The Salerno, or Salernitano,
horse is a saddle-horse, originally from the plains of Battipaglia, Eboli and Paestum,
in the province of Salerno (Campania). It is a very ancient breed, which was improved
during the period of Spanish domination by crossing it with Andalusian and Oriental
horses. It has also been used to improve Russian breeding stock. The Salernitano
horse was once used by the army. In the second half of the nineteenth century it
was crossed with pure-bred English horses, which changed its original appearance.
It was chosen to help produce special Italian cross-breeds, such as Posillipo, Merano
and Fiorello, winners at the Olympics between the years 1956 and 1972.
This is a horse for
riding, very popular in equestrian sport and for leisure.
Source: agrarian.org