The Yonaguni is a pure native horse that is bred locally on Yonaguni Island in southwestern Japan. This rare horse is very small in stature with a large head, small ears and very strong limbs. It has a long back, high tail, straight shoulders and a short neck. Its hooves are very hard and long and the legs are often splayed. The most common color for this breed is chestnut.

The Yonaguni is a tame and good natured horse. Because of its gentle nature, it is often used in animal therapy and has been included in programs for people who are autistic. This method of therapy has proved very successful. They were formerly used in farming and transporting agricultural items. However, they are very seldom used as a labor horse thanks to the implementation of new farming technology and the rarity of the breed. They're protected and therefore carefully managed.

In 1975, there were less than sixty Yonaguni Horses left. But the Yonaguni Uma Preservation Meeting formed with the goal of encouraging the breeding and survival of these animals. They managed to increase the numbers, but there are still only 120 stable horses left and less than 200 of this breed in existence.

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Yonaguni - Horses for Sale