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Japanese native horses

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All Japanese horse breeds have a number of common features, and in particular, they all belong to ponies, since their height does not exceed 147 cm. Their heads are relatively large, and they carry their necks horizontally. The manes of Japanese horse breeds are thick, thick and flowing. The most common body colors in Japanese horses are bay and roan. On the head and legs, as a rule, there are no white marks, but a black stripe is often present on the back.

All Japanese breeds are famous for their tenacity, as well as the ability to survive in the most extreme and adverse conditions.

Special studies have established that horses did not live on the Japanese islands during the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. They came to the Japanese islands from Asia in different ways and at different times. It is authentically known that domestic horses lived in Japan already in the 6th century, and maybe even in the 4th century.

Japanese native horses were widely used for military purposes until the invention of firearms in the late 16th century. Therefore, in those years, the ability to handle a horse was one of the most important qualities that was valued in the warriors who founded the samurai class. Since that time, horses have played an important role in Japanese culture and in Japanese religion, and therefore, even in our time, white horses are kept in the places where the shrines of the Japanese people are located.

An interesting fact is that horses were not used in Japanese agriculture. And in the fields instead of them, cattle were widely used. He was also harnessed to carriages and wagons. And horses served as pack animals and were used to carry goods in hard-to-reach mountainous areas. Horses were only ridden by people belonging to the upper class.

Over time, various breeds of horses began to develop in the Japanese islands, which were well adapted to local environmental conditions. But in general, all these horses were relatively small in size. Therefore, many rulers and leaders have attempted through selection and selection to increase their size by crossing them with imported foreign horses.

Records that date back to the Edo period testify to the important role in this process of Dutch horses, which were donated to the imperial court. And since these horses are referred to as "Persian", they could be horses of the Arabian or Turkmen breed. Thus, several "improved" breeds, such as the Nambu, Migaru and Tosa breeds, have become especially popular in Japan. And as a result of systematic crossing, based on native Japanese breeds, in 1932 led to the appearance of the Kushiro breed, which today has almost completely disappeared.

During the Mei era from Europe and North America large thoroughbred horses were imported in order to increase the size of the Japanese horse and in order to make it more suitable for military purposes. In addition, the Japanese government has introduced special training courses throughout the country to increase the use of horses in agriculture. This was aimed at encouraging Japanese farmers to breed large horses with a possible subsequent supply for the needs of the army.

Over the years, foreign breeders have exported various horse breeds to Japan: the English Thoroughbred, the Anglo-Arab, the Hakne, and several draft breeds such as the Belgian and Breton draft horses. As a result of crossing representatives of local breeds with large European horses, such Japanese breeds as kandachi, yururi, hokkaido appeared. As a result of numerous crosses with imported breeds, most of the native Japanese breeds have practically disappeared, with the exception of the remote islands of the country.

To date, there are eight officially recognized breeds of horses in Japan, each of which belongs to a specific region and differs from each other both in color and size and other characteristics. However, Japanese horse breeds have a number of general characteristics and all of them are famous for their tenacity and ability to survive in extreme conditions.

Guests from the mainland

Indeed, the horse has never been a native inhabitant of Japan - animals came to the islands from Asia around the end of the 3rd-6th centuries AD. Interestingly, unlike Europe, horses were not used in agriculture in medieval Japan. Bulls worked in the fields, they were harnessed to wagons, and goods were transported on horseback in mountainous areas. Only people belonging to the upper class could ride on horseback: the art of riding was especially valued, and only samurai could afford to have a horse and were part of the feudal cavalry.

Wanted the best...

The first horses in Japan were undersized, shaggy and had a rather vicious disposition, but they knew how to move well around the area and were well adapted to the surrounding conditions. Over time, various breeds began to develop on the islands, but they all remained short, and therefore attempts were made to increase their size by crossing them with foreign horses. So, horses from Europe and North America were brought to Japan - English thoroughbreds, Anglo-Arabs, Belgian and Breton draft breeds. The Japanese government even introduced special courses throughout the country to encourage the use of horses in agriculture and to encourage Japanese farmers to breed large horses and then supply them to the army. As a result of such large-scale activity, most of the native Japanese breeds have practically disappeared - and today there are eight officially recognized native breeds of horses in Japan.

Aboriginal breeds are the Misaki, Tokara, Miyako, Hokkaido, Noma, Kiso, Taishu and Yonaguni horses. All Japanese breeds are small in stature, have a large head, thick thick manes. They are famous for their tenacity and ability to survive in extreme conditions.

