Pet Wiki

Murgese

Equus ferus caballus

Also called Cavallo Murgese, Murgese Horse

The Murgese is known for its calm, docile, and balanced nature.

SizeLarge
Lifespan25 to 30 years12
CoatShort, dense coat with a thick mane and tail; strong, sturdy body with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters.
OriginItaly (Le Murge plateau, Puglia)34
Last checked2026-11-04
breedShort profile
Hardy and frugal
Calm and docile temperament
Strong, resistant hooves
Versatile for riding and light draft
25

Personality what they are like

The Murgese is known for its calm, docile, and balanced nature. It is willing, courageous, and intelligent, with a good learning ability. While it can be a bit reserved or proud, especially mares, it forms strong bonds with patient owners. It is generally easy to handle and train, suitable for both leisure and competitive riding.26

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Murgese. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Fresh food and waterHay or grazing most of the day, fresh water alwaysevery day
  • Pick out hoovesPick out the hooves every dayevery day
  • GroomingA quick groom also lets you spot cuts and swellingsevery day
  • TurnoutDaily time out with company, horses are herd animalsevery day
  • Muck outevery day
  • Farrier visitTrim or shoes about every 6 to 8 weeks, as your farrier advisesevery 6 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDental check by a vet or equine dentistevery year
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionWorming as your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
  • VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Looks how to spot one

Short, dense coat with a thick mane and tail; strong, sturdy body with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters.

The Murgese has a robust, baroque-type build with a strong neck, deep chest, and solid legs. Its hooves are notably hard and resilient, adapted to rocky terrain. The coat is usually black or dark roan, with a small percentage of grey individuals.317

Coloursblackblue roaniron grey (rare)317

Daily activity how busy a day looks

The Murgese is an active, athletic horse that enjoys regular exercise. It thrives with a mix of riding, driving, and trail work. Without sufficient activity, it may become bored or overweight. Daily turnout and mental stimulation are important for its well-being.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular grooming is needed to keep the coat, mane, and tail clean, especially after work. The hooves are naturally hard but still require regular trimming by a farrier. Check the skin under the feathers for moisture-related issues. During winter, a moderate rug may be needed for clipped horses, but the dense coat generally provides good protection.2

Home where they are happiest

The Murgese is adapted to harsh, rocky environments with poor pastures. It can live outdoors in a semi-feral state, seeking shade in summer and shelter in winter. Access to clean water is essential, and in its native region, water is often provided via rainwater cisterns. It does well in a spacious paddock or pasture with natural shelter.17

Food basics what goes in the bowl

The Murgese is a hardy, economical breed that thrives on good-quality forage such as hay or pasture. It has an efficient metabolism and can maintain condition on moderate-quality feed. Avoid overfeeding concentrates; provide supplements only if the workload requires it. Monitor weight to prevent obesity and metabolic issues.2

Company who they like around

Murgese horses are social animals that do best when kept with other horses or livestock. They are traditionally raised in herds and can become lonely or stressed if isolated. They form strong bonds with their human handlers and respond well to consistent, patient training. No special legal restrictions are noted in the sources, but always check local regulations.62

The story where it all began

The Murgese breed developed in the Le Murge plateau of southern Italy, likely during the period of Spanish rule. It was created by crossing local mares with imported Barb and Arabian stallions, particularly those owned by the Count of Conversano. Originally used for agricultural work and light draft, the breed later became popular for riding and driving. The herdbook was established in 1926, and breeding objectives shifted in the 1990s towards riding and sport. The Murgese influenced other breeds, including the Lipizzaner, through the stallions Neapolitano and Conversano.384

Recognised by the official bits

Italian Ministry of Agriculture (herdbook established)
Official breed selection began in 1926 under the 'Regio Deposito Stalloni' of Foggia.8

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Murgese, and what should it eat?

Your Murgese does best on good-quality forage like hay or pasture, fed daily. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water every day. Avoid overfeeding concentrates and monitor weight to prevent obesity; check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.2 Pet Wiki plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Murgese?

Common dangerous foods for pets include chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. For horses, also avoid avocado and any toxic plants. Always keep these away from your Murgese and consult your vet if you suspect ingestion.9

How much space and land does a Murgese need?

The Murgese is adapted to harsh, rocky environments and does well in a spacious paddock or pasture with natural shelter. It can live outdoors in a semi-feral state, so a large, secure area with access to clean water is ideal. For specific acreage, ask a good breeder or your vet.17

What kind of shelter does a Murgese need?

Your Murgese needs access to natural shelter, such as trees or a simple run-in shed, for shade in summer and protection from winter weather. It is hardy and can live outdoors, but clean water must always be available. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily turnout for its well-being.17 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Murgese's hooves or feet?

The Murgese has naturally hard, resilient hooves adapted to rocky terrain, but they still need regular trimming by a farrier. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests hoof picking daily and farrier visits every 42 days. Check the skin under the feathers for moisture issues.2 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Murgese need grooming or shearing?

Regular grooming is needed to keep the coat, mane, and tail clean, especially after work. The dense coat generally provides good protection, but a moderate rug may be needed for clipped horses in winter. Shearing is not typically required, but ask your vet or a good breeder for specific advice.2

Can a Murgese live alone?

Murgese horses are social animals and do best when kept with other horses or livestock. They can become lonely or stressed if isolated, so it's best to provide a companion. They form strong bonds with their human handlers but still need equine or animal company.62

How long does a Murgese live?

The Murgese typically lives between 25 and 30 years with good care. This long lifespan means a long-term commitment to its health and happiness. Enjoy many years with your calm, intelligent companion.12

Is a Murgese good with children?

The Murgese is known for its calm, docile, and balanced nature, making it generally good with children when properly trained and supervised. It forms strong bonds with patient owners and is easy to handle. Always introduce children to any horse carefully and under guidance.26

What regular vet care does a Murgese need?

Regular vet care includes annual dental check-ups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests teeth care every 365 days and parasite prevention per your vet's advice. Also schedule routine health exams and vaccinations with your equine vet. Pet Wiki plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. mdpi.com: 422 mdpi.comused for lifespan years, coat or body, colours, habitat needs, fun fact
  2. equio.fr: murgese equio.frused for weight kg, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, diet basics, social needs
  3. en.wikipedia.org: Murgese en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, height cm, coat or body, colours, history, fun fact
  4. breeds.okstate.edu: murgese horses breeds.okstate.eduused for origin, history
  5. allevamentosanpaolo.com: regulation allevamentosanpaolo.comused for best traits, activity needs
  6. cavallomagazine.it: the lord of the Murge cavallomagazine.itused for temperament, social needs
  7. ilmurgese.it: razza ilmurgese.itused for height cm, coat or body, colours, habitat needs, fun fact
  8. anamf.it: anamf la storia anamf.itused for history
  9. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-11-04. Text is written in our own words from these sources.