Origin
Italy
History
The Salerno originated in the 18th century in the Campania region of Italy. It evolved at the Persano Stud, which was founded by the Bourbon Charles III, King of Naples and then of Spain, in the first of the 18th century. The horses bred at Persano, also known as Persano, were based on the Neapolitan horse which was full of Spanish and Barb blood. The Neapolitan was one foundation for several breeds in Italy and other countries, including the Lipizzan which had a major influence. The stallions Pluto, Conversano and Napoletano are considered the founders of the Salerno breed.
The Salerno is genetically important, possessing the blood of the Neapolitan, the Lipizzan and the Arab.
The Persano horses were regarded in Italy as one of the best school horses of its day and was much admired for its high, fiery action and exceptional strength of limb. They were crossed with the local horses of the Salerno and Ofanto Valleys and then Arabian and Spanish imports were used to produce a distinctive, quality riding horse. The Persano Stud functioned from 1764 to 1864. It was closed after the Italian Republic was established. When breeding was revived in 1900, the old name Persano lapsed and the breed was known increasingly as the Salerno. The introduction of Thoroughbred blood improved the stock, and produced a good cavalry-type horse. It was bigger than before, and attractive in size and spirit.
After World War I, a period of decline took place for the entire horse breeding population, due to the reduction of the cavalry and mechanization in agriculture and transport. Many horses were abandoned and became feral. This crisis could have produced grave repercussions had the Center at Santa Maria Capua Vetere not intervened in time with action to conserve the work done with the Salerno breed. The Persano Stud was reopened and organized to host abandoned colts. The breed was saved from extinction. Between the two World Wars, the authorities at Santa Maria used the utmost caution in selection of horses for reproduction. The Thoroughbred stallions Rockbridge and My First were purchased, both distinguished race horses.
Today the Salerno is an extremely rare breed but many halfbreds may be found.
Description
- Head:
fine, showing a Spanish influence - Conformation:
-neck, of medium length
-withers, short and prominent
-shoulder, muscular, prominent, quite long and sloped
-chest, wide and deep
-back, short and strong
-croup, muscular and rounded
-legs, well shaped with fine joints
-good structure of the hoof - Average height:
over 16 h.h. - Colour:
no one colour predominates - Temperament:
sensible, docile - Today:
Thoroughbred crosses to the Salerno breed produced good-quality cavalry remounts, which are now used in mounted police formations. They are known for their above-average jumping ability.
