They are animals dressed with an air of natural elegance by their grace, their proud stride and their shining coat. Protagonists of stories and legends by men’s side, with whom they always shared strain and heroic deeds, horses are special creatures and have with Cantiano a strong bond, as they are used to trotting on these lands since remote ages (thousand years old documents mention them). In Cantiano is famous the “Catria horse”, is a race whose evolution is due to the crossbreeding of several other ones, such as the Maremmano and the “Croatian” races, the latter favoured by the coalmen who were used to choose these strong animals. The Catria horse did thus become particularly strong, fit to help his human partner by carrying all kinds of loads but also led by instinct to help visitors in discovering the natural wonders surrounding Cantiano. A walk on horseback is a really magical way to admire the rich local landscape. The climax to this privileged relationship comes with the more than thirty-year Cantiano Horse Festival. The “Horse trade show”, twined with the “Show of the Catria Horse” is a great event, taking place on the second week-end of October and the next Sunday, at the “La Badia” Stables. A reference point in Italy, after its first day, dedicated to the professionals, it is accessible to all kinds of people. A number of performances show the skills of both the animals and their trainers and the relationship linking them. In order to offer an unforgettable memory to the youngest, a special care is dedicated to the playful moments. A context is thus created melting together culture and fun, a special occasion enabling to know the territory in the middle of neighs, the smell of the fields and of such traditional tastes as the unmissable “polenta alla carbonara di Chiaserna”.
Il cavallo del Catria