Horse breeds / Siciliano indigeno
Horse breed
Siciliano indigeno
The Siciliano indigeno is a small, hardy horse from Sicily, the island off the southern tip of Italy. Its ancestry lies in the native horses of the island and in the Mediterranean stock that worked the hills and farms there for centuries. It was bred as a practical animal, used for light farm work, transport over rough ground, and carrying people through difficult country.
These horses are generally sensible, willing, and sure-footed, with a steady, economical way of going. Many are comfortable for relaxed riding on trails and suit owners who want a calm, uncomplicated partner rather than a showy one. Their size and temperament make them approachable for riders who are still building confidence, though an experienced handler is still helpful for a green animal.
Daily life for this breed centers on regular movement, a good diet of forage, and steady contact with people. They do best with routine and enough time outdoors to graze and move. Like most horses, they need hoof care, dental checks, and a companion of their own kind to stay content and settled.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, calm pleasure riding
| Size | small |
| Weight | 772–992 lb |
| Height | 51–57 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Italy |
Watch body condition closely, since these horses can gain weight quickly on rich grass and need regular exercise to stay healthy.
Living with a Siciliano indigeno
Exercise
A healthy adult typically needs daily movement, either ridden work or turnout with room to walk and graze, ideally for several hours a day. With too little exercise these horses can become overweight, stiff, and bored, which may lead to behavior problems or metabolic strain.
Grooming
The coat is short and easy to maintain, with a seasonal change in spring and autumn. Mane and tail need only light brushing and occasional trimming. There are no feathers to manage. Regular hoof trimming every four to eight weeks and routine grooming keep the horse comfortable, and clipping is usual
At home
Siciliano indigeno horses handle varied climates well and usually thrive with generous turnout on pasture or a dry paddock, with stabling used mainly for shelter in harsh weather. They tend to be hardy and adapt to ordinary outdoor life. They do best in a herd, since a lone horse may become anxious. Most are easy keepers that do well on good grass and hay, so watch body condition closely and add concentrates only if needed.
Training
These horses learn steadily and respond well to patient, consistent handling and clear, calm cues. Their natural sure-footedness makes them well suited to trail riding and light pleasure work, and many can be developed for western-style or general riding. Expect a green horse to be cooperative but to need time to build confidence and muscle. Progress is usually gradual and reliable rather than fast.
Health
Like many small, easy-keeping horses, this breed may be prone to weight-related conditions such as laminitis, so careful management of pasture and feed matters. Breed-specific health data is limited, so ask a veterinarian about the particular risks and a suitable preventive care plan for your horse.
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Dental problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Siciliano indigeno
Forage and water, adult
13–22 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 772–992 lb, and 8–14 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,750–$4,750
Hay about $1,533, 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 Siciliano indigeno 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 Siciliano indigeno
Shelters and breed rescues list Siciliano indigenos and Siciliano indigeno mixes every week. Search adoptable Siciliano indigenos on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Siciliano indigeno right for you?
- Yes if you want a steady, low-drama trail companion
- Yes if you can provide daily movement and grazing
- Yes if you enjoy hands-on routine horse care
- Think twice if you want a fast, high-performance competition horse
- Think twice if you keep weight on easily and can't watch pasture intake
Questions owners ask
Is the Siciliano indigeno good for beginners?
Often yes. Their calm, steady temperament suits many new riders, though an experienced person should help with handling and training a young or green horse.
How much does a Siciliano indigeno cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, and region. Availability is limited outside Italy, so check with reputable breeders or breed registries for current listings.
How tall is a Siciliano indigeno?
Adults are generally small, roughly 130 to 145 cm at the withers, depending on the individual horse and its breeding.
How long does a Siciliano indigeno live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid-to-late twenties or beyond, though individual lifespans vary with health and management.
Are Siciliano indigeno horses easy keepers?
Usually yes. They tend to do well on modest feed and pasture, so monitor weight carefully to avoid obesity and related health problems.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.