An evening of free-roaming horses and international cuisine marked the opening of the Zigulí Test Event FEI Endurance European Championship, held on Thursday, August 29, at the Italia Endurance Stables & Academy in Agello di Magione. The event, attended by both national and international guests as well as representatives of regional and local institutions, served as a prestigious occasion to once again place Umbria and Lake Trasimeno at the centre of international relations in the name of endurance riding—a discipline grounded in the respect for horses and nature. This sport not only enhances and promotes the breathtaking landscapes of Italy’s Green Heart but also its rich cultural and culinary heritage on a global stage.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Italia Endurance Stables & Academy, the region’s finest agri-food products were showcased during a dinner that invited guests on a culinary journey through the gastronomic islands of France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Peru, China, and Japan. Inspired by the cutting-edge creativity of Italy’s top Michelin-starred chefs, the evening—curated by Gianluca Laliscia and Simona Zucchetta—celebrated the convergence of local traditions, regional cuisines, and multicultural encounters through moments of remarkable artistic expression.
In essence, the event offered a true journey through the flavours of the world, anchored in the spirit of Umbria. The menu was designed to highlight global culinary experiences while incorporating the finest Umbrian ingredients. The exclusive setting was made even more magical by an extraordinary equestrian performance directed by one of the world’s foremost masters and interpreters of equestrian art, Bartolo Messina—artistic director and star performer for the equine segment of the renowned “Cavalluna” tour, the most prominent and spectacular equestrian art show in Europe.
Messina opened the performance with a delightful presentation of miniature horses, including Capuccino (measuring just 63.5 cm at the withers), the son of Charlie, holder of the Guinness World Record for the world’s smallest horse. The show continued with a thrilling display by two Cavalluna “voltage men”, who captivated the audience with breathtaking acrobatic vaulting, and concluded with a moving highlight: Messina’s iconic liberty dressage performance, featuring the exceptional Italian talent Sasa, who performed with eight horses.
