Intro
The Ban-ei horse is a blend of Percheron, Belgian and Breton blood, specifically bred in Japan for a unique type of horse racing.
Origins
Draft racing or ban-ei keiba is a race in which a draft horse pulls a heavy sleigh over hills for a total of 200 meters. The weight of the sled is the handicap, varying based on the age and track record of each animal.
There was once four draft racetracks in Japan, Iwamizawa, Kitami, Obihiro and Asahikawa. Today the Obihiro is the only remaining track and most of the horses are bred nearby in Hokkaido. Racing has been a tradition on Hokkaido since the regain was first inhabited. Percheron and Brenton stallions are imported every year to contribute and enhance these bloodlines.
Features
14.3 – 16.1
Physique
Because of the amount of bloodline mixing there is a great deal of variation in the confirmation of the Ban-ei horses.
Traditional Colors
Most colors
Temperament
Strong and docile
Use
Racing horses
Agriculture work