Horse breeds / Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale
Photo: Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale
The Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale is an Italian breed from the Maremma and Lazio regions along the central Tyrrhenian coast, where it developed as a working horse for herding cattle and moving across rough, marshy country. Its ancestry is tied to the ancient horses of Italy, and it was shaped by the demands of the open range rather than by a formal show tradition. The breed was recognized in the modern era as a local heritage type, and its numbers were kept up largely through the efforts of breeders and regional associations.
Owners describe the breed as sturdy, sensible and calm, with a steady, practical way of going. It is a solid mount for riders who want a horse that is dependable on trails and in the field, and it is often considered suitable for dedicated beginners when handled by an experienced trainer. Its gaits are straightforward rather than flashy, which many riders find reassuring.
Day to day, it needs regular turnout to stay sound and content, along with steady work that keeps its body and mind engaged. It does best with companionship, whether a stable mate or a herd, and it benefits from consistent routines, careful hoof care and a feeding plan matched to its workload.
Good for: Trail riders, first-time owners with guidance
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 59–63 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Italy |
Expect to manage weight carefully, since this breed can gain condition easily on good pasture.
Living with a Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale
Exercise
Most horses of this breed need daily work of about an hour, combined with turnout time to move freely. Without enough exercise, they can become overweight and bored, which may lead to restless or unwanted behavior.
Grooming
The coat is short and fairly easy to maintain, with a thicker winter coat that sheds in spring. The mane and tail are typically full but do not require heavy trimming. Regular hoof care with trims every six to eight weeks is important, and clipping is usually only needed for horses in heavy work dur
At home
This breed is hardy and adapts well to outdoor life with access to shelter from wind, rain and heat. Turnout is preferred over full stabling, and it generally copes well with changing seasons when it has a dry, sheltered place to rest. It does best in a herd or with a companion, as it is social. Most individuals are fairly easy keepers, so good pasture and modest hay often suffice, though weight should be monitored closely.
Training
This breed tends to learn steadily and reliably, responding well to patient, consistent handling. It is well suited to trail riding, pleasure riding and working in the field, and many individuals take readily to dressage basics. A green horse of this breed will usually be willing and sensible, but it may take time to build strength and balance before taking on demanding tasks.
Health
Like many easy-keeping horses, individuals can be prone to weight-related problems such as laminitis if their diet and exercise are not carefully managed. Owners should ask a veterinarian about the most relevant screening and preventive care for this breed. Regular dental, hoof and body condition checks are a good foun
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale
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 Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale 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.
Rescue a Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale
Shelters and breed rescues list Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziales and Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale mixes every week. Search adoptable Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziales on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, dependable trail partner
- Yes if you can offer regular turnout and steady work
- Yes if you prefer a practical horse over a flashy one
- Think twice if you need a fast or highly specialized competition horse
- Think twice if you cannot manage its weight on rich pasture
Questions owners ask
Is the Cavallo Romano good for beginners?
It can be a good choice for calm, experienced beginners with guidance from a trainer. Its steady temperament helps, but a knowledgeable professional should assist with early riding and care.
How much does a Cavallo Romano cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training and bloodlines. Rare heritage breeds are often less common for sale, so check with regional breed associations and reputable breeders.
How tall does a Cavallo Romano grow?
Adults typically stand about 150 to 160 centimetres at the withers, which is roughly 14.2 to 15.3 hands. Individual horses can vary somewhat.
How long do Cavallo Romano horses live?
With good care, many live into their mid-twenties or beyond. Diet, dental care, hoof health and regular veterinary checks all contribute to a long, healthy life.
Is the Cavallo Romano an easy keeper?
Many individuals are easy keepers and can gain weight readily on good pasture. Owners should monitor body condition and adjust feed and turnout to prevent obesity.
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Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.