Intro
The Persian Horse or Persano has been in Italy long enough to be considered a native breed and is essentially an Anglo-Arabian. They are traditionally bred on the plains of the river Sele, or in the Salerno and Toscana Region.
Origins
The breed originated at the military stud of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and in 1874 the breed was dispersed by the government. Later, in the 20th century the Italian Army attempted to reconstruct the breed using suitable local bloodlines, Thoroughbred and Anglo Arabian animals. The modern day Italian Persano are heavily influenced by Thoroughbred and are considered a saddle horse similar to the Salernitano.
According to the DAD-IS they are listed as critical and as of 2023 there were 139 left.
Features
Average height 16-16.7 hands
Physique
Head has a straight profile
Neck is long
Shoulder is muscular and sloped
Chest is deep
Legs are well formed with strong joints
Hooves have good structure
Traditional Colors
Solid colors
Temperament
Energetic and intelligent
Use
Sport
Dressage
Riding