Domestic Horse

Equus caballus (domestic)

Livestock: Hokkaido Japanese cattle

There are eight native horse breeds in Japan that are rooted in each region.
The Hokkaido Japanese horse (commonly known as Dosanko) is one such breed. Used to transport luggage and people on its back, it has made a long-standing contribution to the development of Hokkaido since the Meiji era. It is used as a riding horse in a variety of situations, including horse trekking, the traditional martial art of Yabusame, and horse riding for the disabled.

Native horses that are good at transporting goods

Hokkaido Washu horses have been used primarily as horses for carrying people and goods on their backs. They are not too tall, and their build makes it easy to carry people and goods on their backs.

Walking

They walk in a side-by-side gait, with their front and back legs moving in the same direction at the same time. This way of walking prevents their backs from swaying up and down, which prevents damage to or the collapse of loads carried on their backs. For this reason, side-by-side gait Domestic Horse have long been valued for carrying heavy loads.

Survival crisis

The Hokkaido Washu breed is facing a crisis of survival due to declining populations and a decline in genetic diversity. Environmental changes, such as a decrease in grazing land, are also an issue. What we can do is deepen our understanding of native horses, support conservation efforts, and spread awareness of their value. Knowledge itself will help us connect to the future.

Breeding techniques at Tama Zoo

At Tama Zoo, we use a method called "Kawakawa training" to raise and manage our domestic horses. By imitating the behavior of Domestic Horse in the herd toward other Domestic Horse, animal keeper gain the trust and become recognized as respected members of the herd.