The most skillful

The Japanese learned not only to skillfully stay in the saddle, but also to shoot accurately from a bow at full gallop. The technique of archery from a horse was known under various names, but in the end, “yabusame” stuck to it (we talked about it in detail in No. 9-10 (111) / 2011). Previously, such shooting was part of a number of mandatory samurai competitions, but even now this art has not been lost and continues to exist - however, as an entertaining spectacle. Another similar competition in agility, accuracy and the art of controlling a horse was inu-o-mono - chasing a dog on horseback. A small dog was released into the fenced area, and the rider had to gallop into it with a training arrow with a wooden tip.

Pursuit

Warriors never stopped practicing horseback riding, which is why the samurai cavalry was a powerful force. The riders trained not only in the usual conditions, but also during the traditional trapping of wild horses, which was held in the middle of the fifth month every year on the day of the monkey. Such a kind of hunting was organized in the Middle Ages on the Kanto plain and made it possible to replenish the stables with new animals and identify the best rider. The pursuit of "new cadres" was carried out in fully equipped- in helmets, armor and with battle banners. Later, this custom also turned into a holiday and became known as "Namaon" - field maneuvers of the cavalry.

One unit

Horse and rider often formed one whole: a perfectly trained horse literally felt the thoughts of its owner and participated in the battle on a par with him. To this end, horses were taught to shine, kick with their hind legs, and even bite. In addition, much attention was paid to teaching the horse to overcome water obstacles, which in

There are a lot of Japan. Crossing rivers and lakes was taught in special ponds, which were located in the castles of feudal lords. The “approach” to the horse in Japan is also interesting: the horse was mounted not on the left, but on the right, the reins were held with both hands, but in battle they were hooked to the rings on the chest plate of the armor and the horse was controlled exclusively by leg and body.

You can't forbid living beautifully

Ammunition among the samurai was also special: horse equipment was borrowed from the Chinese. Initially, it included a bridle and a saddle, and then horse armor was added there. The samurai did not use spurs, but spurred the horses with a whip, the role of which was played by a flexible rod. The ammunition was not only functional, but also beautiful: the bridles were made of silk or cotton cord and decorated with tassels, the saddle - with long ribbons and bells. Even the generally accepted opinion was that it was bad form to save on decorating yourself and your horse.

living shrine

The most famous - the Sacred Stable in Japan is located in the Temple of the Eastern Lights, or Nikko Tosegu Shrine, dedicated to the shogun and commander Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa dynasty. Guests of the complex are greeted by the largest gate of the Nio-mon complex, or "Gate of the Devas", behind which is the first temple courtyard and the stall of the sacred horse, or the Sacred Stable. Shinto temples have always kept a horse or several horses, which, according to legend, the deity rode. Real horses still live in the temple, despite the abundance of tourists. They are in the stable outdoors every day from ten in the morning until two in the afternoon, except on rainy or snowy days. The color of the sacred horses must certainly be gray, and today two gray horses continue this tradition. In addition, these horses take part in the annual processions to the temple called the "Procession of a Thousand Warriors", which are held during the holidays of Spring (May 17-18) and Autumn (October 17).

national hero

Japan cannot boast of outstanding achievements in the field of equestrian sports, but the country has its own heroes. Yes, the only Olympic champion was and is the Japanese baron Takeichi Nishi. Takeichi graduated from Japan's Higher Military Academy and was assigned to the First Cavalry Regiment. Back in 1930, with his own money, he bought a horse in Italy named Uranus, on which he began to actively train and perform. Nishi performed so well that in 1932 he went to the Los Angeles Olympics, where he won gold medal in the individual show jumping competition. After the Olympics, Nishi was transferred to the 16th Cavalry Regiment and promoted to cavalry instructor at the regimental school. Takeichi continued to combine military service with sports, and in 1936 he again went to the Olympics in Berlin. However, this time the athlete was not lucky: Nishi fell off his horse during the competition - and the German show jumper became the first. Nevertheless, many did not consider this an accident: the incident was regarded as a kind of concession on the part of Japan, which began a political rapprochement with Germany. After the Olympics, Nishi was transferred to the supply department, where he was engaged in the selection of horses for cavalry units.

It's never too late

The current Japanese athlete is Hiroshi Hoketsu. The rider is considered the champion Olympic Games for the period between the first and last participation athlete in the Olympics, which amounted to as much as 48 years! Hoketsu took part in the 1964, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. The last time the rider entered the battlefield at the Games in London at the age of 71 and has no plans to end his career yet.

On the this moment Hoketsu is the oldest participant in the Olympic Games from Japan. The Japanese made his Olympic debut in his native city of Tokyo at the age of 23, where he finished 40th in the individual jumping competition and 12th in the team competition with the national team. Hoketsu was also supposed to compete in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, but his horse was not quarantined. Then he returned to the Games only 44 years later: this time he decided to try his hand at dressage and performed more successfully. In the individual standings, Hoketsu shared 34th place with 50-year-old debutant from Australia Heath Ryan on the Hanoverian Whisper, and took ninth place in the team standings as part of the Japanese team, where 58-year-old Mieko Yagi and 35-year-old Yoko competed with him China, for whom this Olympics was the first in their careers.

