Continent: Europe
Country: Italy
Weight: 300 – 400 kg
Height: 135 – 145 cm
The Sarcidano Horse is an autochthonous breed of Sardinia, originating from the basaltic plateau of Sarcidano, located in the central-southern part of the island. This rugged land, rich in forests and pastures, has shaped a hardy, frugal horse well adapted to local conditions.
Considered one of the oldest equine lineages of Sardinia, along with the Giara Horse, it is distinguished by its unique genetics and an ancestry estimated at over 20,000 years, according to DNA studies.
Historically, it was used by rural Sardinian communities for transport, light farm work, and utilitarian riding, before being officially recognized as a distinct breed in the 1990s.
The breed originates from the Sarcidano plateau, in the central-southern part of Sardinia. This basaltic territory, composed of pastures, forests, and hilly areas, has shaped a hardy horse perfectly adapted to local conditions.
Part of the herd is preserved at the Foresta Burgos breeding center, managed by the Istituto Incremento Ippico della Sardegna. This institution has played a central role in the safeguard and official recognition of the breed.
Outside the Sarcidano plateau, small herds exist in other parts of Sardinia, but breeding remains highly localized. This restricted distribution contributes to the rarity of the breed and its heritage status.
The Sarcidano Horse stands out for its very ancient genetics, independent from other Italian equine breeds. DNA studies have shown that it represents one of the most primitive equine lineages in Europe, with an ancestry estimated at more than 20,000 years.
Alongside the Giara Horse, it is one of only two autochthonous breeds of the island. Its genetic diversity is considered a biological treasure, ensuring the preservation of a horse type that has adapted for millennia to the Mediterranean environment.
Although rarely used for the improvement of other breeds, the Sarcidano is a precious genetic reservoir. Its hardiness, frugality, longevity, and natural resistance to diseases make it a model for conservation and an asset for programs aimed at safeguarding native equine populations.
The Sarcidano Horse is considered one of the most archaic equine lineages in Europe. Genetic analyses suggest an antiquity of around 20,000 years, making it a living witness of the first domesticated or semi-wild horses of the Mediterranean.
Originating from the Sarcidano plateau, this horse remained for centuries isolated from crossbreeding that shaped modern breeds. Unlike other Sardinian horses, it has preserved a genetic heritage independent from foreign lines (Arabian, Spanish, or English).
Traditionally, it was used by rural communities for transport, light farm work, and as a utilitarian mount. Its role declined with mechanization, but conservation programs were launched in the late 20th century, leading to the official recognition of the breed in 1999 by the Associazione Italiana Allevatori.
Today, the Sarcidano is seen as a cultural emblem of Sardinia, alongside the Giara Horse. Its rarity, rusticity, and unique genetics make it a symbol of Mediterranean equine biodiversity.
The Sarcidano Horse is known for its remarkable endurance and ability to thrive in the wild with limited resources. It is a frugal breed, perfectly adapted to Sardinia’s rugged terrain.
Generally lively and energetic, it remains balanced and attentive. Its gaits are sure-footed and dynamic, making it a reliable mount for trekking and leisure.
Although rustic, the Sarcidano is receptive to training and can adapt to various light uses: recreational riding, initiation, and equestrian tourism.
With its sociable nature and ability to build a strong bond with its rider, it is appreciated in educational and family contexts.
“An ancient horse with a lively yet reliable temperament, reflecting the quiet strength of Sardinia.”
The Sarcidano Horse is among the endangered breeds of Italy, due to its limited numbers and restricted distribution. The priority is to maintain a stable breeding nucleus to avoid excessive inbreeding.
Thanks to its ancient genetics and role in Sardinian culture, the breed is attracting renewed interest from regional institutions and enthusiasts. Safeguard programs, led by the Istituto Incremento Ippico della Sardegna, aim to secure its survival and promote its value.
Rustic, balanced, and close to humans, the Sarcidano has great potential for leisure riding, trekking, and equestrian tourism in Sardinia. Its image as an ancestral and identity-linked horse also enhances its cultural and economic appeal.
The Sarcidano Horse is renowned for its hardiness and natural resistance to diseases. Accustomed to living in semi-freedom on the Sardinian plateaus, it tolerates climate variations and modest living conditions well.
No major hereditary predispositions have been identified so far. The breed generally shows good longevity, satisfactory fertility, and an excellent ability to adapt to difficult environments.
Its robustness makes it a valuable genetic reservoir, helping preserve traits such as natural resistance, frugality, and strong bone structure, which may benefit the selection of other equine lines.
