Monterufolino
The Monterufolino or Cavallino di Monterufoli is a breed of small horse originating in the province of Pisa, in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is one of the fifteen indigenous horse "breeds of limited distribution" recognised by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association. It takes its name from a former farm estate, the "Tenuta di Monterufoli", now broken up, which covered some 4000 Ha in the comuni of Pomarance, Montecatini Val di Cecina and Monteverdi Marettimo. The status of the Cavallino di Monterufoli was listed in 2007 as critical by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. At the end of 2008 the breed consisted of 38 mares, 9 stallions, and 125 foals.
| Life Span | 25-30 years |
| Weight | 380-550 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Monterufolino
Finding a responsible Monterufolino breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells horses commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Monterufolino. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Monterufolinos appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
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Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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