Purosangue Orientale

The Purosangue Orientale, often abbreviated PSO or translated as Italian Oriental Purebred, is a rare Italian saddle horse developed mainly in Sicily from Arabian and other eastern Mediterranean or North African blood. The type was shaped for cavalry and high-quality riding rather than as a heavy farm horse. It generally resembles an Arabian-influenced horse but may be taller and more substantial, with a dry head, arched neck, strong back, good limbs, and an active way of moving.

Modern Purosangue Orientale horses are kept by preservation breeders and riders interested in endurance, light sport, and classical saddle use. They tend to do best with thoughtful handling and regular work rather than rough or hurried training. As with many Arab-derived horses, overfeeding can be a bigger problem than lack of condition when kept on rich pasture. Buyers should confirm Italian breed records and not confuse the name with any generic oriental or Arabian-cross horse.

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