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Originating from the Salerno region in Italy, the Salernitano horse is a breed that boasts a long and illustrious history, deeply intertwined with the equestrian traditions of the area. Once renowned as a war horse due to its remarkable speed and agility, it has since transitioned into a breed celebrated for its versatility in various equestrian disciplines.
The Salernitano’s roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was initially bred for cavalry use, combining the bloodlines of Neapolitan horses with those of Oriental breeds. Over the centuries, this breed has played a pivotal role in shaping Italy’s mounted military forces, and subsequently, its characteristics have been refined to enhance its suitability for both competitive and recreational riding.
Known for its docile yet spirited temperament, the Salernitano stands out with its elegant appearance, typically measuring between 160 to 170 cm in height. It possesses a strong and compact body, with a glossy coat that commonly exhibits shades of bay, chestnut, and black. Moreover, the breed’s intelligence and trainability make it a favored choice among equestrians seeking a reliable and capable mount.
While the Salernitano was historically utilized for military purposes, today it excels in dressage, show jumping, and eventing, showcasing its adaptability and performance. Additionally, its gentle nature has also made it suitable for therapeutic riding programs, further demonstrating the breed’s broad utility in enhancing human lives.
Currently, the Salernitano horse is facing challenges in maintaining its population, prompting conservation efforts to protect its heritage. These initiatives aim not only to preserve the breed’s genetic diversity but also to promote its historical and cultural significance, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and utilize this magnificent breed.
Italy
regional
Critical: ca. 230 horses
150-170 cm
Bay, black, chestnut, grey
tbd
Rare and endangered
Salerno horse — Salerner
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Here are some places where you can see where you can support the rare and endangered breed. Above all I want to thank everybody who works with me.
Take part in my projects Forgotten Horses and Free Horses and consequently make an impact that matters. By photographing rare and endangered horses we can raise awareness to disappearing horse breeds and therefore preserve equine diversity.
Are you looking for professional photos of rare and endangered horse breeds? You will find a small selection of my pictures in the breed posts, however you may ask for more specific photos directly. In short, all my pictures can be licensed for private, editorial and commercial usage.
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Are you looking for professional photos of wildlings, rare breeds, horses in different countries and amazing locations? You will find a small selection of my pictures on my website, but you may ask for more specific photos directly. All my pictures can be licensed for private, editorial and commercial usage.
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