Horse breeds / Italian Trotter
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Horse breed
Italian Trotter
The Italian Trotter, also called the Trottatore Italiano, was developed in Italy primarily for harness racing, specifically trotting at speed while pulling a light two-wheeled sulky. Breeders built on local stock and imported trotting lines to create a fast, durable, reliable racing horse, and the breed is closely tied to Italy's long tradition of trotting racetracks and breeding programs.
Owners and drivers tend to describe the breed as willing, athletic, and hardworking, with a regular, ground-covering trot. Many are calm and sensible in the barn but can be forward and energetic under saddle or in harness, so they suit experienced handlers more than complete beginners. Their stamina and steady work ethic make them rewarding partners for driving, endurance-style riding, and general pleasure work when given clear, consistent training.
Day to day, a trotter needs regular turnout, routine exercise, and a stable social life with other horses. Balanced feeding, consistent farrier care, and enough mental stimulation help prevent boredom and restlessness. Because they were bred to work hard, they do best with a schedule that keeps them fit and occupied rather than long periods of idleness.
Good for: Experienced owners, harness driving, performance and trail work
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 60–64 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Italy |
Expect an energetic, forward horse that needs experienced handling and a consistent daily routine.
Living with a Italian Trotter
Exercise
Most healthy adults benefit from daily work of around an hour, combining ridden or driven exercise with turnout. Without enough movement, they can become fizzy, reactive, or prone to weight gain.
Grooming
Their short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing, and they shed more heavily in spring. Mane and tail need routine detangling, and hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule. Clipping is typically needed only for horses in heavy work during colder months.
At home
Italian Trotters generally do well with daily turnout in a paddock or field, with stabling used for shelter and management as needed. They are fairly hardy and adapt to a range of climates when given a sound shelter and good forage. Most are happiest in a small herd, though they can live alone with regular human company. Many are moderate keepers, but workload and temperament affect how much feed they need, so body condition should guide the ration.
Training
Trotters are generally quick learners that respond well to consistent, patient handling and clear cues. Their natural gait and drive make them strong candidates for harness work, trail riding, and driving, and many do well in endurance-style or pleasure riding. Expect a green horse to be forward and eager, with a fair amount of energy to manage during early training, so steady groundwork and gradual progression pay off.
Health
Like many performance breeds, Italian Trotters can be prone to musculoskeletal stress from fast work and soft tissue injuries. Ask your veterinarian about a suitable soundness and conditioning plan for your individual horse.
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lameness from fast work
- Laminitis
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Italian Trotter
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 Italian Trotter 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
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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 Italian Trotter
Shelters and breed rescues list Italian Trotters and Italian Trotter mixes every week. Search adoptable Italian Trotters on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Italian Trotter right for you?
- Yes if you enjoy driving or harness work
- Yes if you can provide daily exercise and turnout
- Yes if you want a athletic, enthusiastic partner
- Think twice if you want a quiet first horse
- Think twice if you cannot commit to regular training
Questions owners ask
Are Italian Trotters good for beginners?
They are usually better suited to experienced owners because of their energy and forward nature. A calm, knowledgeable instructor or trainer can help a beginner work with one safely.
How much does an Italian Trotter cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, pedigree, and location. Contact breeders or sales organizations in Italy and the US for current listings and realistic ranges.
How tall do Italian Trotters get?
Adults typically stand about 152 to 163 centimeters at the withers, roughly 15 to 16 hands. Individual horses vary.
How long do Italian Trotters live?
With good care, many live into their mid to late twenties or beyond. Regular veterinary and dental care supports a long, healthy life.
What are Italian Trotters used for?
They are primarily used for harness racing and driving, and many also serve as pleasure, trail, and endurance-style riding horses.
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.