Maremmano

Looks how to spot one

warmblood

The Maremmano has a long, slightly heavy head, a muscular neck that is broad at the base, high well-muscled withers, a full chest and sloping shoulders. The back is short, the croup sloping, and the legs are solid and sturdy with good joints and strong hooves.1

Personality what they are like

The Maremmano is steady, level and willing, with the patience to stand for long stretches and the nerve to work cattle in close quarters. It is also responsive and shows genuine initiative, making it a confident partner for an amateur rider. It is calm, thoughtful, rarely nervous, and develops a strong bond of trust with its rider.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

The Maremmano is a working horse that thrives on regular exercise. It is well suited to cattle work, working equitation, trail riding, eventing and show jumping. It needs daily turnout and a job to do, whether that is stock work, riding or competition.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The Maremmano has excellent feet with dense horn and strong legs, and many work unshod even in cattle work. Farriery is routine rather than remedial. The main veterinary attention goes on parasite control, since horses on permanent pasture carry a heavier worm burden than stabled ones. The breed is generally healthy with no breed-specific health issues.23

Home where they are happiest

Maremmani are traditionally raised in semi-freedom on large pastures, exposed to weather and on varied terrain. They handle heat and humidity better than almost any northern European breed, but shade and water still need managing in a Mediterranean summer. They need access to shelter and room to roam.24

Food basics what goes in the bowl

The Maremmano is an undemanding feeder. Centuries on poor marsh grazing produced a horse that maintains itself on very little, so a Maremmano in light work needs its grass limited and its bucket kept modest. The only caution concerns dietary transitions: accustomed to coarse forage, it may be sensitive to overly rich diets.24

Company who they like around

The Maremmano is a sociable horse that does well in herd environments. It is traditionally raised in semi-freedom with other horses, which ensures rusticity and mental balance. It forms strong bonds with its rider and is loyal and obedient.43

The story where it all began

The Maremmano is an ancient Italian breed from the Maremma region of Tuscany and northern Lazio. It was developed by the butteri (herdsmen) to work with semi-wild Maremmana cattle in a harsh, marshy environment. The breed's exact origins are not fully known, but it is thought to have been developed from North African stock combined with Spanish, Barb, Neapolitan and Arabian blood. During the 19th century, Thoroughbred, Norfolk Roadster and other blood was probably added. Extensive crossing with Thoroughbred and other breeds has led to a more athletic type called the Maremmano migliorato (Improved Maremmano). The breed has had a Stud Book only since 1980.154

Recognised by the official bits

Italian Stud Book

The Maremmano has had a Stud Book only since 1980.5