Giara Horse

The Giara horse, or Cavallino della Giara, is a small native horse of Sardinia, especially the Giara di Gesturi plateau in the island's interior. Although pony-sized, it is traditionally treated as a horse in Italian breed records. Most animals are dark bay, black, or chestnut, with a compact frame, strong legs, a thick mane and tail, and the hardiness expected of a population shaped by dry summers, rocky ground, and scrubby pasture. Semi-feral bands on the basalt plateau are the image most people associate with the breed.

Modern interest in the Giara horse is centered on conservation, local heritage, and extensive grazing rather than sport production. Animals brought into domestic care need patient handling if they have had little human contact, along with routine farriery, dental care, and veterinary preventive work. They are efficient keepers, so rich feed can be unsuitable, while clean water and shelter still matter in confinement. Breeding is best done through recognized Sardinian or Italian conservation channels, because the population is small and its value lies in preserving a distinct island type.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White