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The Bardigiano came from ancient stock and
is probably related to the Abellinum breed of Roman times, to which the
Haflinger and the Avelignese can also be attributed.
The Bardigiano developed over the years in the Northern Appenine region of
Italy, and is quite adapted to its rough mountainous habitat. The Bardigiano
has a lot in common with both the Avelignese and the
Haflinger
although it is the least publicized of the three, but it is likely that the
Bardigiano has been influenced at some point by the
Avelignese
which, in turn, can be traced back to the stallion El Badavi. The Bardigiano
as an oriental type head, but also appears to have similarities to to native
English breeds of the Exmoor and Dales ponies and the Asturcon pony of
Northern Spain.
During bother the
first and second World Wars, Bardigiano mares were widely used in the
production of first class mules, and this actually effected the number of
pure-bred Bardigianos, bringing their numbers down significantly. A number
of stallions from a diverse range of breeds were introduced to the stock
after 1945, but this is now considered to have been quite a mistake. The
breed began to deteriorate and lose some of its defining characteristics. In
1972 a committee was formed to try and re-establish the breed and
fortunately, this was successfully done.
Bardigianos
are useful and attractive ponies and, as with all mountain breeds, they are
very tough and enduring, as well as extremely sure-footed. The have good,
quiet temperaments, making them excellent for trekking and as children's
ponies. Due to their robust frame and build, they are also suitable for farm
work, light draft work and for packing.
In
appearance they have fine pony heads of oriental type, with intelligent eyes
and alert ears. They are very muscular through the neck, which is thickset
and arched, and has an abundance of mane. The shoulders can be upright, but
are immensely powerful. They have short backs, with rounded barrels and
muscular hindquarters. Their legs are generally short and strong with broad
joints, short cannon bones, and very hard hooves. They are mostly
bay
in color, but can also be
black
or
brown,
with minimal white markings. These ponies can stand up to 13 hh.
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