The Bardigiano is an Italian horse breed that has a long and fascinating history, and today they are used for a variety of purposes
If you are interested in learning more about this horse breed, then you have come to the right place!
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Bardigiano Horse.
Bardigiano Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Bardigiano horse:
| Height (size) | 13.2 – 14.7 hands high |
| Colors | The only recognised coat color is bay, with dark bay being preferred. Even though other colors do occur (chestnut, light bay, etc) they are not officially recognised, and are most likely a result of the post-war influences of other breeds. Large white facial markings are also not allowed. |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Common Uses | Riding, competitive driving, farm work, trekking, meat production, show horse, equestrian tourism, children’s mounts. Their gentle nature also makes them perfect for equine therapy. |
Bardigiano Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Bardigiano is a small horse breed from the Emilia Romagna region in Italy.
It is primarily associated with the region surrounding the Valle del Ceno and the surrounding area, and it gets its name from the town of Bardi, which is located in the Apennines of Parma.
The mountain environment and the steep, rugged terrain of the area have contributed to creation of a robust, hardy breed that is agile and sure-footed over difficult terrain.
It is believed that it is derived from horses that Belgian Gauls rode during their invasion of Italy during the Roman times.
It is believed that the horse ridden by the Gauls was the ancestor of the Haflinger, a breed of horse that was developed in Northern Italy and Austria and shares a number of characteristics with the Bardigiano.
The Bardigiano also shares many characteristics with the English Exmoor and Dales Ponies and the Asturcón of Spain.
The Bardigiano became increasingly strong, sturdy, surefooted, and agile over the centuries as a result of its adaptation to the steep terrain that surrounded Bardi.
Breeding for temperament was another important factor for the locals, as they required horses that could be trusted around children in addition to being willing and trainable for a variety of everyday tasks.
During World War I and II, Bardigiano mares were used to produce first-class mules, and as a result, the number of purebred Bardigianos dramatically decreased.
Following World War II, an attempt was made to re-establish the breed by introducing a number of stallions from other breeds; however, this resulted in a decline in the overall quality of the breed as a whole.
Fortunately, around the same time, it was discovered that small herds of purebred Bardigianos had been kept by local mountain farmers.
Official recognition of the breed came in 1977 in an effort to conserve and record the breed’s genetic lineage.
Despite the fact that there are currently more than 3,000 horses registered throughout 26 Italian regions, the gene pool is still regarded to be in danger.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Calm, docile, friendly, easy to handle
Physical Characteristics
The head is small and light with a slightly concave profile and protruding upper lip.
The neck is arched with a thick crest and low withers.
The back is medium-sized with deep girth. Legs are powerful with large, hard hooves.
They are strong, sturdy, agile and surefooted horses.
Colors
The only recognised coat color is bay, with dark bay being preferred.
Even though other colors do occur (chestnut, light bay, etc) they are not officially recognised, and are most likely a result of the post-war influences of other breeds.
Large white facial markings are also not allowed.
Height (size)
13.2 – 14.7 hands high
Stallions
13.8 – 14.7 hh
Mares
13.2 – 14.5 hh
Weight
551 – 661 lb (250 – 300 kg)
Blood Type
n/a
Common Uses
Riding, competitive driving, farm work, trekking, meat production, show horse, equestrian tourism, children’s mounts.
Their gentle nature also makes them perfect for equine therapy.
Health
Hardy and healthy
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Italy
Ancestors
Abellinum, Haflinger, Avelignese, Exmoor, Asturcon, Dales ponies