Recupero e conservazione "in situ": l'esempio del Cavallo del Ventasso

The Ventasso Horse is a native Italian breed selected for saddle, and its name comes from Mount Ventasso, located in Province of Reggio Emilia. The breeding area is a mountainous territory located for the most part in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park. In the last decades, the decreasing of economic interest in Ventasso Horses has been reflected in the reduction of its effective number and in the use of stallions of different breeds (Maremmano, Lipizzan, Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab) utilized to improve the athletic performances. According to the FAO-UNEP, the small number of Ventasso Horse population, about 300 individuals, was placed in the list of endangered breeds. To preseve it from extinction is important to join the efforts of all the people and the Institutions involved in the rearing and valorization of these animals. The organization of breeders' association, the valorization of the horse as one of the leading variety of the Tosco-Emiliano National Park, the genetic characterization of this breed and the interest of local and regional Institutions are important steps aimed to increase the numeric consistency of Ventasso Horses and to guarantee a future of this breed.