Patroclo Di Capo Iazzo, a 3 yr old Murgese from the South of Italy scooped first prize at Equifest at the East of England Showground on August 19th.
Patroclo a 15hh gelding performed amazingly well for his first outing and first show, and caught the eye of the Judge.
He is one of four 3 yr old Murgese imported in April this year by Carl and Fiona Haynes of Summerfield Farm, Tilbrook, Cambridgeshire.
This little- known breed found in the Puglia region of Southern Italy is a horse that has it all! With its shiny raven black coat, arched neck and flowing full mane it is a picture of power and beauty. Combine its looks with a nature that is tranquil, docile and a keenness to learn and you have a horse with amazing qualities.
They came across the breed by chance and were intrigued to read of the qualities of this horse. After a few trips to Italy to see the horses, they made the decision to buy as they feel the Murgese has so much to offer the UK equestrian scene.
“The temperament and personality of the Murgese is key to its growing success as an all – round versatile riding and driving horse. It is well mannered, kind natured and willing. These characteristics combined with a strong and muscular conformation that is both elegant and athletic present a horse that is well equipped for all equestrian disciplines,” explains Carl.
In Italy the horses are rarely gelded because of their easy nature and kept as entire stallions but Carl and Fiona made the decision to have their four gelded in Italy in February before arriving in the UK in April this year.
In Italy Murgese are increasingly used as police horses presenting an imposing presence in full riot gear. They also have the dexterity to perform at the highest level as demonstrated by the blue roan Murgese, Carletto a Grand Prix level dressage horse in the Netherlands.
“Patroclo, Parker, Pastrengo and Positano are currently being backed and prepared for riding. We are confident our Murgese will fly the flag for this remarkable breed and prove to be safe, genuine horses for their future owners”, says Fiona.
More information about the history of the breed and Carl and Fiona’s journey to discovering it can be found on their website: https://summerfieldmurgesehorses.co.uk/
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.