It is bred to compete in showjumping, in dressage, in the three-day event and in endurance.

[3]: 145 The stud-book of the Sella Italiano was established by ministerial decree in 1973,[4] one of three sections of the Libro genealogico dei cavalli di razza to be administered by the Ente Nazionale Cavallo Italiano; the other two sections were for the registration of pure-bred Oriental horses (with separate sub-sections for Arab and Purosangue Orientale animals), and of Anglo-Arab stock.

The progeny of these horses can be registered as Sella Italiano if they can pass a “performance test”.

The stud book is open to other European warmbloods if they can pass the performance test and be approved by the breed registry.

The breed is intended to produce a sport horse which can compete successfully at the international level.