East is a delicate matter

What is it, Japan? Distant, unusual and original, and the horses in the Land of the Rising Sun are not like their Western counterparts. They bravely fought under the saddle of samurai and for many years helped and continue to help preserve the national traditions that such a mysterious and beautiful East has always been famous for.

How did the word "horse" appear in Russian?

Indeed, the etymology of the word familiar to us is quite interesting.
The word "horse" is borrowed from the Turkic languages: "alasha", which means "horse, gelding". However, here there are two versions of the origin of the word!

The first version is a transformation into "losha" (in Ukrainian - "foal") with the addition of the suffix -ad. ("losha" + -ad) Similar to how the words "junk", "motley", "moist" originated.

The second version is a transformation using "losha" and "at" ("at" in one of the meanings - a horse)

But the word "horse" is common Slavic, but does not have a reliable etymology. One of the hypotheses is the borrowing of the form kanko/konko from the Celtic languages. If this is true, then "horse" is an older form than "horse".

Horse in English.

Those who had (or have) lessons in schools in English, are well aware that in the UK, horses are affectionately called "horse". England has long considered horses almost the pride of their country, and later the Derby became a national treasure - equestrian competitions that are in demand today. The Encyclopædia Britannica, which dates back to 1771, suggests a huge article with detailed description care and maintenance of horses. In the middle of the 18th century started with high speed growth of horse breeding in the country. The English riding horse is still considered the most valuable thoroughbred horse, originating from England.

Italian horse.

The Italian people call horses the refined sounding word "cavallo". Currently, 1 million horses of various breeds live in this beautiful country. The Italian popular horse breeder Federico Tesio introduced completely unique breeding and preparation of horses for racing. According to experts, modern thoroughbred horses are 75% Italian blood. Among the breeds known all over the world, the pride of Italy was the murgese, cargo ferrari, salerno, pony Avelines and others.

German horse.

The people of Germany have several designations for the Russian term "horse" at once: for the middle gender Pferd and Ross, and in the masculine gender - Gaul. Among the numerous horse breeds of this country, the most ancient breed is the Holsteiner. No less popular and in demand in Germany were horses of the Hanoverian breed, bred from the elite representatives of the Holsteiners. A close relative of these breeds was the horse of the Westphalian breed, which glorified the country in world races and dressage, triathlon and show jumping.

French horse.

The French call horses by their root term "cheval". Today, this large state boasts about 99 thousand livestock of breeding horses. Among them, there are about 40 breeds, which are divided into ponies, heavy-duty, foreign (foreign from abroad), as well as factory horses. France boasts of its national treasures, such as the Percheron, which has been used to breed other well-known breeds around the world.

Ukrainian horse.

For Ukrainians, it is customary to call horses the term "kіn". The most common horse breed in Ukraine is the Ukrainian horse. These horses are valued in the country due to the ideal conformation, excellent qualities of a racehorse, not fastidiousness and ease of care. In addition, such horses as the Hutsul breed, as well as the Novo-Aleksandrovsky heavy truck, are recognized as national breeds.

Kazakh horse.

As in Germany, the Kazakh people have different designations that they are used to, for example, “at” and “zhilky”. The national treasure of this people is the local Kazakh steppe horse, which appeared on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and continues to be within the state. Today Kazakhstan has 13 breeds of horses in the local horse breeding, most of them are the basis of the republic's successful economy. And the Kustanai, Dzhebe and Adaevskaya breeds are more popular with the people.

Spanish horse.

The Spaniards call "horses" the beautiful word "caballa". This country is known for its most popular, beautiful, graceful horse - the Andalusian, which had a great influence on the development of a whole group of Spanish-type breeds. This national treasure can be considered the "treasure of Spain and the queen of dressage", which the Spaniards are certainly proud of.

Japanese horse.

It is known that there were no horses on the Japanese islands - they came to the land of the rising sun in various ways around the 6th century (and maybe even earlier - the 4th century AD). However, the Japanese have their own special (and rather easy) designation for horses - uma (mind). Even despite the imported breeds, they have their own national treasures in the equestrian world: the horses of Misaki, Tokara, Miyako, Hokkaido, Noma, Kiso, Taishu, Yonaguni. These breeds are famous for their tenacity and ability to survive in extreme conditions.

In this article, only some of the powers, although the list can be continued indefinitely. However, no matter how horses are called abroad, the meaning does not change - the horse remains a horse, as well as our favorite animal.

