Yakutian horse

The breed averages in stallions and in mares, There are several subtypes of the Yakutian horse. The Northern type is the purest bred Yakut, and is sometimes called the Middle Kolyma or Verkhoyansk horse. It is usually bay, gray or light dun in color, with primitive markings including a dark dorsal stripe and zebra-pattern stripes on the legs. Stallions measure at withers on average, mares are . This variety is considered to be the most valuable. The second variety is the Smaller Southern type, which is also considered a pure but less valuable breed. Average height is in stallions and in mares. The third variety is the Larger Southern type, which is the result of cross-breeding with other breeds, and is widespread in central Yakutia. This type measures in stallions and in mares. == 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, metabolic and physiologic adaptations to this harsh environment. • 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). • Their winter coat is extremely dense and reaches a hair length of . • 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. • They show an increased production of antifreezing compounds. • 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 responses, vasodilation, and blood coagulation. Genetically they show indications of convergent evolution with other inhabitants of the Far North like mammoths regarding their adaptation to the extreme cold. == Uses ==

The Yakut is reared primarily for its meat, which is considered a delicacy by locals due to a plentiful fat layer. The milk is also used, mostly for making kumis. Despite its small stature, the Yakut is valued for its riding capabilities. == See also ==