Abruzzo is horse country!

As you drive across Campo Imperatore, the huge high plain to the west of the Gran Sasso mountain range, you will probably encounter herds of horses. We met one such large group meandering across the road as we were driving from Fonte Cerreto up to the Campo Imperatore ski resort. We stopped to let Chloe (an avid horse lover) have a look and were very surprised when the horses all rowed up behind her! Luckily I had my camera so I managed to take advantage of this unusual photo opportunity.

You will also find that some of the horses you meet will have foals......

and you may have to give way to herds of cattle on the roads!

Here is a view of another group of cows and horses as we were driving towards the Campo Imperatore resort.

On Campo Imperatore you will also find flocks of sheep guarded by Abruzzese sheepdogs, also called Maremmani sheepdogs. Historically, these sheepdogs protected their flocks from wolves.