Maremmano

The Maremmano is an ancient horse breed that originated in the Maremma region of Italy.

In the past they were mostly used by the Italian cowboys Butteri for herding cattle, but it is a versatile breed that is well-suited for many different purposes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Maremmano horse, keep reading!

Maremmano Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Maremmano:

Maremmano Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

Even though it is one of the most significant and oldest Italian breeds of horse, the studbook for the Maremmano was established only in the 1980.

The Maremmano Horse may be traced back to the land formerly inhabited by the Etruscans, which is now known as the Tuscan-Lazio Maremma.

The Maremmano has always been raised outdoors roaming free in the fields under frequently harsh weather, and as a result, it has preserved its rustic and hardy features throughout time.

Origins of the Breed

The precise origins of this breed are unclear; nevertheless, it is commonly accepted that they originated in northern Africa due to the similarities with the Barb.

One theory is that the ancestors of the Maremmano horses were pony-sized equines that lived in the marshes of the Maremma.

There are also theories that imply that their other ancestors were North African Barbs, or maybe even Numidian horses who came with Hannibal’s (247 BC – 181 BC) cavalry.

In the early modern times, it is likely that blood from Neapolitan, Arabian and Spanish horses was introduced.

Maremmano in the Modern Times

By the beginning of the 19th century, the Maremmano type was well-established, but the breeders wanted to refine the look of the breed so around the year 1870, they started crossing it first with Arabian animals and later on with Thoroughbreds.

With the birth of the stallion Fauno in 1902 at the royal stables of San Rossore in Tuscany, the breed entered what is widely known as the new generation.

It is possible that the infusion of more Thoroughbred blood to generate the “Improved Maremmano,” also known as the “Maremmano migliorato,” may have resulted in some loss of the breed’s natural hardiness and stamina.

They were also very good cavalry horses, and the Italian army used them extensively on the eastern front during World War II.

In the years that followed the end of World War II, the Maremmano, like many other equine breeds, was subjected to further modifications that were primarily determined by the requirements of human work and warfare.

As a result, the breed came dangerously close to extinction.

However, thanks to the efforts of the breeders in Tuscany and Lazio, the breed managed to survive.

In spite of the addition of Thoroughbred and other blood, Maremmano preserves its reputation for toughness and ability to perform in challenging circumstances, especially in bad weather.

It is a very strong and hardy breed, with great endurance because they are still mostly bred outside in small regional stud farms exposed to elements in the marshy areas of the Maremma.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“Maremma horse”

Temperament/Personality

Good temperament

Physical Characteristics

The head has a distinctive ram-shape.

Otherwise it is a strong and compact animal with strong legs and hard feet.

Colors

Most commonly solid colored – black, bay, brown, dark chestnut, but some roans and grays are also seen

Height (size)

15.0 – 16.0 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

Average 1045 lbs (470 kg)

Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

Used by local cattle herders known as the Butteri, for sport and pleasure riding, by Italian Mounted Police

Health

Very healthy and long lived

Popular Traits

n/a

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Italy

Ancestors

Unknown