Driver! lead the horse

Over there, across the field!

There is a cuckoo singing.

Matsuo Basho

The horse has never been native to Japan. She was brought from the mainland, and the appearance of frisky mares on the island was extremely highly appreciated. locals. The first mention of the use of horses in Japan refers to the sources of the Kofun era (late 3rd-6th centuries AD). It was from this time that horses brought from East Asia began to spread throughout the country. In the Middle Ages, horses were used mainly as pack animals, bulls were the main draft force in agriculture, and only representatives of high society rode a horse. "The art of being a rider" was one of the most valuable qualities of a warrior, and only noble samurai could afford the luxury of having a horse and being part of the feudal cavalry.

Japanese horses were fundamentally different from their continental counterparts, they were undersized and shaggy and had a very vicious disposition from birth.

But at the same time, they were unusually hardy, able to move quickly and quite dexterously, which was especially important in the rugged terrain of Japan. For several centuries, Japan has been developing native breeds horses adapted to local conditions. All of them were relatively small (130-150 centimeters at the withers), so many rulers, trying to improve the breed, added the blood of other horses to the blood of the natives. Since the Edo period (1607-1867), among the gifts of Dutch merchants that they presented to the shogun, some "Persian" stallions are constantly mentioned, which in reality, most likely, were Arab or Turkmen. Imports of horses increased significantly during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), when the imperial government began to actively encourage peasants to use horses for economic purposes. Special training classes and courses were organized in which farmers were inspired with the idea of ​​the need to raise larger breeds of horses, such that they would also be suitable for military needs. In order to ensure the fulfillment of this task, a large number of sires were imported from Europe and North America, among which thoroughbred riding, Arabian and Anglo-Arab stallions predominated. In addition, heavy trucks were also brought to Japan, especially Belgians and Bretons.

Yabusame art

Historians note one interesting feature. As a rule, in Japan in the Middle Ages, the horse was mounted not on the left, but on the right. While riding, the reins were usually held with both hands, but in battle, the samurai hooked the reins to the rings located on the chest plate of the armor, and controlled the horse exclusively with the legs and body. They shot from a horse in exactly the same way.

The technique of archery from a horse is known by various names. For the first time, this type of shooting is mentioned in the Nihongi (Annals of Japan, 720), which tells about uma-yumi. Later, shooting from a horse in historical sources began to be called "yabusame". Yabusame reached its peak during the Kamakura period, when horseback riding, called bajutsu, combined with archery, became an obligatory martial art for top-ranking samurai. Archery from a horse was one of the favorite sports of the samurai when they teamed up for equestrian competitions. As a rule, major tournaments were held on race circle in the temple of Tsuruga oka Hachiman, which was located in the city of Kamakura (now Kanagawa Prefecture), or on the seashore, during Shinto holidays. A Shinto priest acted as the main steward and judge of the competition. A target or armor of a warrior (during the Kamakura period) was placed vertically near the arena, and the shooter, racing on a horse in a circle, had to shoot at the target three times with an interval of ten seconds. The rider held the bow perpendicular to the line of motion, pulling it with a jerk over his head and lowering it so that the arrow was at eye level.

There was very little time to aim, the shooting was almost offhand.

Yabusame continues to exist at the present time, but already as an entertaining spectacle. Traditionally, archery competitions from a horse are held on September 15-16 in the city of Kamakura.

Along with yabusame in martial arts samurai included the so-called inu-o-mono- an exercise in chasing dogs on a horse. Inu-o-mono, just like yabusame, developed in a warrior excellent abilities to control a horse and at the same time shoot quickly and accurately from a bow while galloping. These qualities, no doubt, were an indisputable advantage for bushi in numerous horse battles. Inu-o-mono, unlike shooting at a stationary target, was aimed at hitting a moving object. A small dog was released into the arena, and the rider, supporting the movement at a gallop or a frisky trot, had to hit the dog with a training arrow with a wooden tip.

Often, archery at a fox during a hunt was called by the same name.

Until our time, only two schools of equestrian archery have survived - Takeda and Ogasawara. The founders of both are considered the famous warrior and strategist Minamoto no Yoshimitsu.

Full Warrior Armor.

