Horses

The Maremmana Horse is bred in Tuscany and is most likely Neapolitan descended, with Spanish, Arab and Barb influences.? In the 19th century, the local horses would likely have also been improved by crossing with English imports, most notably the Norfolk Roadster and possibly with half bred thoroughbred stallions as well.

The province of Maremma was home to several studs and though most bred horses based on local wild horses, they all used English crosses to upgrade their coarse foundation stock.

The Maremmana was developed into a distinctive horse type at the Grosseto stud where it be was bred for use as a heavy saddle, or sometime light draught horse.? It is described as "rustic"? and "earthy"? and is by no means a beautiful horse, but it is solid and enduring, a steady performer at its work and surprisingly versatile as a result of its English heritage.

As with many breeds with feral or indigenous stock, they are hardy economical to feed, making them well-suited to light agricultural work. They have also been used as troop, cavalry and police horses.? Their real claim to fame is being ridden by the butteri, the herdsman, cowboys of the Maremmana countryside and they are held in good stead for their abilities in working the local Maremmana cattle.

The Maremmana remains plain in appearance, though the use better-quality stallions, from the 1940s onwards has created a breed with more correct limbs than previously. The Maremmanas used for herding cattle are noted for their strong hock joints - an essential attribute for work of that nature. The Maremmana is not a speedy horse and their shoulder conformation is not perfect, but their strength and good-natured, willing temperament make them suitable for many uses. The average height is around 1.60 m (15.3 h)high, and all solid coat colors are found.