Discover the names that define our community through our 'Brand Focus' series - an inside look at the history, passion, and innovations you’ll experience at BETA International 2026. Acavallo is an innovative Italian equestrian brand and a core part of Amahorse, widely recognised as a world leader in therapeutic gel and shock-absorbing equipment. The partnership combines high-end technical design with a comprehensive production and distribution chain.
Acavallo’s Head of Marketing & Communications, Andrea Palazzeschi, shares insights with us on the brand’s evolution and upcoming plans:
- How did the business begin, and what problem were you originally trying to solve? Acavallo was founded in the early 2000s and joined the Amahorse group in 2018. It was founded out of a deep personal and professional connection to the equestrian world. The brand's origin was driven by a specific mission: to merge modern therapeutic technology with traditional craftsmanship to improve the welfare and athletic performance of both horse and rider.
- What has been the biggest challenge in building or growing the brand so far? The initial challenge was the transition from operating as a standalone company to becoming a brand within a structured group, with different business dynamics and approaches. Unlike most of the group’s other brands, a major communication and brand awareness campaign was launched for Acavallo in Italy. The previous owners had immediately focused strongly on foreign markets, particularly Northern Europe, the UK and the US, where the brand is particularly well-known and highly regarded. For this reason, it was important to promote it effectively in Italy and other countries where it had not yet established a presence, to reach a target audience suited to a high-end brand characterised by cutting-edge research and development and prestigious collaborations with world-renowned riders.
- How has the sector landscape changed since you started, and how have you adapted? As with many other sectors, our industry has had to adapt to the changes and instability of the international economic situation. At Acavallo, we have recently reviewed our product range, removing from the catalogue items or variants that are no longer performing well or are now ill-suited to market demands, to make way for new products and strategic launches. In certain product segments, such as leather products, a careful and meticulous search for the finest raw materials has enabled us to improve quality without affecting prices. What we are now offering is a range that is certainly more limited than a few years ago, but better suited to the needs of our customers and their horses.
- Where do you take inspiration from when developing new products or ranges? Each of our products is designed to meet a specific need of the horse. That is why our brand slogan is: “Ideas for Horses”. Our mission is to provide an effective solution for every possible issue related to a horse’s conformation or health. In this process, our close collaboration with Fonteabeti, Italy’s leading dressage horse breeding and training centre, plays a key role and enables us to test and develop each of our products in a targeted manner.
- What does “success” look like for you as a brand? For us, success means finding solutions to the real-world challenges we face on a daily basis. We recognise that performance depends on the horse’s well-being, and that only healthy, happy horses can perform at their best. That is why we are so proud to have been chosen by the world’s leading riders – many of whom are Olympians – as their technical partners for so many years.
- Can you share an example of how your products have made a difference for retailers, consumers or end users? Acavallo is appreciated worldwide for the superior quality of its half pads and gel pads, which promote the horse’s wellbeing whilst offering therapeutic benefits. In these specific product categories, as well as in stirrups, we are proud of the consistency of being one of the market leaders for many years. For retailers, having a brand such as Acavallo in their product range is synonymous with reliability and credibility, whilst for end-users it means offering their horse the very best in terms of quality, research and the craftsmanship characteristic of Made in Italy.
- What advice would you give to independent retailers choosing new products or suppliers in the current market? To never stop believing in quality, which makes all the difference in the long-term durability. Also, to collaborate with brands that make research and development a cornerstone of their business model.
- How long have you been involved with BETA International, and what stands out to you about the show? We are excited to return to BETA for the second year. As a key strategic event for us, we’re proud to be exhibiting alongside our UK trade agency, Shaws Equestrian. We especially value the high energy of the show and the unique opportunity it provides to connect with industry leaders and forge meaningful partnerships.
- Why is exhibiting at BETA International important for your business specifically? Exhibiting at BETA International allows us to meet consumers and retailers and strengthen our presence in a market that has been central to Acavallo since its inception. Here, our brand is already well-known and highly regarded, making it the ideal place to showcase the latest innovations and developments from a brand that never stops pushing the boundaries by embracing the challenge of innovation. Furthermore, BETA is also an excellent showcase for the other brands in the Amahorse group, including our clothing brand Equestro, which has already made a name for itself in Italy in just a few years and is now experiencing significant growth across Europe and beyond.
- What can visitors expect when they meet you at the event this year? There will be numerous and significant innovations this year. First and foremost, the revamped leather collection - two new lines of highly innovative half pads, and horse care products – a brand-new venture for Acavallo. And much more besides.
- Who should make a point of visiting your stand, and why? Anyone looking for the best for their horse or a strategic business partner to assist with business growth.
- Looking ahead, what’s next for the brand beyond BETA International? The coming months will also see the launch of exciting new projects with universities and scientific bodies, demonstrating how ongoing research underpins the activities of Acavallo and the Amahorse Group. The brand will also be present at numerous competitions and trade fairs, such as the LGCT circuit, Equita Lyon and Fieracavalli Verona. Furthermore, plans will be finalised for future innovations to be unveiled at Spoga Cologne in February 2027.