Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale (or "Roman horse
of the part of the Maremma that is in Lazio") are native to the Lazio
region of Italy. They are an ancient breed, but they were officially recognised
only in 2010. They are now one of the fifteen indigenous horse breeds of
limited distribution listed by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association. The
Lazio region has assigned it the conservation status of “at risk of erosion”.
Their population numbers about 800, of which most are in the comune of Monte
Romano in the province of Viterbo; a herd of approximately 200 are at Ponzano
Romano in the province of Rome, and others are in the province of Rieti.
DNA testing had shown that the traditional working horse of
the Maremma of Lazio was not only physically but genetically distinguishable
from its counterpart in the Tuscan Maremma, the Maremmano, with which it had
previously been classed. The two populations are reported as having common
origins but limited overlap, with the Roman horse showing greater variability
and a higher proportion of "ancestral" genes. Ripert reports
informally that the Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale has 38.5% genes of the
original type, while the registered Maremmano population has only 12%. The
genetic study, carried out by the Consorzio per la Sperimentazione,
Divulgazione e Applicazione di Biotecniche Innovative (CONSDABI), National
Focal Point for Italy of the Animal Genetic Resources project of the FAO, was
presented at the 12th conference on “New findings in equine practice” held at
Druento (Turin, Italy), 11–13 November 2010.
The ARSIAL (regional agency for development and innovation
in agriculture of Lazio) suggests that this is the same horse breed as the
"Cavallo Romano" that was well described in 19th century treatises;
authors who discuss the Cavallo Romano include Moreschi (1903) and Fogliata
(1910). It is also suggested that the Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale descends
from the horses of the ancient Romans, such as that of Marcus Aurelius, or even
of the Etruscans.
The Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale may be bay, black,
chestnut or grey; limited facial markings (star and stripe) are permitted, as
are white socks. Males measure 155–165 cm (15.1–16.1 hands) at the withers,
females 150–162 cm (14.3–16.0 hands). The girth and cannon measurements are
similar for both sexes, approximately 170–210 cm (67–83 in) and 19–24 cm
(7.5–9.4 in) respectively. The head is well set on, slightly long and heavy,
and the profile convex or Roman; the neck is thick, muscular and arched, the
mane and tail long and thick. The shoulder is muscular and tends to be
straight, the chest is broad with substantial muscle, the girth is deep and the
back is short, straight and muscular, sometimes slightly concave. The croup is
broad and sloping, and the tail is set low. The legs are solid, strong and
muscular, the hooves broad and strong. Horses with concave profile, long or
drooping ears, or poor conformation of the legs are not admitted for
registration.
They are lively and well-marked. They are docile and
courageous. Plus they are sure-footed on even the most difficult terrain.
About Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale Horses
