Origins
The exact origins of most Japanese horses are unknown & the Kiso is no different. They are believed to have come from the plateau horses of central Asia or the Mongolian horses of the grasslands.
Breeding of the Kiso has been invariably shaped by the face of war and they have been popular mounts for the task for centuries. Unfortunately that meant that purity of lineage was not the objective, and when the Europeans came to Japan, military crossbreeded the ponies with the larger European horses, so Kisos are really rare today.
Fortunately some of the pureblooded animals persevered and since 1976 there is a pedigree registration in the Kaida village at the food of Mt. Ontake.
Breeding of the Kiso has been invariably shaped by the face of war and they have been popular mounts for the task for centuries. Unfortunately that meant that purity of lineage was not the objective, and when the Europeans came to Japan, military crossbreeded the ponies with the larger European horses, so Kisos are really rare today.
Fortunately some of the pureblooded animals persevered and since 1976 there is a pedigree registration in the Kaida village at the food of Mt. Ontake.
Features
Average height 13.2 hands
Physique
Head is heavy
Neck is short & thick
Legs are short & sturdy
Hooves are well formed and hard
Neck is short & thick
Legs are short & sturdy
Hooves are well formed and hard
Traditional Colors
chestnut
grey
bay
dorsal stripe is desirable
grey
bay
dorsal stripe is desirable
Temperament
Mild & easy going. Good beginners/children pony, fearless.