What is the central animal in the Ferrari emblem?

The central animal in the Ferrari emblem is a prancing horse.

Ferrari’s black prancing horse, or Cavallino Rampante, became associated with Enzo Ferrari after he met the parents of Italian fighter pilot Francesco Baracca. Baracca had used a horse on his aircraft, and his family suggested that Ferrari place the symbol on his racing cars for good luck.

Ferrari added a yellow background, the color associated with Modena, Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace, along with the Italian tricolor at the top. The emblem therefore combines a racing symbol, local identity, and national colors.

The horse is sometimes confused with Porsche’s horse, but the two badges have different origins and layouts. Ferrari’s emblem grew from Italian racing culture and Baracca’s aircraft insignia, whereas Porsche’s crest is rooted in Stuttgart’s civic heraldry.