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The Sardinian horse, or Sardinian Anglo-Arab is an old breed established in the 15th century in Sardinia. Barb horses as well as Arabians were imported into the region through trade, and these horses were crossed with local stock. The resulting offspring became the foundation horses, with a fixed type by the 15th century. The Spanish Horse, whose stud was formed in the 15th century near Abbasanta by Ferdinand of Spain, greatly influenced the Sardinian horse. These Spanish Horses would later form the Andalusian, and further studs for the breed were established in Padromannu, Mores, and Monte Minerva to help promote its breeding. The Spanish Horse flourished until 1720, when the House of Savoy had control of Sardinia, and horse breeding was reduced greatly. The Sardinian numbers declined until the early 1900s, when breeding was revived and infusions of Arabian blood was added, giving the breed more stamina and refinement. English Thoroughbred has recently been added to help the quality of the horse. The breed is tough and hardy, possesses great stamina, and is willing, calm, and bold, making them excellent riding horses. They have an athletic jump, and the recent infusion of Thoroughbred blood has made the breed into a suitable sport horse. The animals have an oriental look, due to the Arabian blood, but their conformation sometimes varies in correctness. The head tends to be long and plain, the neck is nicely ached, muscular, and elegant. The shoulders are sloping. The back tends to be somewhat long with the quarters fairly light. The Sardinian is of light build, but still tough, and is usually bay or brown. The horses stand at about 15 hands high. |
