The Calabrese is a decendent of horses that began to evolve in Italy prior to the founding of Rome. The breed is still being developed today by crossing Arabian, Andalusian and Thoroughbred horses.

ORIGINS
Calabrese horses were named after the Calabria region in southern Italy where they originated. Current characteristics of this horse began evolving near the end of the 18th century when the Arabian horse was crossed with the Andalusian and English Thoroughbred. Hackney blood was added to the breed in 20th century. The cross between the Andalusian horse and Arabian horse was to improve elegance in its movements. The Andalusian horse was crossed with the Arabian horse originally in the 10th century to bring elegance to its movement. Thoroughbred blood was added to improve the horse's physique and increased its size.

PHYSICAL FEATURES / PHYSIQUE
Standing from 16 to 16.2 hands high, the Calabrese horse commonly weighs from 990 to 1100 pounds. It can come in colors of bay, brown, black, gray or chestnut. It has a broad forehead and may have either have a straight or slightly convex profile, an arched muscular neck, a broad and deep chest, prominent withers, long sloping shoulders, a straight back, muscular sloping croup, muscular legs, and strong tendons. The hooves are well formed with strong a strong horn.

TEMPERAMENT
Because they have a docile temperament, Calabrese horses are easy to train They are very active, energetic, willing and tough.

USES / ASSETS
Calabrese horses are strong, resistant, fast, and have excellent balance. They are most often used for riding.

STATUS
Between the 5th and 15th centuries, there was a decline in the Calabrese breed. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed was brought back and Andalusian was added. !n 1874, their number declined as a result of decree. The breeding of mules was seen as better suited for the local terrain. Breeding of the Calabrese picked up again in the 20th century with Arabian, Thoroughbred, and Hackney blood thrown into the mix. Calabrese horses are fairly uncommon outside of Italy.