A center of excellence, unique on the island. Tanca Regia has a long history spanning several centuries. Today, it stands as a true jewel in the equestrian world, with activities related to horse breeding, genetic selection, and international sports. A hub of exceptional value that, over the years, has managed to grow and open up new opportunities that can boost the local economy and the entire island. The numbers are impressive, the events are equally so, and in the future, it could open up new opportunities that extend beyond the equestrian world to the facility's historical, architectural, and landscape heritage, and to food and wine tourism.
Raffaele Cherchi, director of ASVI, the organization established in 2023 with Law No. 15, which took over the historic helm of the Equestrian Breeding Institute, thus managing Tanca Regia, is convinced of this. "Everything we've done in recent years," he immediately clarifies, "is designed to contribute to the revitalization of the equestrian sector in Sardinia, the development of equestrian professions, and the support of equestrian professionals. And then there's the growth from a sporting perspective, with horses, riders, and female riders competing at the national and international level. We're seeing a strong response from the younger generations."
But there could be other prospects as well. He adds: "The Dominario complex could be further enhanced: it retains some very interesting features, such as an architrave bearing the coat of arms of Castile and Aragon combined. It is an iconic structure of great historical and architectural interest: it could be redeveloped for purposes not only related to equestrian tourism, but also to food and wine. Currently, it features a conference room, and there are plans to create several museum rooms that could also be used for hospitality."
Tanca Regia covers a total of 540 hectares, breeds around a hundred horses and sixty selected mares, employs 15 people, and hosts international sporting events, including the Sardegna Jumping Tour, endurance races, and eventing competitions. It also hosts competitions and shows. Even those who have worked there for a long time have no doubts about the facility's potential. Antonello Brazzi is primarily responsible for the sporting side, including facilities, events, and the foal training center.
He's been at Tanca Regia since 1998: "Since then, a lot of progress has been made; the facility has grown, as has its capacity. Today, high quality standards are achieved, with important competitions and top-notch facilities. Tanca Regia is the go-to center for equine development." Any challenges? "Today, in my opinion, none," Brazzi replies.
Tore Sanna, 46, focuses his business on livestock breeding, crops, and logistics: "We breed primarily Anglo-Arabs, but also thoroughbred Arabians, Italian Sellas, and Sarcidano horses. The farm is very large. In recent years, we've hired several new staff, which has improved our work management."
Director Cherchi describes the Tanca Regia complex: "The first records of it as a horse breeding center date back to the 15th century, but a settlement dedicated to breeding horses for military purposes already existed during the Giudicati era. Its major development occurred during the Spanish period."
During the twentieth century, Tanca Regia passed from rural land trust to private ownership. In the mid-twentieth century, it was acquired by the Dalmasso family, and during this period, intensive sheep farming developed. Cherchi continues: "In the late 1980s, the Region purchased the Tanca Regia complex and intended to revive its old purpose with the Horse Breeding Institute. In the early 2000s, the Horse Breeding Institute was abolished, and the reform process stalled. In 2015, it was realized that mistakes had been made. Specific interventions were made, and a Budget Law article allocated resources to revitalize Tanca Regia as well." And year after year, the estate has become a benchmark of excellence.