[2]: 340  It is noted for its adaptation to the extreme cold climate of Yakutia, including the ability to locate and graze on vegetation that is under deep snow cover,[3] and to survive without shelter in temperatures that reach −70 °C (−94 °F).

[4] The breed averages 140 centimetres (13.3 hands) in stallions and 136 cm (13.2 h) in mares,[5][2]: 340  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,[4] their coat ranging from 8 to 15 centimeters.

[7] 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.

Genetically they show indications of convergent evolution with other inhabitants of the Far North like mammoths regarding their adaptation to the extreme cold.

[4] The Yakutian horse is used primarily for its meat, which is considered a delicacy by locals due to a plentiful fat layer.