Hequ

Origin: Qinghai Province of China.

Color: Black, brown or gray.

Avg Height: Varies (see Build)

Avg Weight: Varies (see Build)

Build: There are three varieties of Hequ horses. The Jiaode type is found mainly in the southern parts of Gansu province. Rough in constitution with a large, course head. Hooves are not very strong. Found mainly to be gray and stands about 13.3 hands. The Suoke type is located in western Sichuan province. Relatively large head and ears, and a short loin. Carries its tail very high in an echo of its predecessor, the ancient T'ang horse. The Kesheng is found in the Kesheng Mongolian Autonomous Region in the province of Qinghai. Breeding of the Kesheng is often crossed with Mongolian horses.

Temperament: Gentle and docile.

Main use: Pack and draft animal as well as for riding and racing.

Special abilities: Mares sometimes produce twelve to thirteen foals during their lifetime. This breed is known for its high conception rate.

History: Hequ means "river zig." The Hequ horses originated in the border areas of the Qinghai, Sichuan and Gansu provinces where the Yellow River makes a large "zig." Prior to 1954 the breed was known as Nanfan. The name Nanfan is often misapplied to the Tibetan horse. During the T'ang dynasty, the Hequ horse was a favorite spoil of war, and also during this dynasty (618-917), the emperor established a large horse facility to develop the cavalry. He imported large numbers of horses from western Asian countries to use on the local Tibetan stock. Chief among the breeds influencing the Hequ were horses imported from Dawan, which was the ancient Chinese name for the kingdom that included Fergana, which is the home of the Akhal-Teke breed. During the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), Mongols of the Xianbei tribe invaded the area, which resulted in Mongolian stock being mixed with the Hequ.