Day of the Monkey and the Wild Mongolian Guys

The warriors had another opportunity to train in riding. During the traditional capture of wild horses, which every year in the middle of the fifth month, on the day of the monkey (the 12th day according to the cyclic count), was carried out with the participation of the same Shinto priests. In the Middle Ages, such peculiar hunts were organized on the Kanto plain, and it was with their help that the stables were replenished with new and fighting horses, and at the same time, hunting made it possible to identify the best rider (or group of riders) of the prince's squad. It is clear that these were training in bajutsu for warriors, and extremely difficult and intense, which included both jumps over rough terrain and overcoming obstacles. Moreover, the pursuit of wild horses was carried out in full gear: in helmets, armor, with battle banners (set). Later, this custom also turned into a Shinto holiday and was called "Namaon" - cavalry field maneuvers. The purpose of the holiday is to inspire youths and adult bushi, instill courage in them, and this idea fully justified itself: watching this dangerous and extremely spectacular spectacle, the sons of the samurai were not averse to participating in the races. The highlight of the hunt was the actual jumps themselves, various types of pursuit, as well as the struggle for the capture of the banner among the two groups of participants.

Naturally, such training, as close as possible to combat conditions, gave a good result. The samurai cavalry was a well-trained formation, able to fight in almost any conditions and skillfully use weapons.

In battle, when approaching the enemy, the samurai began to jump along a zigzag trajectory, which confuses enemy archers. In close combat, spears and swords were used.

As a rule, samurai tried to wedge themselves into separate groups of the enemy in order to split their camp. Sometimes the fight was broken into individual fights. In the 12th century, there was the so-called nanori custom, the meaning of which was as follows: before engaging in battle, a samurai had to introduce himself to another samurai. In those days, battles were more like giant tournaments than fights without rules. But already in the XIII century, this custom faded into oblivion, and massive clashes of cavalry became commonplace.

Another interesting detail is noted by historians: in the 13th century, the Japanese, who first encountered the Mongol conquerors, experienced a real shock. It turns out that the Mongols, unlike the noble samurai, did not have the habit of introducing themselves to the enemy before the battle, they simply went on the attack, trying to crush them with numbers rather than skill. For the samurai, such behavior, beyond any rules, seemed wild and did not coincide with their ethical standards and code of honor.

In full gear

An ideally trained and trained horse perfectly felt its owner and participated in the battle on a par with him - it bounced in time, reared up, bit, beat the opponent’s horse in front and behind. Horses were taught a lot of things, for example, to overcome water obstacles, of which there were a great many in Japan. The technique of forcing rivers and lakes was taught on ponds located near the castles of local feudal lords.

A set of horse equipment was called bagu and was borrowed mainly from the Chinese. It included a saddle, bridle and horse armor. The bridle was called atsubusa, it consisted of bits of kutsuwa, cheek pieces of hanagawa, kangamaita collars and kutsu-vazura, which were made of silk or cotton cord and beautifully decorated.

The bridle was decorated with tassels. In order to silently sneak up on the enemy, the bridle was wrapped with a cloth, and a special bag was put on the horse's muzzle, on top of which there was an iron cutikago muzzle.

To control the horse, another important item was needed - a flexible rod of turbidity, which became an analogue of a modern whip. Samurai did not use spurs.

The saddle was called kura and had high front and back bows, which were located at right angles to the seat. It was wooden with metal decorations and quite high: a kitsuke sweatshirt and a special name pillow were placed under it. Also, the saddle was often decorated with ribbons, at the ends of which bells rang. Saving money on jewelry was considered bad manners by the samurai. The recommendations that existed at that time directly said that samurai should not be overly fond of decoration, and in outfits they should give preference to simple linen fabrics. But in the paintings and engravings of that era, you can often see a harness so richly decorated that you can hardly guess a horse behind it - embroidered reins, saddle pads, bibs all around ...

Japanese abumi stirrups differed somewhat from their European counterparts. Initially, they had a closed toe and an elongated footboard at the back, later they were modernized - the sides of the toe were removed, after which the stirrup took on a form that existed throughout the Middle Ages until the 19th century. Usually the stirrups were made entirely and completely of iron, but there were instances that had an iron frame with wooden inserts. Some stirrups had a hole in the footboard for draining water, which got there when overcoming water barriers, as well as a rod that protected the leg from slipping sideways.

Armor for Umaeroy horses appears only in the 17th century. It should be noted that this is the time of the beginning of the reign of the shoguns from the Tokugawa dynasty, who completed the unification of Japan. The period of numerous feudal wars and civil strife is a thing of the past, so it can be easily assumed that the armor was now intended exclusively for the front exit, and not for combat operations. Many details of the armor were sewn from leather or made from papier-mâché, although iron inserts were also used. In most cases, the armor was made from small scales of leather, silver-plated and sewn onto fabric.

The set of armor consisted of a breastplate, plates that protected the neck and sides of the horse, which were often beautifully and richly decorated with carvings, pendants and ribbons.

An umadzura was worn on the horse's head - a special headpiece made in the shape of a horse, deer or dragon head and often decorated with mustaches, branched horns or other inserts to enhance the effect. The impressions of an ordinary infantryman, when a horseman rushed at him at a gallop on a bared horse with horns, is not to be envied ...

