We all know about the breeds native to Britain,
As Japan’s war horse, the Kiso was indispensable, yet it’s said to be one of the kindest and most industrious breeds around, finds Stacey Carter
but how well do you know your equine breeds around the world? I loved learning all about the stocky little Kiso horse this month, one of Japan’s indigenous horse breeds.
YOU WOULDN’T LOOK at a Kiso horse and think, “Now there’s a war horse”, but charging into the foray of battle is exactly what these pint-sized mounts were once used for. Descendants of animals brought from mainland Asia from the 6th century, the Kiso horse originates from the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture, home of the Kiso river. During the 12th century, Kiso horses were used during the Genpei War, a conflict between Japanese Taira and Minamoto clans, and then again for conflicts between 1600 and 1867, when the Kiso were actively bred to be the steeds of war. In the latter part of the 18th century, Kiso horses were also cross-bred with larger breeds so they could compete with the stronger, foreign breeds of horses used in battle. Today, it’s believed only around 70 pure-bred Kiso horses remain. The majority of them reside at the Kaida village at the foot of Mount Ontake, where there’s a pedigree registration and ranch for the breed. The Japanese Equine Affairs Association manages the lineage of the breed and supports the ranch, which is open to the public so they can learn more about the Kiso horse and its involvement in the nation’s history. The ranch was set up to help protect the breed and preserve its dwindling numbers, but there’s a worry that with the immense amount of cross-breeding taking place across the country, the pure-bred Kiso’s days may be numbered.