By Nick Squires
The Maremmano horses of Lazio, the region around Rome, are believed to be the descendants of steeds ridden by emperors such as Marcus Aurelius 2,000 years ago.
Their distinctive characteristics include a strong build, a broad chest, thick manes and tails, and robust legs.
The archetype of the breed can be seen in many of Rome’s bronze and marble equestrian statues, most notably one of Marcus Aurelius which stands in front of the city’s town hall, in a piazza designed by Michelangelo in the 1530s for Pope Paul III.
Read the original article at: The Telegraph
