Itai is a beautiful country that is famous for its delicious food and amazing art. Italy is also home to some of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world.

There are more than 25 horse breeds of full or partial Italian heritage. The most common Italian horse breeds are the Italian Heavy Horse, Italian Trotter, Morges, Sarsedano, Sardinian Anglo-Arab, Bardigiano and Esperia.

Additionally, the Haflinger and Libizan, both of which are popular breeds, also owe part of their ancestry to Italy.

Here are fifteen breeds of indigenous Italian horse.

1. Italian heavy project

The Italian Heavy Draft was first developed at the Deposito Cavalli Stalloni stud in Ferrara, Italy in 1860. It is also known as the Italian Working Horse, Rapid Heavy Draft, and Cavallo Agricolo Italiano da Tiro Pesante Rapido.

The Italian Heavy Draft was originally developed from crossing Po Delta stallions with Thoroughbreds, Hackneys and Arabian horses. Then, in 1900, the blood of Boulogne, Ardennes, and Norfolk-Breton was mixed to create a heavier horse. The breed quickly became a reliable choice for farming and even military use.

After suffering during World War II, the Ardennes, Percheron and Breton horses helped bring back the Italian heavy draft numbers.

In 1926, the genealogy book was formed, and the Italian heavy project became known for its strength and speed. They were even more important in development to create larger and more powerful mules.

Heavy Italian draft horses range in length from 14.2 to 15.2 hands, and are often chestnut with a linen mane and tail, although they may also be red or bay. They have a muscular build with a short neck, deep back, deep chest and strong hind limbs. Its uses include farming, driving, horse riding and meat.

2. Italian Trotter

The Italian Trotter originated from a selective breeding program for racing horses. It is a relatively new breed, dating back to the late 19th century.

Italian Trotters were bred to have the speed of a Standardbred combined with the stamina of a French Trotter.

Thoroughbred stallions were crossed with French Trotters, Russian Trotters, and Standardbred mare to develop the Italian Trotter. It quickly became one of the fastest canter breeds in the world.

The Italian Trotter stands between 16 and 17 hands tall and is available in all colors, with the most common being bay, black and chestnut. These fast horses have an athletic build with a straight appearance. In addition to being excellent harness horses, they also excel at riding.

3. Havelinger

The Haflinger, or Avlenese, is a hardy breed native to the South Tyrolean Mountains in present-day Austria and northern Italy. It is famous not only in Italy but also all over the world.

Their first documentation dates back to 1874 when paternal 249 Fuli was born from a half-Arabian stallion and a purebred Tyrolean mare. All Thoroughbred Haveling rigs must be traced back to the 249th Foley through seven stallion lines: A, B, M, N, S, ST and W.

Due to their rugged nature, Haflingers were a popular choice as traversing horses through the steep, narrow trails of the Tyrolean Mountains.

During World War II, breeding practices shifted as the military needed a shorter, shorter horse. After the war, height and refinement returned, focusing on breeding a versatile and commanding horse.

Despite their small size, Havlingers have a draft-like build with a slender head, deep chest, and muscular body. They are about 13.2 to 15 hands long and have a chestnut colour, ranging from light gold to liver, with a linen mane and tail.

Haflingers are used today for driving, dressage, jumping, trail riding, western fun, and more.

4. Libyan

The Lippizan, or Lippizanner, is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe. These beautiful Baroque horses date back to the 16th century and owe their origins to many countries.

The Lipizzan breed derives its name from one of the oldest horse farms, which was located near Lipica (Libiza in Italian). Although the village is now located in present-day Slovenia, it was part of Italy until World War II, and before that, it was part of Austria. These majestic horses were developed from Barb, Arabian and Andalusian breeds, along with other Spanish breeds.

There are eight recognized baselines within the breed, and these are referred to as “breeds”. The six classic father lines include Pluto, Conversano, Maestoso, Favouri, Napolitano, and Siglavi, and the other two are Tulipan and Insetatto. Both Napolitano and Conversano originated in Italy.

During World War I and World War II, the breed was under threat of extinction, but fortunately, measures were taken to save these beautiful horses. Today, Lipizzan is best known for its classical dressage performance at the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Lippizans are usually born black, then gradually turn white as they mature. They have an arched neck and a muscular body and often show a slightly Roman nose. On average, Lippizan horses are 15 to 16 hands long and excel at driving, dressage and jumping.

