Lost (& Found) in Translation

Ireland, England, Germany … for that matter Texas … the cultural identity of these places is closely tied with horses. But Japan on the other hand? Horses aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. In America, our general perceptions of the great Japanese customs and cultural practices don’t typically include equines other than Thoroughbred racing and the occasional menu special (horsemeat is a delicacy in Japan).

But Japan has a very long history with horses that dates back centuries. And through concerted preservation efforts, horses native to Japan still survive on the islands.

Gaining insight into these native equines isn’t easy, so we looked to some overseas help by contacting Teruaki Tozaki, Ph.D., Department of Molecular Genetics, The Laboratory of Racing Chemistry in Japan. Tozaki is the author of the recently published paper in Japan, “Development of Japanese Native Horses,” and a researcher who studies his country’s native equines. Tozaki is also an avid equestrian, and with his assistance we learn about why the horses of Japan are so special.

**For the full article, pick up the October 2007 issue of HORSE ILLUSTRATED.**

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