Horse
Pronunciation:
Sah-lair'-noe
Breed Description:
The Salerno breed of horse is an Italian breed of riding and competition horse, although it was originally developed as a cavalry mount. The Salerno is predominantly bay, black or chestnut. The Salerno earned international recognition after a examples of the breed won the 1956 World Show Jumping Championships and a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic games, though now they are becoming increasingly rare.
Temperament:
The Salerno breed of horse is a very trainable competition horse, well suited to the demands of high level equestrian events.
Height:
The Salerno breed of horse stands 16 to 17 hands.
Weight:
The Salerno breed of horse weighs between 1000 and 1200 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Salerno breed of horse has no significant health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Salerno breed of horse is a competition breed and appreciates stabling in harsh weather.
Exercise:
The Salerno breed of horse is a competition breed and needs regular training and exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Salerno breed of horse live sinto its mid twenties and occasionally longer.
Grooming:
The Salerno breed of horse should be shown according to its competitive discipline. it has a fine coat and needs regular grooming.
Origin:
The Salerno breed of horse was developed in Salerno, in Italy. Organized breeding began in the 1780s, at the Persano Stud of King Charles III. Foundation horses included Arabians, Spanish horses similar to the Andalusian, and some native working breeds. The horses were developed to be fast cavalry horses. In the early 1800s, Lipizzaners were added to the breeding stock. The Persano Stud was closed in 1864, and most of the Horses were transferred to the Italian Army Remount Station in Grosseto, where they can be found to this day.
During the 20th Century English Hackney and Thoroughbred horses were added to the breeding program, to add height and elegance to the breed. The Salerno breed earned international recognition when two horses, both ridden by Raimondo d'Inzeo, won in show jumping events at the highest level. The Salerno Merano won the 1956 World Showjumping Championships, and the horse Posillipo won gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics. 