Continent: Europe
Country: Italy
Weight: 500 – 650 kg
Height: 158 – 170 cm
The Italian Warmblood (Cavallo Sportivo Italiano) is a sport horse breed developed in Italy from the 20th century. Its stud-book was officially created in 1974 to provide the country with a competitive horse for Olympic disciplines.
It results from crossbreeding between:
This deliberate mix was aimed at creating an athletic, elegant, and competitive horse, suitable for show jumping, dressage, and eventing, enabling Italy to compete with the major European sport horse nations.
The Italian Warmblood is bred throughout Italy, but certain regions play a central role in its development:
Today, breeding is spread across the peninsula, with a stronger concentration in central and northern Italy, home to the main selection and training centers.
The Italian Warmblood represents the outcome of national breeding efforts to create a versatile sport horse. By combining local lines such as the Maremmano with the Thoroughbred and European Warmbloods, it constitutes a unique genetic heritage in Italy.
The Italian Warmblood is used in the selection of modern sport horses, especially to strengthen versatility, back suppleness, jumping ability, and competitive mindset. Its genetics enrich Italian breeding programs and help maintain the country’s competitiveness in Olympic disciplines.
Although sometimes challenged by foreign Warmbloods, the Italian Warmblood remains an important genetic resource, as it combines Italian tradition with international sport standards.
The Italian Warmblood traces its roots to the 20th century, born from Italy’s ambition to create a national sport horse capable of rivaling Europe’s leading Warmbloods. The first crosses involved local breeds such as the Maremmano and Salernitano, combined with the Thoroughbred for speed and elegance, and foreign Warmbloods like the Holsteiner, Hanoverian, and KWPN.
In 1974, the official Cavallo Sportivo Italiano stud-book was established. This recognition marked the intent to structure breeding around a well-defined type: a slender, athletic, and competitive horse, suitable for Olympic disciplines.
From the 1980s and 1990s onwards, the Italian Warmblood became increasingly present in national and international competitions, especially in show jumping and eventing. Several horses from this stud-book distinguished themselves on the European scene, consolidating the breed’s reputation.
Today, breeding seeks to further refine the sport model while preserving a strong Italian identity. The Italian Warmblood continues to evolve, balancing local tradition with the modern demands of high-level equestrian sport.
The Italian Warmblood is known for its mental balance, combining energy with stability. It is a responsive horse but rarely excessive, making it suitable for riders of different levels.
With its Thoroughbred influence, it has a lively and willing character, essential for demanding sport disciplines such as show jumping and eventing.
It adapts well to herd life and remains sociable with other horses, which eases its management in breeding or sport stables.
Renowned for its intelligence and cooperation, the Italian Warmblood builds a trusting relationship with its rider, making it a reliable partner for both professionals and experienced amateurs.
“An athletic, elegant, and willing horse, combining energy and reliability in the service of its rider.”
Breeders continue selective work to refine conformation, suppleness, and power, with controlled input from high-performing European Warmbloods.
In the face of dominant foreign stud-books, the Italian Warmblood is promoted as a national symbol, reflecting Italy’s breeding expertise.
The breed is gaining visibility abroad, with a stronger presence in European competitions and increasing exports to other continents.
Selection emphasizes horses with a balanced, willing, and reliable temperament, suitable for both professional riders and demanding amateurs.
To avoid excessive dilution, breeders maintain local lines such as the Maremmano and the Salernitano, ensuring a solid Italian genetic base.
The Italian Warmblood has a strong physical constitution, inherited from its rustic local ancestors (Maremmano, Salernitano) combined with modern sport horse selection. Overall, it is considered a hardy and enduring horse, well adapted to sustained effort.
As with most sport horses, some vulnerabilities may occur:
No major hereditary disease specific to the breed has been identified in the stud-book. Selection aims to maintain healthy lines, with special focus on strong limbs and sporting longevity.
Proper management of training, feeding, and veterinary follow-up (regular check-ups, preventive joint care) is essential to preserve the health and career of this sport horse.
