Intro
Also called the Maremmana, the Maremmano breed is indigenous to Italy and was bred during ancient times in the marshy areas between Pisa and Caserta.
Origins
The exact origins of this breed are unknown but they are generally believed to have come from northern Africa as the breed has similarities to the Barb. They tend to breed true to type and have several distinguishing physical characteristics like their ram’s head profile & thick hair.
Over the years there has been some selective cross breeding, first with Arabian animals and later using Thoroughbred blood. The goal was to refine the rougher characteristics of the breed while providing a finer looking animal.
Features
Average height 15 – 16 hands
Physique
Head is heavy often with ram profile
Neck is long & muscular
Back is short & straight
Chest is full
Legs are solid with good joints
Hooves are well formed & hard
Traditional Colors
Use
Riding horse
Endurance mount
Sport horse