The San Fratello Horse
Salvo Cannizzaro - CC3.0
The Sanfratellano Horse is a native horse breed originating from the territory of San Fratello, in the Nebrodi mountains.
It is a strong and muscular horse, with a thick mane and tail, a bay or more often black coat and a docile character.
The origins of this breed are uncertain: a first hypothesis suggests that the Sanfratellano horse descends from oriental horses imported by Arabs before 10th century; a second hypothesis claims that it descends from the horses brought to San Fratello in the 11th century by the knights of Adelaide del Vasto, daughter of Manfredi Aleramo, marquis of Monferrato and Savona, who married the great Norman count Roger, thus sealing an alliance in Sicily between Aleramics and Normans.
In the past the Sanfratellano was used to pull traditional Sicilian carts and in light agricultural work, today it is bred in a semi-wild state and is used as a saddle horse, suitable for equestrian tourism and, crossed with the Thoroughbred English, generates excellent products for riding.
