Miyako Horses (Miyako Uma in Japanese) originated from
Miyako Island in Okinawa, a prefecture known as a horse breeding area for
centuries. In 1055, population of the breed peaked at around 10,000.
Unfortunately, the increase of motorization caused this number to decline, and
by 1983, there were only seven head alive. The population grew to 25 horses by
1993, but had dropped back to 19 by 2001, despite the great efforts to preserve
this breed of great antiquity.
Miyako Horses resemble Mongolian horse and nowadays they are
mainly used as riding ponies, and sometimes for light draft work.
Source: Japanese Horse Breeds (
www.lingualift.com/blog/japanese-horse-breeds/ ).
About Miyako Horses
