Monterufoli Ponies originated in the
province of Pisa (Tuscany), particularly in the area of Monterufoli. According to
some writers it derived from a now extinct type known as the “Selvina Breed” which
lived in the wild. The area from where the Montrufoli comes is now largely covered
by the “Monterufoli-Caselli” Nature Reserve, a hilly region lying at between100
and 560 metres above sea level.
The story of the Monterufoli
began in 1913 when the estate was purchased by the Counts of Gherardesca. The real
process of selection and improvement began with the work of this family, who selected
the best specimens from the original population to breed with Maremma, Tolfeta and
Oriental stallions. The breed then established itself in the provinces of Pisa,
Livorno and Grosseto and to a lesser degree throughout Tuscany. It was generally
used for riding, but above all in harness. It was principally employed by traders,
doctors and farmers who valued its strength and capacity for pulling.
The population nowadays
numbers about 200, a notable increase with respect to the few dozen recorded at
the beginning of the 1980's.
Source: Agraria.org
About Monterufoli Pony Horses
