A history linked to the land
The Murgese breed was born in Apulia and is one of the most prized, ancient and uncontaminated horse breeds in Italy. Its area of origin and breeding is the Murgia territory that embraces the pastures and woods of the municipalities of Noci, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica and Alberobello.
This territory, which has always been inhospitable with its arid, steep and rocky paths, has succeeded in giving the Murgia breed unique physical and morphological characteristics: solid hooves and strong limbs, a sturdy build and excellent physical resistance to natural adversities and diseases.
The origins of the breed
Official documentation on the origins of the Murgese horse breed attest to its birth only in recent times, with Granduca da Martina, Nerone and Araldo delle Murge, the progenitor stallions born in 1919, 1924 and 1928 respectively.
However, numerous historical sources attest to the presence in southern Italy and the Apulian territories of herds of brood mares bred by the various noble landowning families, which, crossed with stallions of various origins, gave rise to the subjects that have come down to us. Finally, in 1926, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the then ‘Regio Deposito Stalloni’, and today the ‘Istituto di Incremento Ippico di Foggia’, began the official selection of this breed, officially named ‘Cavallo Murgese’.
On 8 October 2008, a ministerial decree established the breed’s studbook at the Italian Breeders’ Association in Rome, which is currently managed by ANAMF the National Association of Breeders of the Murgese Horse and the Donkey of Martina Franca.
The history of the Murgese horse fills those who are passionate about it and have made it a reason for living with pride. This splendid quadruped, in fact, was born as a work animal, but today it is also appreciated in competitive competitions and events of various kinds.
Our ideal is that the horses at the Capo Iazzo stud farm find a forever family, people who are passionate and ready to commit to a long-term relationship with their horse. For this, we aim to select specimens that are morphologically correct, healthy and characteristically predisposed to a relationship with humans.
The bond with the territory
The Murgese is the only Apulian horse breed (in arm in arm with the donkey breed, the famous Asino di Martina Franca), and is, in every way, an expression of the territory: its robust build, strong temperament, resistant foot and dark coat: all characteristics selected by nature and man, which have allowed it to adapt to this territory in the best possible way.
Today, the bond of the Murgese horse with its territory of origin continues to be stronger than ever, as the equine is still bred on ancient Apulian farms, such as Capo Iazzo, according to traditional methods handed down through generations. It is one of the most widespread Italian breeds abroad, where it proudly represents the best of ‘Made in Italy’.
The history of the Murgese horse fills those who are passionate about it and have made a reason for living with it with pride.
This splendid quadruped, in fact, was born as a work animal, but today it is also appreciated in competitive competitions and events of various kinds.