Home / Japanese Horses / Noma Pony

By Smith Northam

Last updated: 9th September 2016

Noma Pony

By

Smith Northam
Last updated: 9th September 2016

The Noma Pony is an extremely rare domestic pony that was developed in Japan. It is also the smallest pony native to the Japanese Islands, with a significantly low population count. Proper initiatives have long been taken to preserve the breed.

Noma Pony Pictures

Quick Information

Type Draft Pony, Riding Pony, Working Pony
Colors Bay, Chestnut, Brown
Height/Size 10.1-10.3 hands (including studs, stallions and mares)
Common Uses General riding, working
Country of Origin Japan
Time of Development 17th Century

History and Development

It was back in the 17th century that the Noma Pony originated from the Mongolian horses in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture in Japan. Their main work was to act as pack animals of the local people, walking through the steep terrains of the islands around. These ponies were never mixed with other bloodlines by the people of the Noma county, so as to preserve their purity. Once their population declined to pathetically that it came down to as low as six.

In 1978, a society dedicatedly for this breed – ‘The Noma Pony Preservation Society’ – was founded for their preservation and promotion. However, in spite of such initiatives, the population of these animals is still very low.

Interesting Facts

  • Noma Pony is one of the 8 recognized equine breeds in Japan.
  • In December 1988, there were only 27 heads remaining, which, in 2008, rose up to 84.
  • The name Noma Pony comes from the Noma County in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan.

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