Kirill Trubitsyn, Marina Goryacheva, Department of Archeology, Faculty of History, Moscow State University

The material is posted with the permission of the copyright holder - the magazine "My horse" ("My horse").

Japanese horse racing is completely unique, like many things are unique in this country, which has chosen its own special path, including in horse breeding.

On a sunny May morning, two young people settle down in front of the entrance to the Tokyo Hippodrome - spread newspapers, arrange folding chairs and a portable fan, turn on the radio. Apparently, they are going to settle here for a long time. Successful real estate agent Hidekatsu Kawamura and his wife Maki came here to be first in line for the Japanese Race Derby. It's only Monday, which means there's a full six days left before the race, but if you want to borrow a good place at the paddock, it's better to hurry, because by Sunday morning in front of the hippodrome there will be an incredibly long tail of many hundreds of people who will be arriving throughout the week.

You can't confuse Japanese racing fans with any other in the world. Most of them are young people, much more like regulars of fashionable discos than ordinary horsemen or betting shop customers. Stylishly dressed, enthusiastic and noisy, but traditionally consistent in their passion, boys and girls are the most active members of the fan clubs of famous racehorses, such as El Condor Paz, who retired at the end of 1999. The second prize-winner of the Arc de Triomphe was given such a magnificent send-off, which is awarded to a rare football or pop star. On the day of the Japan Cup, the race program was deliberately interrupted for an hour, completely devoted to the farewell of the public to their hero. Under the deafening cheers of the crowd of 75,000, the stallion appeared on the lead circle and galloped in front of the stands, after which he became the protagonist of the solemn ceremony, which honored everyone who was directly involved in his racing career - from the owner to the assistant coach, from the permanent jockey to groom. El Condor Pasa himself received a huge carrot wreath from the organizers of the holiday and last time returned to the hippodrome stable.

Shogun Gifts

In Japan, the horse appeared much later than in mainland Asia. There is still no complete clarity on this issue, however, most researchers are inclined to the point of view according to which throughout the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic (that is, until the 2nd millennium BC) horses did not exist on the Japanese islands at all. The first documentary evidence of their use by humans dates back to the Kofun era (late 3rd - 6th centuries AD). Since that time, horses, originally imported from the continent, have spread throughout Japan. In the Middle Ages, they mainly served as pack animals - bulls were the main traction force in the country's agriculture, and riding remained the exclusive privilege of the upper classes. The art of the rider was one of the most highly valued qualities of the samurai warrior.

Over the centuries, several native breeds have been formed in Japan, or rather, offspring of horses adapted to local conditions. All of them were relatively small, and this circumstance forced many rulers to take measures to improve the existing livestock by adding blood to breeding horses. Beginning (1607 - 1867), among the gifts presented to the shogun by Dutch merchants, “Persian” stallions are constantly mentioned, which in reality, in all likelihood, were Arab or Turkmen. Imports increased significantly in (1868 - 1912), when the imperial government encouraged the widespread use of horses in the peasant economy. Special training classes were organized for farmers, the purpose of which was to inspire the population with the need to raise larger horses that would also be suitable for the needs of the army. To ensure this task, a large number of sires were imported from Europe and North America, among which Thoroughbred, Arabian and Anglo-Arab stallions predominated. In addition, representatives of some heavy-duty breeds were also imported, especially Belgian and Breton.

Extensive absorptive crossbreeding has led to the almost complete disappearance of the historically established type of Japanese horse, which has survived only in remote mountainous regions and on small islands. Inevitable in the era of technological progress, the widespread mechanization of agriculture and the rejection of horse traction completed this process.

Hokkaido - the island of horses

Currently, there are just over 3,500 horses of eight local breeds in Japan. The vast majority of the existing livestock - about 3 thousand - belongs to the breed of the island your, also called Dosanko, and the remaining seven bear the names of the provinces where they were bred ( Misaki, Tokara, Miyako, noma, Kiso, Taishu and Yonaguni) are represented by a number from twenty to one hundred with small heads, that is, they are on the verge of virtual extinction.

All these horses are small in stature (from 110 to 140 cm) and differ in some similar features of type and exterior. Most of them are characterized by large massive heads, low-set necks, thick manes and tails, as well as a strong hoofed horn. As a rule, white marks are completely absent, but a black “belt” is noticeable on the back, which is characteristic of aboriginal breeds. With the exception of representatives of the breed kiso, in the type of which traces of crossing with western heavy-duty stallions are noticeable, the local ones do not bear any resemblance to the cultivated breeds of Europe and Asia.

