Maremmano in the spotlight

This weekend, 16 and 17 September, Canino, near Viterbo, will be hosting an event dedicated to exploring the great versatility, ability and beauty of an exceptional breed of Italian horses, the Maremmano. 
The event is the 37th edition of the National Exhibition dedicated to the breed originally from the Maremma area of Tuscany and Lazio. The longstanding appointment continues to grow in importance for breeders and fans, and this year will feature 180 horses competing in the trials. The event is the result of the synergy between the organizing committee “C’era una volta in Maremma” (Once upon a time in Maremma), Anam (National Association of Maremmano breeders), Conmar (National Consortium for the development of the Maremmana breed) and Fitetrec Ante (Italian equestrian tourism federation and Trec Ante) with the latter also sponsoring the event. 
The Maremmana breed will be the central theme of many of the events, showcasing the horses many diverse talents in events ranging from artistic exhibitions to more recreations of more practical work. 
THE BEATING HEART OF THE MAREMMANO: 65 BREEDERS INVOLVED
The horses taking part in this weekend’s event have been selected from the best examples around the country; from foals of one, two or three years to mares and stallions. Furthermore, there will be a section dedicated to mares with their foals and another for the best stallions. The newest addition to the event-list will see mares, foals and stallions together, giving a clearer view of the animal’s blood line. 85 horses, representing every corner of Italy, will take part in Anam MIPAAF’s morphology trial, representing 65 breeders. 
The highlight of the 37th edition will be presentation of the 20 top stallions according to the breed book, as well as the presentation of the newly crowned winner of the Italian Working Horse Open; Ombromato, with his rider Renzo Bersaglia, who took top prize at the recent event in Narni. The winner at Narni will take to the field alongside the Maremmano stallion M. Menelao from Castelporziano who stole the show in the show jumping at Piazza di Siena. Sergio Marcoaldi, president of the “C’era una volta in Maremma” organizing committee affirmed “Each year we are registering considerable growth in the number of breeders and participants, which shows the great work we are carrying out when organizing this event. The ever greater response from those involved in the sector, as well as the general public, is the greatest reward for energy and resources we put into our work”. 
THE EVOLUTION OF A BREED
The event is a well-rounded experience aiming to raise awareness of and develop the Maremmano, and this year a new opportunity is on offer as the book “Breeding the Maremmano”, written by Fabrisio Mecocci and Fabiana L’Abbate will be presented. 
Finally, there are great expectations for the equestrian show directed by Nico Belloni. The core of the show will be the traditional equestrianism, the culture and history of the Butteri; the Italian cowboys. Gruppo Aragona’s have provided the scenography, while equestrian artist Bartolo Messina will be returning with new artistic shows 

For more information and all the Equestrian World check out the events Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/mostracavallo.maremmanocanino.