Horse breeds / Maremmano
Photo: BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Maremmano
The Maremmano comes from the Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio in central Italy, a marshy coastal area where semi-wild herds once roamed. Local horsemen, the buttéri, used these horses to work cattle across open country, and the breed was shaped by that demanding, practical role. It is an Italian heavy-to-medium warmblood type with a strong, compact build and a reputation for hardiness.
Maremmanos are known as sturdy, independent, and willing horses. They are usually calm once they understand what is asked, though some can be wary or opinionated, so a steady, consistent hand suits them best. They have a workmanlike way of moving, with good stamina and surefootedness. An experienced rider will enjoy them; a first-time owner may need patient, knowledgeable guidance to build confidence.
Day to day, a Maremmano does best with regular work and time outdoors, ideally with other horses for company. They are happiest when given a job, whether trail riding, ranch work, or light sport, and they can become bored or restless if left idle in a stall for long periods.
Good for: Trail riders, ranch work, experienced riders
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1102–1323 lb |
| Height | 61–66 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Italy |
Expect a thoughtful, independent horse, and plan for an experienced trainer or instructor to help you build confidence.
Living with a Maremmano
Exercise
A healthy adult Maremmano should have daily turnout and regular riding or work, typically around an hour. Without enough movement they can become bored, overweight, or restless, and may develop unwanted habits.
Grooming
The coat is usually short and dense, with a thick winter coat in colder months. Mane and tail are typically left natural, with occasional trimming. Regular hoof care every 6 to 8 weeks keeps feet balanced, and clipping is only needed for horses working hard in winter.
At home
Maremmanos are hardy and adapt well to turnout, including in rougher climates, and they generally handle both outdoor living and time in a barn. They do well in a herd, which helps keep them settled. Most are moderate keepers, so a good forage-based diet with a balanced supplement usually covers their needs, though weight should be watched.
Training
Maremmanos learn steadily and remember what they are taught, but they respond best to clear, fair handling rather than pressure. They are well suited to trail, ranch work, and general riding, and can progress into dressage or jumping. A green Maremmano will need time and patience, and it is wise to expect a thoughtful, sometimes stubborn learner at first.
Health
Like many larger horses, Maremmanos can be prone to certain orthopedic and metabolic concerns, and their susceptibility can vary by line. Ask your veterinarian which conditions are most relevant to the horse you are considering, and have a pre-purchase exam done.
- Orthopedic conditions
- Metabolic issues
- Laminitis
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Maremmano
Forage and water, adult
18–30 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1102–1323 lb, and 11–19 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,300–$5,550
Hay about $2,102, 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 Maremmano 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
Mitochondrial genome assembly of the Peruvian Paso horse through PacBio long-read sequencing
Scientific reports · 2025
Selection signatures and inbreeding: exploring genetic diversity in five native horse breeds
BMC veterinary research · 2025
Y-Chromosome Haplotype Report among Eight Italian Horse Breeds
Genes · 2023
Veterinary papers that mention the breed, from PubMed.
Rescue a Maremmano
Shelters and breed rescues list Maremmanos and Maremmano mixes every week. Search adoptable Maremmanos on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Maremmano right for you?
- Yes if you want a hardy, outdoor-capable horse for trail or ranch work.
- Yes if you enjoy a thoughtful horse that rewards consistent, fair handling.
- Yes if you can provide daily movement and turnout with company.
- Think twice if you want a quick, flashy horse for competition.
- Think twice if you prefer a very forgiving, eager-to-please beginner's mount.
Questions owners ask
Is the Maremmano good for beginners?
Usually better for experienced or intermediate riders. Maremmanos can be independent, so a beginner should have knowledgeable support and an instructor involved.
How much does a Maremmano cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, and bloodline. Rare breeds can be harder to find, so check local breeders and budget for a pre-purchase exam.
How tall is a Maremmano?
Adults typically stand about 155 to 168 centimeters at the withers, roughly 15.2 to 16.2 hands, though individual horses vary.
How long do Maremmanos live?
With good care, Maremmanos often live into their mid to late twenties, similar to many other riding horses.
What are Maremmanos used for?
Traditionally cattle work in Italy, they are now used for trail riding, ranch work, and light sport riding, valued for their hardiness and stamina.
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.