The Italian animal, Murgese horse is also called the Murge and Murghese, bred in the Italian region of Murge.
Early
Murgese horses were used as cavalry remounts, farm work and light draft work.They are still popular on small farms where they are sought for their multi-purpose usefulness.
When this type of horse became redundant there was more of a demand for good quality riding horses.
Murgese horses are generally used for trekking and cross-country riding.
They are often crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce better riding stock.
The modern Murghese is a lighter type of draft horse, with average height ranging from 15 – 16hh and typical coat colours being grey, black and chestnut.
It has a distinct Spanish look with full shiny mane and tail.
The head is light, well proportioned with a straight or slightly convex profile, but can sometimes tend towards a heavy look.
The forehead is broad and sometimes a prominent jaw can be found.
The neck is well muscled, sturdy and arched along with pronounced withers, a deep broad well-developed chest and sloping shoulders.
The back is short (can sometimes be hollow) and hindquarters and legs are strong.The croup is long and broad and can be either flat or sloping
The breed is known as “a good doer” (manages well on little food).
Many Murgese horses are bred and raised in a semi-wild herd state in the scrubby grazing land and hilly woodland of Murge, living outside year round and foraging for food.
This has made them extremely hardy and resistant to many diseases.
It is used for general riding, showing, carriage driving and other equestrian sport.
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