Horse
Pronunciation:
San Frah-tell'-oh
Breed Description:
The San Fratello breed of horse is a light riding horse breed from the Island of Sicily. The rugged countryside of their native area has created a breed of horse with exceptional hardiness and endurance. They are muscular and sturdy for a riding horse breed, and are always black or bay with few white markings.
Temperament:
The San Fratello breed of horse has a very trainable temperament, and its Arabian ancestry gives it intelligence and energy.
Height:
The San Fratello breed of horse stands 15 to 16 hands.
Weight:
The San Fratello breed of horse is a heavy riding horse, weighing 1100 to 1300 pounds.
Health Problems:
The San Fratello breed of horse has no significant health problems, and is a very hardy breed.
Living Conditions:
The San Fratello breed of horse developed in harsh and rugged terrain of Sicily, and although it does not tolerate extremes of cold it can be kept outdoors in most climates.
Exercise:
The San Fratello breed of horse is a working and riding breed and enjoys regular exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The San Fratello breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The San Fratello breed of horse is normally kept with a natural appearance. It is a thrifty breed and requires little maintenance.
Origin:
The San Fratello breed of horse originated in the Nebrodi mountains of Sicily. Their roigins are seeped in legend, connecting the breed with Lombardic horses brought to the area by a Lombard princess and the knights of her retinue in the 11th century.
The breed has been developed with additions of Anglo-Arab and Salerno breeding, although it remains unique in its appearance of the Italian horse breeds. Breeding is well maintained today, and it is a very common riding and working horse in Sicily and southern Italy. 