For experts, this is a not-to-be-missed appointment, while for the public at large it is a spectacular occasion for learning something more about horses: these are the main features of the Parade of Typical Italian Breeds, organised in collaboration with the Italian Breeders Association (Italalleva) and one of the main attractions for visitors to the 104th FIERACAVALLI (7-10 November every day11.00 am-12.30 pm in Area 23s.
Around forty horse breeds will be on show, highlighting for the public the morphological and attitudinal characteristics of each breed.
A few examples:
Maremmano: sturdy, hardy and adaptable to every type of ground and climate - the classic horse of the Maremma "cowboys". Even the horseback accessories used by these "cowboys" are utterly fascinating. The "buttera" saddle ("scafarda", or Friar's saddle) is a military accessory adapted for work in the fields. It was used in the last cavalry charge in history, in August 1942 at Isbuscenkij, near the River Don, when 650 sabres of the Savoia Cavalry attacked and routed the canons and parabellum of 2000 Siberians.
Ideal for saddling, light work or short, fast heavy work and agriculture, the Lipizzano takes its name from Lipizza, not far from Trieste but currently in Slovenia. The origins of this breed, however, date back to the XVI century, when Lipizza was part of the Austrian Empire and Arch-Duke Charles of Styria cross-bred Veronese mares with Spanish stallions.
The Italian Murgese horse is lively and rustic, but also very docile and thus ideally suited for Equestrian Tourism. Its origins date back to the times of the Spanish domination, through cross-breeding with Arab and Berber stallions, imported by the Count of Conversano.
Norico: another strong, quiet horse. The ancient Romans developed the breed at Noricum, in present-day Styria and Corinthia. The breed was improved in the XVI century with Neapolitan and Andalusan crossing.
Bardigiano: sturdy and tranquil, it came to the Emilian Appennines from the Belgian part of Gaul with the barbarian invasions. It is ideal for Equestrian Tourism, just like the docile Sanfratellano, reared on free ranges around Messina.
The "Parade" will also boast some of the most famous breeds of donkey, such as the Martina Franca and the Amiata.
The Parade of Breeds provides an introduction to what the public will be able to see in the halls of the event, that for this edition boasts a record number of horses present: more than 2300.
