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Origin of the Catria Horse
The Catria horse is an ancient breed that originated in the mountainous area of Monte Catria in the central Apennines of Italy. This breed is a cross between the Maremanno breed and numerous other breeds. The Maremanno breed originated in Tuscany and Lazio and was cross bred with the Spanish, Bard, Neapolitan, and Arabian bloodlines. The Catria horse was mostly crossed with the Maremanno horses and the Franches-Montagnes, also known as the Frieberger breed. It is thought by some that charcoal burners brought them to the land in Tuscany. Documents have been found dating back to the year 1000 stating that the Catria breed was traded among nobles and sold to soldiers of certain territories. After World War I and World War II, the number of Catria horses decreased tremendously. However, many of the horses that remained in their homeland did survive because of the mountainous terrain that was good for pasteurizing the wild animals. During the year 1974, the Special Co-operative Agency of Catria took control of breeding behavior and set strict guidelines to protect the Catrian bloodlines from inbreeding. Furthermore, in 1980, a new registration system was set up to further protect the endangered bloodlines of the breed, which was the start of improvements for the horses. The Catria horses are one of the 22 native breeds of Italy and are recognized by the Italian Breeder’s Association (AIA). The number of Catria horses is still low and their status remains a critical problem.

Catria Horses Then and Now
In history, Catria horses were used in the mountains for agricultural purposes. Today, they are utilized for equestrian, tourism, transportation, sport horses, agriculture, and meat production. Because of their mountainous origins, they are tough animals whom are willing to work hard.

Characteristics of the Catria Horse
Catria horses come in the tradition colors of black, grey, bay and roan. Their head is usually lighter with a straight snout. Their chests are wide and profound. They are also made up of short backs and stocky hindquarters. They reach a height of approximately 14.2-14.3 hands. Although they are short, they are hardworking.

Temperment
They have a sobering, robust, and rustic personality to them. They are great workers and have a lot of drive and determination.

Reproduction and Regeneration of the Giant Sea Star
The eggs of giant sea stars have small eggs, and their sperm contain spherical heads. Once their larvae are born, they are bilaterally symmetrical. By the time they mature and reach adulthood they are centered around a set point with radial symmetry to their bodies. The gonads of the giant sea star grow in a winters time just in time for spawning season between the months of March and April.

Habitat
Pisaster giganteus, the scientific name for giant sea stars, are usually found around the protected costal lines with low tide. They can often be found attached to rocks, pier supports or in the sand.

Description
Giant Sea Stars have a dense body with wide arms. Pisaster Giganteus have a surface that is either tan or brown, but you will find a giant sea start with the occasional yellowish or grayish surface. They contain thick, blunt spines that are bluish in color with white, pink or purple tips that are swollen and surrounded by brown fuzz and pedicellariae that have a plier like shape. These pedicellariae are used as a protective mechanism against predators. They have no distinct pattern. They range from 36-48 centimeters from the tip of one arm to the other. They are usually found up to 88 meters down in the water.

Other Characteristics
The giant sea star has an interesting and complex vascular system that allows it to breath and eat its prey. This system assists with movement from place to place and clinging to rocks. It lacks main sensory organs such as eyes and ears, but they contain an advanced digestive system. Giant sea stars, like all sea stars, have the ability to regenerate if they lose an arm.

Predators and Prey
The Giant Sea Star has only a few predators. Sea otters and sea birds feed on giant sea stars. Also, their larvae are subject to be made a meal out of by certain types of sea snails. They prey on several kinds of sea organisms including barnacles, gastropods, bivalves and limpets. It eats its prey by extending its stomach so it can fit into tiny gaps, such a mussel shells.