What is the Maremmano horse?

The Maremmano is an Italian horse breed associated with the Maremma, in the south of the Tuscany and northern Lazio, traditionally ridden by the butteri to herd livestock raised in the open air. This work explains its sturdy temperament and its ease on varied terrain: it was useful in the pastures, not only chosen for its looks. The breed's origins are ancient, but their precise history remains difficult to establish.

The Maremmano is a solid saddle horse, renowned for its endurance and its ability to clear obstacles. Today, it can serve equestrian tourism and sport riding; this does not mean that every horse from the region is a purebred Maremmano. The official selection was structured starting from 1979, with the creation of the breeders' association, then the opening of the studbook in 1980. Its link with the butteri remains an important part of the local rural heritage, even though horse breeding and uses have evolved.