The Yakutian (, Sakha ata) or Yakut is a native horse breed from the Sakha Republic (or Yakutia) region. It is large compared to the otherwise similar Mongolian horse and Przewalski's horse. It is noted for its adaptation to the extreme cold climate of Sakha Republic, including the ability to locate and graze on vegetation that is under deep snow cover,
The horses appear to have evolved from domesticated horses brought with the Yakuts when they migrated to the area beginning in the 13th century, and are not descended from wild horses known to inhabit the area in Neolithic times.
Varieties and characteristics
The breed averages in stallions and in mares,
and shares certain outward characteristics with other northern breeds like the
Shetland pony,
Fjord horse and
Icelandic horse, including sturdy stature, thick mane and heavy hair coat,
their coat ranging from 8 to 15 centimeters.
There are several subtypes of the Yakutian horse.
Adaptation to the Siberian environment
In Siberia, annual temperatures fluctuate between + and winter may last for 8 months.
Yakutian horses are kept unstabled year-round, and in the roughly 800 years that they have been present in Siberia, they have evolved a range of remarkable morphologic,
Metabolism and
Physiology adaptations to this harsh environment.
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While smaller than modern highly derived horse breeds, they are larger than other primitive horse breeds (Bergmann's rule); at the same time they have a compact build with a stouter trunk and legs that are relatively short in proportion to the horse's size (Allen's rule).
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Their winter coat is extremely dense
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Their metabolism adjusts to seasonal needs. In fall they accumulate large fat reserves, in winter the metabolic rate is lowered, and in spring they show an increased carbohydrate metabolism, making use of the freshly sprouting grass.
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They show an increased production of Cryoprotectant.
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They may further avoid frostbite by reducing the volume of circulating blood during times of extreme cold, as indicated by an increased responsiveness of their genetic networks involved in Oxidative stress, vasodilation, and blood coagulation.
Genetically they show indications of convergent evolution with other inhabitants of the Far North like
regarding their adaptation to the extreme cold.
Uses
The Yakutian horse is used primarily for its meat, which is considered a delicacy by locals due to a plentiful fat layer. Their milk is also used, mostly for making
Kumis. Despite their small stature, the Yakut is valued for its riding capabilities.
See also
External links
