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Murgese |
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Murgese |
The Murgese orginated in the Mediterranean environment of the Apulia province of Italy, and it is of regional importance. It has an aptitude for farm work, light draft, and as a riding horse. It has a hardy quality and a docile but lively temperament. This mesomorphic horse stands 14 to 16.1 hands high. (The breed type is variable, so sources vary in description.) It may be
black,
grey with a black head, or
brown, commonly
chestnut.
Dating back to the time of the Spanish rule in Italy (15th and 16th centuries), the early development of the Murgese was influenced both by Arab and Barb stallions. These stallions were imported by the Count of Conversano, and the dual influence may be seen in the alternating characteristics of certain features. For instance the croup may be flat, as in the Arab, or sloping, as in the Barb. The breed hails from Murge, which is near Puglia, Italy. This region was famous for its horses, which were still quite popular through the 17th century, many based on the Neapolitans bred around the area. From the Neapolitan, the Murgese inherited spirit, overall physical soundness, and useful strength. It is believed that the Avelignese and Italian Draft also had a significant influence on this breed. The Avelignese added size and strength to the Murgese, and ensured an equable temperament. Two types were developed, a heavier working horse for use in agriculture, and a smaller type, which was used in the mountainous areas. While the smaller version died out, the heavier one dwindled in numbers until the Italian Ministry of Agriculture took an active interest in preserving the breed.
The modern version of this breed, developed in the 1920s in the Murge redgion, is considered to be a light draft horse with a variable type. It is regarded by some to be an inferior Italian equivalent to the
Irish Draft. Modern breeding selection began in 1926, and the horses are raised in the wild state in a harsh environment of scrubby grazing land of oak and mixed woodland on hilly terrain. This creates a hardy nature in the Murgese, for which purpose makes the breed suitable for trekking and cross-country riding. It is easily managed as an agricultural horse, and a useful and willing worker. Strong mules are produced from the Murgese mares and the Murgese is used to provide a good base stock for quality riding horses. This modern utility horse, often used under harness, is capable as a riding horse and a popular partner with foresters in tree removal.
This robust horse has a light, medium-length head, with a straight of slightly ewe-like profile, and sometimes has a prominent jawline. Its forehead is broad, and its ears are small. The sturdy neck is broad at the base, the mane is full, and the withers quite pronounced, though generally flat and lumpy. It has a full, well-developed chest, and a nicely sloping, muscular shoulder. It has a strong, straight back, without undue length, that is occasionally slightly hollow. The long, broad croup tends to be flat or sloping, and the quarters tend to be insufficiently developed. The strong legs have large joints, though the leg joints in some individuals are small. Its forearm is of medium length, and its thigh is of a good length. It has short cannons and pasterns and a regular, strong, hard-wearing, compact hoof. The Murgese has a good natural stance. It is noted for the short stride in its active movement.
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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