Horse breeds / Catria horse
Photo: Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Catria horse
The Catria is a rare Italian horse from the Catria mountain range in the Marche and Umbria regions of central Italy. It was developed over centuries as a hardy mountain and farm horse, valued for sure footing on steep, rocky terrain and for its ability to work long hours on modest rations.
Catrias are known for a calm, steady temperament and a sensible, willing attitude. They are generally considered suitable for riders who want a dependable mount for trail riding and light work. Their gaits are practical rather than flashy, and they tend to be patient with novice handlers when given consistent routines.
Day to day, a Catria does best with regular movement, safe pasture, and steady contact with its people. Routine hoof care and a balanced diet matter, and the breed does well with companionship from other horses. Good daily handling keeps these horses content and easy to manage.
Good for: Trail riders, first-time owners, hardy farm work
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 57–61 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Italy |
Catrias are rare, so finding a reputable breeder and confirming pedigree and health history before buying is essential.
Living with a Catria horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Catria typically needs regular daily work along with turnout to stay fit and content. Several hours of movement per day is ideal when possible. Too little exercise can lead to weight gain, boredom, and stiffness.
Grooming
Catrias have a practical coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing. Mane and tail can be kept natural or trimmed as needed. Hooves should be trimmed or shod regularly by a farrier. Clipping is usually only needed for horses in heavy winter work.
At home
Catrias are generally hardy and adapt well to outdoor life with sturdy shelter for wind and rain. Most do well on turnout with access to forage and a run-in shed. They are typically easy keepers, but body condition should be monitored closely, especially on rich pasture. Keeping them with a companion horse helps them stay settled.
Training
Catrias tend to learn through patient, consistent handling and respond well to calm, clear cues. They are generally suited to trail work, light riding, and farm tasks. A green Catria is usually steady and willing but may take time to build confidence and muscle for longer work.
Health
Like many hardy breeds, Catrias may be prone to certain metabolic and hoof-related issues, particularly if overfed. Owners should ask a veterinarian which conditions are most relevant to their individual horse and what routine screening makes sense.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Catria horse
Forage and water, adult
17–28 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1213 lb, and 10–18 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,150–$5,350
Hay about $1,971, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Catria horse is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Recent research
Meat quality and intramuscular fatty acid composition of Catria Horse
Animal science journal = Nihon chikusan Gakkaiho · 2017
Genetic structure and differentiation of the Italian catria horse
The Journal of heredity · 2012
Veterinary papers that mention the breed, from PubMed.
Rescue a Catria horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Catria horses and Catria horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Catria horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Catria horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, steady trail partner
- Yes if you have reliable outdoor shelter and turnout
- Think twice if you need a fast, showy competition horse
- Think twice if you can't commit to daily hoof care
- Yes if you value a hardy, low-fuss horse for everyday use
Questions owners ask
Are Catria horses good for beginners?
Many Catrias are calm and steady, which can suit confident beginners. Choose a horse with good ground manners and get guidance from an experienced trainer or instructor.
How much does a Catria horse cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, and bloodline. Because the breed is rare, expect to research breeders carefully and budget for transport and health checks.
How tall are Catria horses?
Catrias are typically around 145 to 155 centimetres at the withers, which is roughly 14.2 to 15.2 hands. Individual horses can vary.
How long do Catria horses live?
Catrias commonly live into their mid-twenties or later with good care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.
What are Catria horses used for?
They have traditionally been used for mountain and farm work and are now often ridden on trails and used for light riding and companionship.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.