Yili is a small horse from the north-western Xinjiang region
of China. They originated around 1900 from Russian breeds crossed with
Mongolian stock. Don, and Don-Thoroughbred crosses as well as Orlov Trotters
were used from 1936 on to improve the native horses. In 1963 the decision was
made to aim for a draft-type horse.
Yili horses are compact and harmonious in conformation with
a light head and straight profile. Their withers are well pronounced and their
back is short and strong, though their loin is long. Yili horses are normally
bay, chestnut, black or gray. Their legs
are clean with well-defined tendons; their front legs are correctly set and
well-muscled while their hind legs tend to be sickled and some toe out. Their
body coat is light and fine, often showing a metallic sheen. They are an average
height of 14 hands high.
They have great endurance and can travel long distances at a
good rate of speed.
About Yili Horses
