San Fratello Sanfratello, Sanfratellano

The San Fratello originated from the Island of Sicily in Italy, and is used as a riding and pack horse, and for light draft. It has a lively temperament and is hardy and frugal, and makes an excellent mount for pony trekking. This meso-dolichomorphic breed has appreciable aesthetic qualities. It stands 15 to 16 hands high, and its coat is always black, bay or brown.

It has a slightly heavy head with a straight of slightly convex profile. The ears are straight and the eyes expressive. Its neck is correctly proportioned, and its withers quite prominent. It has a straight back, short and strong loins, and well-formed flank. The croup is wide and muscular, and slightly sloping, with the tail well set-on. Its chest is wide and deep, and its should nicely sloping. The nicely shaped, well-muscled leags have strong joints and tendons. The pasterns are nicely cloping and the hoof is strong and well-formed.

In the oak and beech woods of the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, the San Fratello is raised wild. Because it is raised in the wild, the breed has outstanding resistance and hardiness, and it is a strong and powerful horse. Developed from Anglo-Norman stock, brought into Italy as cavalry mounts during the 17^th century, the San Fratello has profitted from infusions of Spanish Anglo-Arab, Anglo-Arab, and Salerno blood. More recently, crossings with Hackneys, Lipizzaners, Maremannos and the Nonius has also benefitted this breed. Although it has been bred to many different types, the San Fratello resists all attempt to improve the breeding stock. The Maremmana is the only other breed that resembles the San Fratello. The breeding stock is still carefully selected.

At thirty months of age, colts are trained for packing. These mounts are well-suited for trekking holidays and as riding horses because of their docile temperament and strength. Still often allowed to run wild in their native homeland, Sanfrantellos are caught for use under saddle and harness. Recent Throughbred infusions have brought a new look to this breed and enabled it to be useful as a competition horse.

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Published August 2001 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

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