It is strongly associated with Bardi, the Valle del Ceno [it] and the Val di Taro, and surrounding areas of the Tusco-Emilian Apennines of Parma.

[6]: 100 It is a robust and hardy horse, agile and sure-footed over difficult ground, and well-suited to work as a pack-animal in mountainous terrain; it may also be used in harness and for riding.

A stud-book was established in 1977, and is held by the Associazione Provinciale Allevatori (regional animal breeders' association) of Parma.

The breed is widely distributed in Italy, with breeders in 26 Italian provinces; a recent study examined 3556 stud book entries for living horses.

[7] In 1994, the breed standard was modified with the intention of increasing the suitability of the Bardigiano as a saddle horse while preserving its character.