Origin
Italian
History
For many centuries Sardinia imported many horses, basing its island breed on crosses between Arabians and Barbs. In the 15th century, after Ferdinand of Spain (1452-1516) founded a stud of Spanish horses now called Andalusian near Abbasanta, a distinctive type of horses began to appear. The stud made stallions available to local breeders and other studs were later established at Monte Minerva, Padromannu and Mores. The horses produced became famous as tough saddle horses with great stamina. However, when Sardinia passed from Spain to the House of Savoy in 1720, horse breeding declined. It was only at the beginning of the 20th century that the breed revived, when in 1908, Arabian horses were again imported to improve the stock. Later on, the introduction of Thoroughbred blood resulted in the modern Sardinian, which is now very much Anglo-Arabian in type.
Description
- Conformation:
the best of the modern Sardinian horses are of pronounced eastern appearance and have acceptable riding horse conformation. The light, elegant neck arches gracefully, joining smoothly with an attractive, intelligent head. - Average height:
15.1 to 16.1 h.h. - Colour:
- the main colours are bay and brown
- Temperament:
the horses are sensible, bold and intelligent - Today:
they show great talent in equestrian sports.
