Photo: Abraham van Diepenbeeck · Public domain horse breed · 671 on Animalso
Neapolitan horse
- Animal
- Horse
- Type
- Baroque horse
- Origin
- Italy
About the Neapolitan horse
The Neapolitan horse is a horse breed from Italy, associated with the plains between Naples and Caserta in the Campania region. It may also have been bred across the Kingdom of Naples. The breed was often mentioned in writing from the 16th through the 19th centuries and was regarded for its quality. Historical descriptions referred to its suitability for war, riding in the manège, and other services a rider might need. Its decline was noted in the early 20th century. Some accounts say the original Neapolitan horse was considered extinct by 1950, though its bloodlines were carried into other breeds, particularly the Lipizzaner. A later effort to recreate it produced the modern Napolitano breed. The Neapolitan horse is classified as a Baroque horse, and its Italian names include Cavallo Napoletano, Neapolitano, and Napolitano.
What stands out
- Originated in Italy’s Campania region
- Frequently noted in literature from the 16th to 19th centuries
- Historically described as suitable for varied rider needs
Worth knowing
- Original breed was considered extinct by some accounts
- Its decline was noted in the early 20th century
- Modern recreation is called Napolitano
Who it suits
This breed may interest readers learning about Italian horse breeds and the history of Baroque horses. Its history includes use in war and riding, though the original breed is said by some accounts to have become extinct.
In short
The Neapolitan horse has a long history tied to southern Italy and a reputation for quality. Its original lines continued in other breeds, while a modern recreation is known as Napolitano.
More horse breeds from Italy
Avelignese Italy Photo: Nicola Fotonico · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Bardigiano Italy Photo: Fioravante Patrone · CC BY 3.0 
Other Baroque horse breeds
Italian Trotter Italy Photo: Niora · Public domain 
Maremmano Italy Photo: BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Murgese Italy Photo: BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Photo credits17 photographs on this page
- Neapolitan horse — Abraham van Diepenbeeck · Public domain · file page
- Avelignese — Nicola Fotonico · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Bardigiano — Fioravante Patrone · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- Catria horse — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Cavallo Appenninico — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Cavallo del Delta — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Cavallo Romano della Maremma Laziale — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Esperia Pony — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Giara horse — Helga Steinreich · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Haflinger — Böhringer Friedrich · CC BY-SA 2.5 · file page
- Italian Heavy Draft — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Italian Trotter — Niora · Public domain · file page
- Maremmano — BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Monterufolino — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Murgese — BS Thurner Hof · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Persano horse — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Salerno horse — Justlettersandnumbers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.