The Noma Pony is a very rare domestic breed of pony that was developed in Japan.
Even though Japan’s native horses are small in general, the Noma is the smallest of all of them.
These small horses have been around since the 17th century and are descended from Mongolian stock.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Noma Pony!
Noma Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Noma horse:
| Height (size) | 10.1 – 10.3 hands high |
| Colors | Bay, brown, chestnut |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Common Uses | Mounts for children |
Noma Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
These horses were first bred as military horses on Umashima (Horse Island) around 1635 during the Edo Period.
Due to disease and a shortage of food, this plan did not succeed, therefore the horses were handed to the villagers of Noma.
They received payment from the feudal authority for the bigger horses they raised, while they were allowed to keep the smaller ones, which interbred.
The inhabitants of Noma county have maintained the genetic integrity of their ponies through generations of pure breeding in order to protect the breed’s bloodlines.
Efforts have been made for a long time to preserve the breed.
In 1978, the Noma Pony Preservation Society was established in order to continue this tradition and protect the breed.
Despite conservation efforts, their numbers remain very low.
In the past, local people used them as pack animals on the steep hills of the islands, and also for riding and light draft work.
Today, they are used mostly as riding horses for children and as topics of study in local schools.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Gentle
Physical Characteristics
They are hardy, small, compact and strong horses.
They are sure footed and agile on rough mountain terrain.
Colors
Bay, brown, chestnut
Height (size)
10.1 – 10.3 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Pony
Common Uses
Mounts for children
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Very hardy
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Japan
Ancestors
Mongolian horse