Catria is an old Italian horse breed that thrives in mountainous regions.
Learn more about this rare and interesting breed in today’s post.
Catria Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Catria:
| Height (size) | 14.2 – 14.3 hands high |
| Colors | Bay or chestnut |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Common Uses | Farm work in mountainous areas, as a riding horse for sport, meat production |
Catria Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
Catria horse comes from Italy, more specifically from the mountainous region of Monte Catria in the central Apennines, which is also where it gets its name from.
Evidence suggests that this breed was being sold to nobility and used to stock the cavalries of surrounding regions as early as the year 1000.
They all preserved the qualities that were necessary for successfully acclimating to the harsh conditions of the mountain pastures.
Even though there was a dramatic decline in the global horse population during World Wars I and II, the mountainous regions in which the Catria horse lived helped to preserve a significant number of these animals since the terrain was excellent for pasturing feral horses.
1974 was the year when a Special Co-operative Agency of Catria took over the supervision and began managing the crossbreeds of Maremmano and Franches Montagnes (Freiberger).
Additionally, they began working on stringent rules that would regulate the bloodlines.
They are today still bred in semi-mountainous areas that foster development of their inherent agility and balance, however, their population is quite low.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Calm temperament
Physical Characteristics
Their head is light with a straight profile.
The chest is deep and broad, and the back is short with wide hindquarters.
They are amazingly strong and robust and very surefooted in all gaits.
Colors
Bay or chestnut
Height (size)
13.3 – 15.3 hands high
Stallions
14.1 – 15.3 hh
Mares
13.3 – 15.1 hh
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Farm work in mountainous areas, as a riding horse for sport, meat production
Health
Generally healthy
Popular Traits
Very well adapted to the life in the mountains
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Italy
Ancestors
Ancient breed, Maremmano, Franches-Montagnes (Freiberger)