Noma Horse
The Noma horse is a very small native Japanese horse associated with the Noma area of Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku. It was historically used as a pack and farm animal, valued for compact size, sure footing, and ability to work in local terrain. Like several Japanese native horses, it became rare as mechanization reduced the need for small working horses.
Current Noma horse management is largely conservation-focused. The small body size makes the breed appealing to visitors and children, but it still needs ordinary equine care, safe handling, hoof trimming, and controlled feeding. Breeding programs should protect genetic diversity, avoid excessive inbreeding, and keep the practical native type recognizable rather than selecting only for cuteness or novelty.
