Miyako Horse

The Miyako Horse is an extremely rare breed of horse that is only found in the Miyako Islands of Japan.

There are very few of these horses left in the world, so if you have the opportunity to see one, don’t miss it!

Here’s everything you need to know about this interesting breed.

Miyako horse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Miyako horse:

Miyako horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

Miyako is a rare Japanese horse breed originating from Miyako Island, and it is one of eight horse breeds native to Japan.

Miyako Island, which is located in Okinawa Prefecture, has a long history of being used as a horse breeding region, and the island has traditionally been home to a population of small horses.

In the years leading up to and after World War II, the Miyako horses were crossbred with bigger horses in an effort to increase their height to around 14 hands so they could be used for farming.

It was in 1955 when the Miyako horse population reached its all-time high of 10,000 head.

However, as the Japanese economy improved in the years after World War II, so did the modernization of farming and transportation.

Like everywhere else in the world, this resulted in a reduction in the number of farm horses.

In order to preserve this rare and old breed, extensive measures have been taken.

There were just 7 horses left in 1983, but that number had climbed to 25 by 1993.

It is estimated that less than 20 Miyako ponies remain in existence today.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

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Temperament/Personality

Gentle disposition

Physical Characteristics

They very much resemble the Mongolian horses

Colors

Most commonly bay or dun

Height (size)

Around 14.0 hands high

Stallions

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Mares

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Weight

Up to 600 lbs (270 kg)

Blood Type

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Common Uses

Riding, light draft work

Health

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Popular Traits

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Feeding/Diet

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Country of Origin

Japan

Ancestors

Mongolian horse