Kiso

A Japanese breed, the Kiso has inhabited Japan for at least 1,000 years.  Their exact origin is not known, but it is believed that they are descendants of the Mongolian horses of the grasslands or the plateau horses of Central Asia.

Japan uses their horses for military purposes and for transportation and agriculture.  During the Meiji period, Japan was involved in several wars against foreign countries.  Kiso horses are small in size, and the authorities discouraged purebred breeding of Kiso- and encouraged cross breeding programs with larger horses.  Almost all Kiso stallians were castrated after World War II by a governmental program.

The temperament of Kiso horses is similar to hat of Tarpan.  They have a similar appearance to the mongolian horse.