Yili Horse
The Yili Horse is a breed of small Chinese horses that originated in the 1900s from the north-western Xinjiang region of China. They fall under the ‘Mongolian type’ of horses, and were developed from the Russian stocks crossed with the native Mongolian breeds. They are not merely considered as riding and draft horse, but are also valued for their milk and flesh. The Yili horse has two major strains: the Kazak indigenous breed, and the improved Yili breed.
Yili Horse Pictures
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- Yili Horse Images
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- Yili Horse Photos
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- Yili Horse Pictures
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- Yili Horse Riding
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- Yili Horse Stud
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- Yili Horse
Quick Information
| Behavioral Characteristics | Obedient, true, honest |
| Physical Traits | They have a straight profile, and compact in conformation, and have no dishing; their heads are light, while the neck is average in length, they are slightly arched in studs with a strong and short back with well-pronounced withers that blend well into the back. The loin is long, ribs well sprung, and the chest is deep; their shoulder is somewhat sloped. The tendons are well defined, and the legs are clean with some toe out; the hind legs are often cow hocked or sickle hocked |
| Coat Colors | Normally bay, chestnut, black, gray (bay being most common); body coat is fine and light, often displaying a metallic gloss |
| Height/Size | 14 hands (adult horse average) |
| Common Uses | Primarily used for riding, driving, endurance, and light draft work; also used for meat and milk production |
| Health Problems | Generally a healthy breed with no breed specific issues |
| Type | Riding horse, Work horse, Draft horse (light) |
| Popular Traits | Strong, excellent speed |
| Feeding/Diet | General horse diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Year of Development | 1900s |
Video: Yili Horse Riding
History and Development
The Yili Horses evolved for the first time in China, in the mountain basin grasslands of the Yili-Kazakh Autonomous District. Stallions began to be imported to this area by the immigrants from Russia during the 20th century with an aim to improve the standards of the local Kazakh horses.
Again, in 1936, after the decision of the local government, other breeds of equines like the Orlov Trotter, the Don, and the Anglo-Don were also brought in for further improvement of the stock. The result was not of much success since the program did not yield quality horses through the second generation.
Later, in 1963, a suitable draft riding type was achieved for breeding, which finally resulted in the creation of the Yili breed. The Yili horses have been used for riding and driving, but were also bred for their milk and meat.
In China, the Yili horses are considered as a new breed, and have been classified as a ‘developed breed’. The Yili breed that was produced had great endurance and had the ability to travel long distances, and at a good rate of speed.
Interesting Facts
- It is said that these horses takes only 1 minute and 15.4 seconds to complete a 1,000-meter race. A speed which is 4.7 seconds faster than even the famous Sanhe breed.