Most of the herd is in a semi-wild state, like American Mustangs, and only once a year is subjected to preventive veterinary procedures. A small number of horses kept on farms are used in harness and saddle (it should be noted that many dosanko- born pacers). However, their main purpose is to serve as a visual aid for Japanese schoolchildren, who have long been deprived of the opportunity to see live horse in everyday life.

Horse racing is a matter of state

Horse racing in its modern sporting sense appeared in Japan with the British, who around 1861 founded the first racing club in what is now Yokohama. In 1880, at the hippodrome of this city, the oldest traditional horse racing Japan- The Imperial Cup (Tenno Sho), then called the Mikado Vase. Since 1905, the prize was officially awarded to the winner on behalf of Emperor Meiji, and since the autumn of 1937, the existing name has been assigned to the race, transferred to. Today, the Imperial Cup is held twice a year - in April at 3200 meters at the hippodrome in and in October at 2200 meters in Tokyo (the second prize distance was shortened in order to attract three-year-olds to participate).

By the beginning of the 20th century, racetracks had already appeared in all the major cities of Japan, and in 1906 the government adopted a policy of "tacit approval of the sale of sweepstakes tickets." Deductions from the profits received from a flourishing sweepstakes ensured the investment of large sums in the development of racing, but after two years mutual betting was banned, and the state turned to a system of issuing direct subsidies to racetracks to secure prize money and pay other costs. Since that time, they begin to pay great attention to the racing business, providing him with comprehensive support. This trend has continued to this day.

In 1923, eleven racing clubs were created, which were soon subordinated to the newly formed Imperial Racing Society. Official rules for testing were developed, the procedure for registering race colors was approved, compulsory licensing of jockeys was introduced, and a program was implemented special training trainers. Since the 30s of the last century, they have taken on a completely Europeanized look. In 1932, the Japan Derby was held for the first time at the country's central hippodrome in Tokyo, which was won by Gainsborough's grandson Wakataka, and other classic races were soon established. The first “thrice-married” in Japan was in 1941 St. Light, born of Diolith, a hatcher from England. Five years before that, the law “On Horse Racing” was adopted, which legally fixed the main provisions of the testing system, and since 1954 it began its activity. Japan Racing Association (JRA), which was transferred to the management and control functions for the conduct of the races in the country.

Unsuccessful debut and rapid rise

For much of its history japanese horse racing, were cut off from the rest of racing - the only connection with the outside world was the import of producers and, to a lesser extent, mares. The first guest performer from the Land of the Rising Sun to appear on a foreign racetrack was Hakuchihara, who started seventeen times in the United States during 1958-59 and did not win any laurels, despite the fact that he was recognized in his homeland as the Horse of the Year. In the 60s, the Japanese from time to time brought their best horses to participate in the Arc de Triomphe and the Washington International Prize, but they never achieved at least relative success abroad, outright losing to European, American and, by the way, Soviet participants.

In the end, the moment came, which can now with good reason be called historical, when in Japan they came to the realization that the current situation did not suit either the management of the sport or the leading horse breeders, and the most decisive measures were required to correct it. In the late 70s, the JRA launched a large-scale program to improve the racing class of Japanese horses and achieve their competitiveness at the highest world level.

Start new era in the history of Japanese horse racing, it is customary to associate it with the establishment in 1981 of the Japan Cup - the first prize open to foreign participants. The opportunity to regularly meet with foreign rivals "on their own field" has become a strong incentive for local horse owners, trainers and jockeys. At that time, even second-class tourers by European standards were much stronger than home-grown Japanese horses - the names of Mairsie Doats, Half Ice and Stanerra, who won the first three Cup draws, say little to the modern horse racing enthusiast. Although the prize received the status of the first group, at first they went to Japan not for fame, but for money, since the organizers of the race provided a huge prize fund. But after just a little over ten years, such European stars as Lando, Singspiel and Pilsudski shone on the Tokyo hippodrome, to whom the Japanese participants were getting closer, the class of which was literally growing before our eyes. The first horse to break the hegemony of foreigners in the Cup of Japan was Katsuragi Ace in 1985, and over the following years the prize remained at home eight more times, and since 1998 the Japanese have not lost at all!

The prosperity of Japan's thoroughbred horse breeding is directly related to the general healthy state of the economy and the constant growth since 1985 of the yen against major European currencies. The development of racing has been greatly stimulated by increased prize amounts, which are currently the highest in the world, and this was made possible by a significant increase in deductions from the highly profitable sweepstakes. Since 1986, the number of imported thoroughbred horses has steadily increased - in 1990, 300 heads were imported, and after 1995, from 500 to 600 heads were received annually. In 2000, these figures decreased somewhat, which is associated not only with a slowdown in economic growth, but also with the saturation of the domestic market with the products of our own stud farms. Until recently, the entire purebred industry in Japan was based on the use of high-quality hatchers, but now, according to Teruya Yoshida, owner of the famous Shadai plant, "Even the best American horses may not be good enough for us", especially since “in order to buy a stallion, now it is enough to know only one language - Japanese”.