5. Morghese

The Morgue horse was originally developed from the Morge region, Apulia, Italy, from Arabian horses and Barbary horses during Spanish rule. In addition, they are also believed to have crossed with the Neapolitan breed and other indigenous Italian breeds.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Morges horses were popular among Italian riders. However, their numbers later declined, and they were on the verge of extinction. Fortunately, the Herd Book was created from a selection of 46 mares and nine stallions.

Murges are loved for their gentle and loving disposition, and many live in a semi-wild herd that roams the Murge. They have a similar appearance to the Friesian, displaying a light, powerful head, arched neck, and muscular body.

Morges horses are usually 14.2 to 16 hands long, have a black or blue coat, and are used for farm work, riding, and driving.

6. Sarsidano

Sarsedano is a rare breed of semi-feral horse that originated in the province of Oristano in Sardinia. Although it has been around since the late 1700s, it was officially recognized as a breed in 2003.

The Sarcidano family shares similar ancestry to the Andalusians. Studies conducted in 1997 and 1999 show that the breed shares a common ancestry with the Iberian horse 25,000 years ago. It also displays a seventh molar that is featured in other ancient breeds such as the Exmoor Pony and Caspian Horse.

A small number of Sarcidano horses were purchased by the Comune of Laconi from a private owner and live in the state-owned Funtanamela Forest, on the Sarcidano Plateau. Another herd lives in the area as well, and there is also another herd cared for by the Sardinian Osieri Horse Breeding Corporation in Foresta Burgos.

Sarcidano horses are on average 11.1 to 14 hands long, have a straight profile, muscular neck, strong legs, and have bay, chestnut, black or gray coats.

7. Anglo-Arab Sardinia

Native to the island of Sardinia, the Anglo-Arabian Sardinian is a popular sporting horse throughout Italy. They have been selectively bred for over a hundred years.

Anglo-Arab Sardinia was first used in the mountains by the re-station of Mount Osiri for the Italian army. To create a reliable cavalry horse, native Sardinian mares were crossed with oriental stallions and later with Anglo-Arabians and Thoroughbreds. The target later became a horse with a minimum of 25% or a maximum of 75% of Arabian blood.

Since the 1960s, the Anglo-Arabian island of Sardinia has become one of the most popular mountains for events, dressage, jumping, and even racing. They are quick-tempered and intelligent, with a polished head and athletic body. They stand 15-16 hands long and are generally chestnut, bay, brown, gray or black.

8. Bardigiano

Native to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, the Bardigiano is a small, powerful breed of horse. Experts believe that they are descendants of the Belgian horses that the Gauls rode during the conquest of Italy in Roman times.

During World War I and World War II, Pardigiano horses contributed to the creation of powerful mules for use by the Italian Army. This reduced their numbers, which led to the introduction of various other breeds to increase the population. However, this only caused a drop in quality. Fortunately, a small flock was discovered by the locals who were keeping the breed.

Bardigianos are powerful horses capable of sailing through rugged mountains. They are found throughout Italy and are used for agricultural work, horse riding, driving and trekking.

Bardigianos have a straight or concave profile, arched neck, and well-muscled body. They average 13.2 to 14.1 hands in height, and are black or dark in color.

9. Asperia

The strong and lively Esperia foal originated from the province of Frosinone in the Italian region of Lazio. The breed evolved over two centuries.

In the mid-19th century, Baron Ambrogio Roselli di Esperia began a selective breeding program to improve the genetics of local foals. Salerno’s stock was first introduced, but they struggled to adapt to the harsh conditions of the Aurunci and Ausoni Mountains. Then he brought four mares and one stallion from the Turkish stock, which proved successful.

In World War II, the breed suffered badly because it was used for meat and mine clearing. They gained official recognition in 1962, with the breed standard established in 1993.

Esperia ponies are 13 to 14 hands long, usually have a black coat, muscular chest, short head, and slender legs. These tough ponies excel at riding, driving and working packages.

10. Cousin

Native to Sardinia, Giara is a hardy small breed. They hail from the south-central region of Sardinia, which is known for its steep terrain and unforgiving environment.

Although the true origins of Qarara are uncertain, some researchers believe that they came from the Phoenicians or Greeks in the fifth or fourth century BC. The breed shares similar characteristics to eastern horses, including the Barb.

