PRODUCTIONS: THE ITALIAN COWBOYS' FRIEND

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G.Pancaldi, A.D'Onofrio, F.Carbone

SD Cinematografica

30'

16 mm

"The Maremma is parched land of burnt stbble and immense plains. Here and there are dry bogs exhaling a pestilential stench while the dark green underbrush relieves the aridity of the landscape. It's a land of wild animals and sullen, solitary "butteri" (Italian cowboys) twisting around on restless, hot-blooded horses". This is how an 18th century traveller described the Maremma region in Italy.
The Maremma horse survives unchanged from this bygone era.
This bay horse, with its wide chest and fast gallop, resembles a ram. It has a strong, proud temperament and is noted for its loyalty.
"Wild side of Europe" followed the horse for a year during its various activities. We observe it in moments of compete liberty, galloping frenetically with the herd through the water of the marshes. We see it in situations of complete submission to man where it untiringly accompanies the "buttero" as he performs his tasks.
We watch the amusing behaviour of an arrogant stallion displaying its leadership of the herd as it lords it over the females and claims its rights. Finally we observe a suffering mare give birth to a strong colt. It emerges head first with the Maremma traits it will carry for the rest of its life.