Continent: Europe
Country: Italy
Weight: 400 – 500 kg
Height: 150 – 165 cm
The Calabrese Horse (Cavallo Calabrese) is an indigenous breed originating from the mountainous region of Calabria, in southern Italy. Its cradle lies between the Aspromonte and Sila massifs, in an environment characterized by rocky terrain, narrow valleys, and a hot Mediterranean climate.
Historically, this breed resulted from ancient crossbreeding between local horses and Oriental breeds (notably Arabian and Andalusian), introduced into southern Italy through invasions and Mediterranean trade exchanges. It was long used as a war horse and in cavalry, due to its agility and hardiness, and later as a riding horse and for light carriage work in rural Calabria.
Today, the Calabrese stands as an equine and cultural heritage of the region, still associated with the military and popular traditions of southern Italy.
Breeding of the Calabrese Horse is concentrated in the region of Calabria, southern Italy, mainly in the following areas:
Today, the breed remains confidential and localized, but its survival is supported by Italian programs for the conservation of indigenous breeds.
The Calabrese is one of the few indigenous horse breeds from the region of Calabria, alongside the Murgese of Apulia. It embodies a precious genetic and cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of adaptation to a mountainous and Mediterranean environment.
Descended from ancient crossbreeding with Arabian and Andalusian horses, the Calabrese has retained an Oriental elegance and functional hardiness, enriching the genetic diversity of Italian breeds. These traits make it a resilient, agile, and enduring horse.
Historically, the Calabrese has been used to reinforce morphology and refine the type of certain local lines. Its qualities of strength, endurance, and frugality make it valuable in crossbreeding programs aiming to improve resistance to harsh climates and the longevity of saddle horses.
At a time when many Italian local breeds have disappeared or are endangered, the Calabrese contributes to the preservation of Mediterranean equine biodiversity. Its maintenance in a closed stud-book ensures the transmission of its unique characteristics to future generations.
The Calabrese Horse traces its roots to the native horses of southern Italy, shaped by the mountainous landscape and harsh conditions of the region. Since Antiquity, Calabria was a maritime crossroads in the Mediterranean, facilitating the introduction of Oriental blood (Arabian, Barb, and Andalusian horses).
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Calabrese served as a warhorse and light cavalry mount. Its robustness and agility made it well-suited to rugged terrain and military campaigns conducted by both local and foreign powers.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, crossbreeding with Andalusian and Arabian horses refined the type, producing a more elegant yet still resilient horse. By the 19th century, its use shifted gradually toward rural work and light carriage driving, while it remained valued as a riding horse.
With the mechanization of agriculture and the reduction of horses in military service, the Calabrese population declined sharply. By the 1960s–1970s, the breed was threatened with extinction, due to the absence of structured breeding programs.
A turning point came in 1980, with the official recognition of the breed by the Associazione Italiana Allevatori (AIA) and the opening of its stud-book. Since then, efforts in conservation and cultural promotion have stabilized the population, though the breed remains limited in numbers and little known outside its homeland.
The Calabrese is renowned for its mental balance. Neither too nervous nor apathetic, it shows a controlled liveliness that makes it pleasant to handle and ride.
This is an energetic and enduring horse, accustomed to the difficult terrains of Calabria. Its natural stamina enables it to sustain prolonged effort without premature fatigue.
Naturally rustic, it adapts well to herd life and retains strong social instincts, which makes it easy to manage in extensive systems.
Close to its rider, the Calabrese is docile, intelligent, and willing. It demonstrates good learning ability and a natural cooperative spirit in both sporting and leisure disciplines.
Thanks to its robustness and frugality, it often maintains a reliable and consistent character even in old age, making it a safe mount.
“The Calabrese is a proud yet loyal horse, combining Mediterranean rusticity with a docile and versatile elegance.”
The Calabrese Horse remains a numerically fragile breed. Its future depends on maintaining a sufficient breeding stock registered in the stud-book, to limit inbreeding and preserve genetic diversity.
Increasingly recognized as a symbol of Calabrian identity, the Calabrese benefits from initiatives aimed at promoting it within the framework of indigenous breed conservation in Italy.
Its agility and elegance make it an ideal candidate for modern disciplines such as light dressage, traditional driving, or leisure riding.
With the growth of rural and equestrian tourism in Calabria, the Calabrese could become a cultural and touristic ambassador for the region.
Collaboration between breeders, the Associazione Italiana Allevatori (AIA), and regional authorities paves the way for a stronger recognition of the breed at both national and European levels.
The Calabrese Horse has been shaped by a demanding mountainous and Mediterranean environment, which gives it remarkable natural hardiness. It tolerates climate variations, summer heat, and rugged terrain with ease.
The breed shows a strong natural immunity to common equine diseases. Its frugality and rustic nature allow it to maintain good condition even under extensive breeding systems.
Although robust, some individuals may show sensitivity to joint problems when used intensively in modern sport. Like many small-population breeds, there is also a risk of inbreeding, which requires careful breeding management.
The Calabrese is known for its functional longevity, often remaining fit for riding and work well beyond 20 years, provided it receives appropriate care.
