To discover the rich Italian biodiversity, the appointment is at Hall 10 of Fieracavalli, where tomorrow – on the last day of the event – the much-awaited parade of the most beautiful equine and donkey specimens from our country will return.
ANAREAI – National Association of Breeders of Italian Equine and Donkey Breeds – is one of five organizations in our country responsible for preserving genetic diversity. They manage the genealogical registry for 27 breeds, focusing not only on conservation but also on genetic improvement.
“Our work is aimed at preserving the specificity of each breed with limited distribution and small population sizes, in order to safeguard its biodiversity,” says President Matteo Visini.
“Specifically, conservation means registering and certifying all specimens that conform morphologically to the breed standard. Each breed has a reference parameter – approved and regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture – that defines its suitability characteristics. The process begins with identifying the genealogy of the horse or donkey, verifying the identity of its parents. This step is crucial due to a significant problem affecting all low-diffusion breeds: the loss of genetic diversity, and consequently, biodiversity. By carefully controlling their genealogy, we can ensure their ‘purity’ and finally register them in the genealogical book.” An example is the Asinara donkey – native to the island of the same name in Sardinia – known for its gentle temperament and light-colored or white coat, which has unique biodiversity that must be preserved.”
The donkey, in fact, is the other half of the equestrian world, and it is important to highlight its value.
“Historically, these animals contributed greatly to the development of livestock farming and the tradition of Italian equids. Due to their intrinsic characteristics – such as endurance and hardiness – they were used, before the industrial era, to haul wood from the forests and assist millers with agricultural tasks, especially during World War II.”
And the Italialleva Pavilion at Fieracavalli – dedicated to Italian breeds – could not fail to give significant space to these beautiful, often underrated animals, allowing the public to get to know them up close, either in the stables or during the traditional parade.
“In the carousel presented by the Association, 31 breeds will parade tomorrow, Sunday, November 10: including the Hafflinger, Tolfetano, San Fratellano, Sicilian horse, Esperia Pony, Murgese, Lipizzan, Maremma, TPR, and of course the Asinara donkey, Romagnolo, Martina Franca, Ragusano, and Pantesco. Our speaker, Nico Belloni, will take you on a journey through the territories of origin of all these breeds, allowing you to explore our country from a historical, cultural, and gastronomic perspective.”
