Are you interested in horses? Did you know that there are only eight native horse breeds left in Japan, some of which are critically endangered? In Japan, you can volunteer on a horse ranch that also keeps some of these native breeds.
Hokkaido (Dosanko)
The Hokkaido horse, also known as the Dosanko, is a breed of horse native to the island of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a hardy and versatile breed that is well-suited for riding, driving, and working. Hokkaido horses are known for their intelligence, their gentle temperament, and their ability to thrive in cold climates.
History: The breed is thought to be descended from horses brought to Hokkaido from the Tōhoku region of northeastern Honshu in the late Tokugawa period (1603-1868). These horses were left behind by fishermen and adapted to the harsh climate, developing their characteristic strength and endurance.
Characteristics: Hokkaido horses are a medium-sized breed, standing around 14.2 to 15 hands (144-152 cm or 58-60 inches) tall. They come in a variety of solid colors, including chestnut, black, bay, and brown. They are known for their thick double coat, strong legs, and docile temperament.
Current Status: Unlike many other Japanese horse breeds, the Dosanko is not considered endangered. They are still used for forestry, agriculture, and leisure riding in Hokkaido.
“木曽駒 1” by eiko licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Kiso
The Kiso horse is a breed of horse native to the Kiso Mountains of Japan. It is a small, agile breed that is well-suited for pack and riding horses. Kiso horses are known for their surefootedness, their stamina, and their ability to carry heavy loads.
History: They are believed to be descended from either the plateau horses of Central Asia or the Mongolian horses of the grasslands. Kiso horses have been raised in Japan for centuries and were used for military and agricultural purposes since the Heian period (794-1185).
Characteristics: Kiso horses are a small to mid-sized breed, standing around 13-14 hands (132-142 cm or 52-56 inches) tall. They are known for their chestnut, bay, or black coat colors, strong legs, and docile temperament.
Current Status: Sadly, the Kiso horse is critically endangered. In the late 19th century, the Imperial Army of the Meiji government decided to improve and enlarge the breed, which negatively affected their purebred population. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve this historic breed.
“Misaki uma May 2014 5097” by Koji Ishii licensed under CC BY 2.0
Misaki
The Misaki horse is a critically endangered breed of small horse native to Japan. These gentle horses live in a natural setting as a feral herd on Cape Toi (also known as Toimisaki) within the municipal boundaries of Kushima at the south end of Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. The Misaki was designated a Japanese National Natural Treasure in 1953.
History: The exact origins of the Misaki horse remain unclear, although it is believed that they developed from a diverse range of stock brought over from various parts of Asia. These importations likely date back to at least the 6th century. Some theories suggest they may be descended from horses brought from China hundreds of years ago. There are records of the Misaki in Japanese literature dating back to 1697, where it is described as a new breed of horse created from feral herds in the area for farm work and transportation.
Characteristics: The Misaki is a small horse, standing between 11 and 13.3 hands (112-135 cm or 44-53 inches) high. They are typically chestnut, bay, brown or black in color. White markings on the face or legs are very rare in Japanese horses, and Misakis are no exception. They are known for their docile temperament, intelligence, and good looks.
Current Status: Sadly, Misaki horses are critically endangered. Like many other Japanese horse breeds, their population was drastically reduced after World War II. Today there are approximately 100 Misaki horses remaining. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve this historic breed.
“Noma-Uma in Tennōji Zoo 2” by OpenCage.com licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5
Noma
The Noma horse is a critically endangered breed of small horse native to Japan. It originates from the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four principal islands of Japan, and is named for the former district of Noma, the northernmost part of the former province of Iyo, now Ehime Prefecture. It is the smallest of the eight native horse breeds of Japan.
History: Noma horses are believed to be descended from Mongolian horses brought to Japan in the 17th century. They were originally bred as war horses but due to illness and lack of food on Umashima (Horse Island), where they were initially raised, they were given to peasants in the Noma district for breeding. The peasants kept the smaller horses, which interbred and resulted in the Noma breed we know today.
Characteristics: Noma horses are a very small breed, even by pony standards. They typically stand around 10.2 hands (104 cm or 42 inches) tall. Their coat colors are typically chestnut, black, or bay. They are known for their gentle temperament, intelligence, and surefootedness.
Current Status: Noma horses are critically endangered. Conservation efforts have increased their numbers in recent decades, but there are still only around 80 Noma horses in existence. These horses are considered a national treasure of Japan.
