Italy continues to strengthen its position in international equestrian sports. According to the FEI Annual Report, presented to the Board of the International Equestrian Federation in Lausanne and released by the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE) on July 13, the country ranks third worldwide for the number of international equestrian events hosted. Italy staged 342 official FEI competitions over the past year, behind only the United States (613) and France (522). In show jumping, Italy also ranks second in the world for registered athletes, with 2,280 competitors. The FEI Board has also awarded Italy four major international events for 2027 and 2028: the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy in Verona during Fieracavalli 2027; the Jumping Nations Cup at the Montelibretti Military Equestrian Centre; the Nations Cup Youth Qualifier in Busto Arsizio; and the 2028 European Dressage and Veterans' Show Jumping Championships. Italy is also bidding to host the 2028 FEI Endurance World Championship in Castiglione del Lago, with a decision expected later this month. Meanwhile, Italy's horse racing season is entering one of its busiest periods. In Montecatini Terme, the traditional July evening meetings are paving the way for the summer's flagship events, culminating in the prestigious Gran Premio Città di Montecatini during the Ferragosto holiday period.