Descendants of Northern Dancer in Samurai Country

Over the past 20 years, many of the best Western horses have been imported to Japan, although, of course, the basis of the modern gene pool was laid much earlier.

The country's first truly outstanding producer was the 1949 Irish derby maker Hindostan (Bois Roussel - Sonibai from Solario) from the factory of the current Aga Khan's grandfather. In the 60s, he was recognized seven times as the champion of manufacturers of Japan and gave, among others, the second "thrice-crowned" Shinzan country. The next decade, and especially its end, passed under the name Tesco Boy from Prinsley Gift, who galloped well for a mile in England, where he won the Queen Ann Stakes. The best producer of the 80s, in accordance with the spirit of the times, was the son of Northern Dancer - the winner of the de la Foret prize in France, Northern Taist. This stallion, stationed at the Shadai stud station, has produced a large number of winners of the largest Japanese prizes, and currently tops the ranking of sires of factory queens.

Throughout the second half of the 80s and all of the 90s, the Japanese bought almost the lion's share of the winners of the Epsom Derby and Arc de Triomphe - that is, those races that they recognized as the most prestigious in the world. Representatives of almost all progressive modern lines are used in the stud farms of the country - the descendants of the Northern Dancer Lammtarr (Derby, Arc de Triomphe) from Nijinsky, Carnegie (Grand Prix de Saint Cloud, Arc de Triomphe) and Dream Well (French, Irish Derby) from the best producer in Europe Sadler's Wells.

Prospector's young line is also widely used: introduced in 1995 by Forty Niner, who has already established himself in the USA, his sons Twining and End Sweep, who fell this summer, American Horse of the Year - 91 Black Tai Effair from Miswaki, children of Woodman Timber Country (two-year-old champion), Hansel (Prekness Stakes, Belmont Stakes), cool sprinter Hishi Akebono and others.

Undoubtedly the best manufacturer The 90s was the Sandy Silence, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders Cap Classic. This dark bay, almost black son of Halo, from the Tern-Tu line descending from Nearco, was, according to experts, one of the twenty best American horses of the last century and created an entire era in Japanese horse breeding. At the end of his career, he was bought out by one of his co-owners Zenya Yoshida, the owner of Shadai, and from 1995 to 2001 became the champion in winning offspring, including nine champions and four derbies. Unfortunately, 16-year-old Sandy Silence fell from laminitis, leaving 13 of his young sons at the Shadai breeding station and 17 more sires in other stud farms in the country.

School of Champions

In order to properly ensure the rearing and training of young animals obtained from such a classy breeding stock, the latest training centers have been established, where horses are usually kept from weaning to two years of age. All work here is carried out by professionals who have been trained and practiced in Europe and the USA. In 1999, the construction of the largest of these centers was completed - the Bloodhorse Training Center in Urakawa, commissioned in 1993. It occupies an area of ​​about 14 sq. km, received through a government land grant, and around it there are numerous private training departments.

Such a concentration of efforts could not fail to bear fruit. Already in 1995, Fujiyama Kenzan achieved his first success outside of Japan, won the International Cup (Group 2) in Hong Kong, and three years later a European breakthrough took place. Four-year-old mare Seaking The Gold won the Maurice de Gist (Group 1) Prix in France, and her coeval Taiki Shuttle finished first in the Jacques Le Marois Prix (Group 1), considered one of the central Myler races in Europe. It is impossible not to notice that all these horses were bought as yearlings in the USA, but they were raised and trained exclusively in Japan. Moreover, many of the major successes of 2001 were already achieved by completely "home-grown" forces.

"They're attacking from all sides!" exclaimed Godolphin jockey Frankie Dettori, whose Tobugg lost to Japan's Agnes Digital in the Hong Kong Cup with over 1.5 million prize fund. On that day, the Japanese won all three races of the first group at the Sha Tin Racecourse, and the Hong Kong Vase - the second most prestigious of them - went to the seven-year-old winner of Dubai Shima Classic Stay Gold, born of Sandy Silence and "Japanese" Golden Sash, and in the "beaten field "Again, it turned out to be the" Godolphin "horse - Ekraar. Three weeks earlier, Japanese competitors had won five first places in the Japan Cup won by Jungle Pocket and all seven in its dirt track equivalent. The level of prize sums can be judged by two figures - 1 million 457 thousand British pounds went to the winner, and 86-odd thousand pounds sterling went to White Hart, who finished eighth. Not in all European races of the first group, such money can be earned even for a victory.