Kiso Horse

The Kiso horse is one of Japan's native horse breeds, historically associated with the Kiso Valley and mountain communities of Nagano and nearby regions. It is a small, sturdy horse with practical proportions, strong hooves, and a calm working character. Kiso horses were used for pack transport, farm work, forestry, and local riding before mechanization made many native Japanese horses rare.

Today's Kiso horse is mainly a conservation and cultural breed rather than a commercial riding-horse population. Herd managers and owners focus on maintaining a small gene pool, documenting ancestry, and keeping horses useful through light riding, educational programs, and traditional events. Their hardiness should not be mistaken for neglect tolerance; small native horses still need appropriate forage, hoof care, shelter from severe weather, and careful weight management.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White