Catria Horses are
from Monte Catria, Italy, and neighbouring areas (Central Appennines), spread over
the provinces of Pesaro, Ancona and Perugia.
Continuous contacts
with the people of Maremma in Tuscany, chiefly with those involved in charcoal-burning,
explain the introduction and the influence of the local equine population of Maremagno.
In the post-war years the herds of horses diminished considerable, but the original
population, derived from the maremmano breed, held on in mountain areas which were
only good for pasture land from wild horses.
After a period of
many crosses with various bloodlines, in 1974 the Special Co-operative Agency of
Catria took over the management of the local studs, controlling in particular crosses
with the Franches Montagnes, and since 1980 have registered foals so as to safeguard
and improve the original stock.
Catra horsese are
used in mountain agriculture, as a saddle horse for sport, and for the production
of meat. They are sober, robust, rustic, and ideal to make use of pastures in marginal
areas.
Content and photo source: Agrarian.org
About Catria Horses
