It is indigenous to the Monti della Tolfa range of hills which lie within the Maremma Laziale, and which give the breed its name.

The harsh terrain and limited resources of the area are thought to have contributed to the resistant and frugal nature of the breed.

[1] The Tolfetano is one of the fifteen indigenous horse "breeds of limited distribution" recognised by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association.

Whatever the origin the Tolfetano of today is a working horse, the favorite mounts of the local cowboys (called "Butteri" in Italian) in the "Maremma Laziale".

The Tolfetano's physique is stockier than its Maremmano cousin and is well-suited to carry weight.