Heihe Horse is a rare breed that originated in Heihe city in the northwest of China.
In this article, we are going to tell you all about these horses, so if you are interested in this interesting and rare breed, keep reading.
Heihe Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Heihe Horse:
| Height (size) | 14.2 – 15.2 hands high |
| Colors | Most commonly bay, but chestnut, gray, or black are also seen |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Common Uses | As a pack horse, for farm work and riding |
Heihe Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Heihe horse is a Chinese breed that was developed in the basin of the Heilongjiang River (Amur River).
Heilongjiang is a large river basin that stretches along the border between China and the former Soviet Union.
The city of Heihe serves as the hub for the horse breeding industry in the surrounding area.
The area is hilly, ranging in elevation from 1,640 to 3,300 feet (500 – 1000 m).
The coldest it gets is about -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 C), and the hottest it gets in the summer is around 89 degrees Fahrenheit (30 C).
In this region, horses are vital for both transportation and agriculture.
The history of the Heihe horse breed is described in the Longsha summary.
According to the Longsha summary, the Heihe region was inhabited by the Soulun people (who had ties to the Manchu) before the 17th century.
The Qing administration sent a huge cavalry unit there with many Mongolian horses to reinforce defenses.
After 1910, the Russians began sending horses of an unknown breed.
The next breed of horses to be brought to the city of Heihe was the Orlov trotter, which was followed by the Anglo-Norman stallions, the Anglo-Arab stallions, and the Percherons.
Over time, the Heihe breed of horse was developed as a consequence of crossbreeding among these horses.
Between 1937 and 1939, the Keshan stud farm was established.
The North Horse Farm was established in 1955, marking the beginning of systematic selective breeding.
The new breed was recognized officially in 1963.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Gentle and compliant
Physical Characteristics
The head is medium in size with a straight profile and big eyes.
The ears are elongated.
The neck is also medium, but it is wide at the base.
The withers are high and sloping downward, and the croup is short.
The legs are strong with short cannons, and long forearms.
The hock is usually bent and not straight enough.
They are well-adapted to the cold as low as -40 F (-40 C).
They are powerful with great endurance, which makes them suitable to pull heavy loads.
They are found in two types: riding-draft and draft-riding.
Colors
Most commonly bay, but chestnut, gray, or black are also seen
Height (size)
14.2 – 15.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
As a pack horse, for farm work and riding
Health
Unless overworked, they stay strong and healthy
Popular Traits
They can withstand very cold and very warm temperatures
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
China
Ancestors
Mongolian horses, Russian horses, Orlov trotters, Anglo-Norman stallions, Anglo-Arab stallions, Percherons