Salernitano Horse

The origin of the Salerno horse is geographically traced back to the Piana del Sele, a vast area of 500 square kilometres stretching from the Picentini mountains to the Alburni mountains in the province of Salerno. The countless historical events that have affected the area, especially over the last two centuries, have been the background to the birth of this hybrid, the result of the use of stallions of different origins: oriental, Lazio, Anglo-Norman, French and Russian trotters.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Salernitano horse presented itself as a subject with good diameters, rustic, resistant and neurotic: all characteristics that made it one of the most typical representatives of the 'dolico-mesomorphs' for saddling, hunting, racing and competitions.

The current conformation of the breed is due to the grafting of characteristics inherited from English thoroughbreds, which were introduced into breeding in the second half of the 20th century. In terms of conformation, the Salernitano has a beautiful head that shows Spanish influence, with lively eyes and wide nostrils. The neck is long and well attached and the withers are quite pronounced and muscular. The paws are harmonious, the finger joints are good, the shins thin but well strong, the tendons well detached and dry and the foot with hoof is of good consistency.