Yili Horse

Yili Horse is a rare breed of horse that originated in China.

This hardy breed is known for its stamina, intelligence, and good temperament.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Yili Horse, read on!

Yili Horse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Yili Horse:

Height (size) Average 14.0 hands high
Colors Bay, chestnut, black, gray
Country of Origin China
Common Uses As a working animal, in ceremonies and rituals, herding, transport, load-carrying, farm work, milk and meat production

Yili Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The Yili breed was created in the 1900s to improve native Kazakh stock in China’s Xinjiang Uygur area. When Russians began to settle in the area, they brought stallions with them to breed with the native Kazakh horses, who were mostly of Mongolian descent.

When the local government became involved in the 1930s, Orlov Trotter, Don, and Anglo-Don stock were imported, but the expected results were not achieved in future generations.

Seeing this, in the 1960s, the desired ‘type’ was changed to a draft-type riding horse, which developed rapidly due to selective breeding.

There are still two strains that can be recognized, one with more evident Russian influences and one that is still largely indigenous.

With the recent increased interest in equine tourism in the region, its popularity as a racehorse and in major cultural events has grown.

Yili horses are now an integral element of the region’s economy and culture, and many Kazakhs rely on them as a means of transportation, for farm work and pulling loads, and as a source of milk and meat.

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

Alternative Names

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Temperament/Personality

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Physical Characteristics

The head is light with a straight profile.

The neck is of medium length, and in male horses it is slightly arched.

The withers are pronounced, and the back is short and strong.

The chest is deep, and the shoulders are sloped.

The legs are clean, and the tendons are well defined, however the hind legs are sometimes cow hocked or sickle hocked.

They are renowned for their speed, strength, and incredible endurance.

Colors

Bay, chestnut, black, gray

Height (size)

Average 14.0 hands high

Stallions

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Mares

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Weight

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Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

As a working animal, in ceremonies and rituals, herding, transport, load-carrying, farm work, milk and meat production

Health

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Popular Traits

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Feeding/Diet

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Country of Origin

China

Ancestors

Mongolian horse, Kazakh horse, Russian Don, Orlov Trotter, Anglo-Don