Diversity

About Yili HorsesAbout Yili Horses





Yili is a small horse from the north-western Xinjiang region of China. They originated around 1900 from Russian breeds crossed with Mongolian stock. Don, and Don-Thoroughbred crosses as well as Orlov Trotters were used from 1936 on to improve the native horses. In 1963 the decision was made to aim for a draft-type horse.  

Yili horses are compact and harmonious in conformation with a light head and straight profile. Their withers are well pronounced and their back is short and strong, though their loin is long. Yili horses are normally bay, chestnut, black or gray. Their legs are clean with well-defined tendons; their front legs are correctly set and well-muscled while their hind legs tend to be sickled and some toe out. Their body coat is light and fine, often showing a metallic sheen. They are an average height of 14 hands high.  

They have great endurance and can travel long distances at a good rate of speed.