The Israeli, formally known as the Israeli Local Horse, is a light horse type developed in Israel during the twentieth century from a mixture of imported breeds including Thoroughbred, Arabian, Anglo-Arab, and various local Oriental strains. Because Israel has no indigenous wild horse population, the breed is entirely the product of selective breeding by Israeli breeders who introduced stock from Europe and the Arab world.
Israeli horses typically stand 14.2 to 16 hands (148–163 cm) and come in a range of solid the range of solid coat colours accepted by the studbook. The type is bred for versatility: most are used in recreational riding, equestrian clubs, and competitive show disciplines. The breed is managed by the Israeli Horse Breeders Association, which maintains a studbook and organises national competitions. No separate stallion registry is maintained; the focus is on producing serviceable, sound riding horses rather than preserving a narrow bloodline. Conformation priorities include correct hooves, solid hocks, and a willing the willing gait suited to varied terrain suited to the varied Israeli terrain.