It’s Friday again and a great day for visiting an exotic location and learning about the fabulous horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is an interesting ride, today a peek at the breeds from Italy.
Bred For War
It makes sense that many of today’s breeds came originally out of a need for sturdy war mounts and hardy mountain-type agricultural animals. Some of their breeds (like the Avelignese Horse & Bardigiano) are cousins to the well-loved Haflinger. All three of these breeds share common ancestors and come from the horses of invading Belgian Gauls.
Spanish Influence
Regardless of which European country we visit it seems that the Spanish bloodlines find a way in. In addition to hardy northern breeds there is an obvious Iberian influence in many of the Italian animals, like the handsome Murgese Horse. The layout of the country allows for some very remote geographical areas which, in turn allows for some incredibly pure localized bloodlines.
Italian Horse Breeds
Avelignese Horse
Bardigiano
Calabrese Horse
Catria Horse
Esperia Pony
Giara
Italian Draft
Italian Trotter
Maremmano
Monterufoli Pony
Murgese
Neapolitan
Pentro
Salerno Horse
Samolaco Horse
San Fratello
Sardinian Pony
Tolfetano Horse
Ventasso
Horses of the World
There is a whole worlds worth of countries to visit, so be sure to keep yourself updated. Please let me know in the comments below if I’m missing any horses of the Italy & check back next week for the breeds of Japan.