There are records of horses being raised systematically in the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture as early as the 6th century. The region was able to produce, according to legends, 10,000 cavalry mounts for Kiso Yoshinaka’s army.
There are today 117 Kiso horses, which are often seen in processions in local festivals. They are also used as riding horses.
Origin: believed to be descended from either the plateau horses of Central Asia or the Mongolian horses of the grasslands.
Colour: all colours.
Height: approximately 13hh.
Conformation: large head, flat withers, upright shoulders, short body, good feet.
Character: willing, gentle, a lot of natural endurance, sure-footed.
Uses: Draught, harness.