Taishu
The Taishu horse or Tsushima horse is a rare breed of small horse from Tsushima Island in the Korea Strait, in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. These gentle horses were historically used for transport and agriculture on the island.
History: The Taishu horse is believed to be descended from horses introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula around the 8th century. They were well-suited to the mountainous terrain of Tsushima Island and became an important part of island life. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), there were more than 4,000 Taishu horses on Tsushima. However, motorization and mechanized agriculture led to a sharp decline in the breed's population.
Characteristics: The Taishu is a small horse, with an average height of around 13 hands (132 cm or 52 inches) tall. They are known for their strong legs, surefootedness, and docile temperament. Their coat colors are typically chestnut, black, or bay.
Current Status: The Taishu horse is critically endangered. A population of only 30 was reported in 2008. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve this historic breed, including breeding programs and promoting the use of Taishu horses for recreational activities such as horseback riding.
“Tokara-Uma which eat a pasture” by 名古屋太郎 licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Tokara
The Tokara horse, also known as the Kagoshima horse, is a small Japanese horse breed native to the Tokara Islands, a group of islands in Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu. These hardy and adaptable horses were once used for farming, transportation, and processing sugarcane grown in the area.
History: The Tokara horse is descended from a small number of horses brought to Takarajima Island from the horse breeding area of Kikaijima around 1897. These horses thrived on the island and became an important part of local life. However, their numbers dwindled dramatically after World War II. Efforts are underway to conserve the Tokara horse breed, and their population is slowly increasing.
Characteristics: Tokara horses are a small breed, typically standing between 10 and 14 hands (102-142 cm or 40-56 inches) tall. Their coat color is predominantly seal brown, although other colors can also occur. They are known for their good tolerance for heat, intelligence, gentle temperament, and surprising strength for their size.
Current Status: The Tokara horse is considered endangered. There are currently around 107 Tokara horses, with breeding programs and efforts to promote the breed for recreational riding in place to ensure their future.
“Miyako_uma” by Haidonan licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Miyako
The Miyako horse is a rare breed of horse originating from Miyako Island/Okinawa, in Japan. Miyako horses are known for their gentle temperament and intelligence. They are considered a national treasure of Japan. Conservation efforts involve breeding programs and research on their genetics.
History: They are believed to be descended from Mongolian horses brought to the islands centuries ago. Historically, they have been used for transportation, agriculture, and pack animals. Their population declined significantly due to modernization and mechanization after World War II.
Characteristics: Small and agile breed, typically standing around 12-14 hands (122-142 cm or 48-56 inches) tall. Known for their surefootedness, stamina, and ability to carry loads despite their size. Coat colors include chestnut, black, and bay. Hardy and well-adapted to the island's environment.
Current Status: Classified as critically endangered. By 1980, only 14 Miyako horses remained. Conservation efforts have seen a rise in population, reaching 55 horses in 2021. Challenges include maintaining genetic diversity and increasing the population further. Miyako horses are known for their gentle temperament and intelligence. They are considered a national treasure of Japan. Conservation efforts involve breeding programs and research on their genetics.
Yonaguni
The Yonaguni horse, native to Yonaguni Island/Okinawa, Japan, is a small and hardy breed known for its gentle temperament and unique characteristics.
History: The origins of the Yonaguni horse remain somewhat mysterious. Some believe they descended from horses brought to the island from southern China or Korea around 2,000 years ago during the Jomon period. Others suggest a connection to the Cheju horse breed of Korea based on genetic analysis. Historically, Yonaguni horses were essential for farmers on the island, used for transportation and plowing. Yonaguni horses are well-adapted to the island's rough terrain and climate. They are considered a cultural treasure of Japan and a symbol of Yonaguni Island. Tourists can visit the island and see the Yonaguni horses in their natural habitat.
Characteristics: Small breed, typically standing around 11-12 hands (112-122 cm or 44-48 inches) tall. Known for their strong legs, thick necks, and sturdy build. Gentle and easy to handle. Often have expressive eyes and playful personalities. May roll around on beaches after a ride, a unique behavior.
Current Status: Classified as critically endangered by the FAO. Population numbers have fluctuated over time, with a low of 75 in 1996 and an increase to 130 in 2024. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the breed, including breeding programs and promoting their cultural significance.
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