Today, Giaras roam freely in a restricted area in southern Sardinia. They have a large head, a strong neck and a stocky body, their height varies between 11.1 and 13.1 hands. Although most of it is wild, locals also use horses for horse riding and to work on the farm.

11. Marimano

The Maremmano is a hard-working indigenous horse in the swampy areas between Pisa and Caserta. Although their ancestry is unclear, experts believe they are of Barb, Neapolitan, Arab, and Spanish ancestry.

Over the years, Maremmanos have been bred with Thoroughbreds and Arabian horses to create a taller, more refined horse.

Traditionally, Maremmanos were the best choice for light work by Maremma cattlemen, known as butteri. In addition, they were also reliable carriers of Italian cavalry and mounted police.

Maremmanos have a long head, muscular neck, stocky chest, and strong legs. They range in height from 15.1 to 15.3 hands, and are usually grey, bay, brown, black or gray. As a highly adaptable breed, its uses include running cattle, jumping and endurance.

12. Monterovolino

Monterufolino originated from the Tuscany region of Italy. They are a rare breed, with only about 200 horses.

The story of the Monterufolino dynasty began in 1913 when the Counts of Gherardesca bought the property of Tenuta di Monterufoli. The family got 2,000 wild horses that roamed freely across the farm. They bred these indigenous ponies with Maremma, Tolvita, Arabian and Oriental stallions to improve the stock.

The property of Monterovoli annually collects ponies, brand them and sell them at auction. They soon spread throughout Tuscany for use as driving, farm work, and as a riding fort for children. However, the estate was sold in 1956 and the breed’s numbers declined as people became less dependent on them.

In 1989, a wild herd was assembled to save the breed. Then, in 2008, the Cavallino di Monterufoli Society formed to save the breed and in 2011 the Pomerance community adopted the last herd to ensure it remained semi-wild.

Monterufolinos have a small athletic build, around 13-14 hands in length. They are the Pisan Forest Police, with their other uses including dressage, endurance, trail riding, and driving.

13. Tolfetano

The Tolfetano horse belongs to the Monti Della Tolfa mountain range. Although they have ancient breeds, their exact origins remain a mystery.

Researchers believe that the Tolfetano breed may have Barbarian subspecies. Due to their harsh environment and lack of resources, they have grown into a strong and reliable breed. In 1992, they became an official breed, as the Tolfetano Horse Association was formed in 1994.

Tolfetanos are a favorite of the Battery as working horses and were once a military mount. They have strong stocky builds, standing around 14.1 – 15.2 hands long. These graceful, graceful horses are often bay, black or chestnut.

14. Napolitano

The Napolitano, or Neapolitan, originated from the Campania region of Italy, although experts believe they may have also lived throughout the Kingdom of Naples. It is an extremely rare breed, with only 30 horses as of 2015, 29 in Italy and one in America.

The Napolitano dynasty began in 1200, and throughout the Roman Empire, they became a guaranteed mountain of war. It became a popular material in literature from the 16th to the 19th centuries, famous for its quality.

The nobles would breed these beautiful horses for transport and cavalry. Additionally, the Napoletano is known for its contribution to other breeds, including the Lippizan and Murgese.

In 1950, many thought the original Napolitano was extinct. However, in 1989 the Napolitano stallion “Il Vecchio” was imported to Italy to restore the breed. The breeders dedicated to these magnificent horses have stepped up to save the breed.

The Neapolitan breed has a baroque build, with an athletic, muscular body and a well-arched neck. They are primarily black and stand around 14-15 hands.

15. Ventaso

The Ventasso is a rare breed of horse indigenous to the upper Val Dinza valley in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Today, only about 50 of these amazing horses remain.

The Ventasso documents belong to Duke Ferdinand of Bourbon, Serenissima Farnese, and Duchy of Maria Luisa of Austria.

The Ventasso breed originated from local breeds, as well as Lipizzan and Maremmano horses. Until the forties of the last century, they were regularly supplied to the Italian army.

In the 1960s, breeders crossed the Lipizzan and Mermano stallions with a Ventaso stock. Today, although rare, the breed has many uses including endurance, compound games and polo.

Ventasso horses have a straight profile, deep chest and muscular neck. On average, they are between 14.3 and 16 hands long and are usually bay, gray or black in color.