitions are among the casualties of the Italian National Olympic Committee’s cancellation of sporting events until April 3  due to the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Pratoni del Vivaro (March 26-29): CCI1*-Intro, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI4*-S, CCIP2-L
  • Montelibretti (April 9-12): CCI1*-Intro, CCI2*-L, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI4*- L, CCI4*-S

Multiple international show jumping and dressage competitions in Italy have been cancelled as well — view the complete list here.

The country has been hard hit by the virus, with 12,462 cases reported and 827 deaths at the time of this publication. Government measures have included restricted travel and the quarantine of a large segment of the population. The coronavirus was declared a pandemic today by the World Health Organization.

Marco di Paola, president of the Italy’s national governing body of equestrian sport Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri, issued a letter to members urging them to stay home from riding schools and stables during the quarantine period.

“We frequently receive the question of whether it is possible to go to the riding school to mount or move the horse on the rope. The same question is often supported by justifications such as my horse is particular, my horse needs to ridden, etc. 

“The answer is negative, the legislation is aimed at avoiding displacements by limiting them to particular or exceptional situations:

  • athletes of national interest, which are a very restricted category and certified by the Federation;
  • situations of indifferent need, also preferably certified by a veterinarian.

“We understand that many would like to be with their beloved horse companion, but at this moment there are more important national priorities that require the suspension of the activity of the sports centers and lead us to suggest that we evaluate the closure of the facilities and certainly not allow the use of the common parts.”

Yesterday the FEI provided an updated advisory that included key planning recommendations for mass gatherings in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. We will keep you posted with further updates as they develop.

[Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri]