The Italian draught horse
The creation of the Italian Heavy Draught or Italian Fast Heavy Draught dates back to I860, at the National Stud in Ferrara, in the Emilia region. Stallions from the Po delta region were used: Neapolitans, then Thoroughbreds, Hackneys, and Arabians. In the early 19th century, Brabançon from Belgium, Boulonnais, Ardennes and Postier Breton (with Norfolk Roadster blood) were brought in. The Avelignese, which it resembles, certainly played a part in shaping the breed.
After the First World War, stallions from the Ardennes, Percherons and especially Bretons (lighter and more active) were used. The Stud Book was established in 1961.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
Gentle, cooperative, and docile, they are very hardy, powerful, lively, and active. Active gaits. Long stride. Its lively trot has earned it the nickname Tiro Pesanto Rapido.
Utilisations du cheval
Heavy draught, appreciated for its speed, used for farm work and carriage driving.
Morphologie du cheval
Rather long, fine, dry head. Straight or convex profile. Broad forehead. Wide nostrils. Small ears. Large eyes. Short, compact, compact body. Short, muscular neck. Slightly protruding withers. Powerful, fairly sloping shoulders. Deep chest. Flat, short back. Wide, strong loins. Powerful hindquarters. Rounded, sloping croup. Short limbs with well-developed muscles. Wide joints. Pronounced fetlocks. Cannons, short pasterns. Dewlap. Well-shaped hooves. Tail well set on. Coat: burnt chestnut with washed manes, chestnut, aubery, bay, roan. Abundant tail and mane. Height: 1.50 to 1.63 m. Weight: 600 to 800 kg.
