Intro
The Heihe or Xinihe (we think) horse comes from the boundary between China and Russia along the Heilongjiang River Basin in Heihe city. The horse is essential to the local people for both agriculture and transportation.
Origins
This breed comes from a mix of Mongolian and local Soulun stock. Mongolian animals were brought to the area on several different occasions and after 1930 larger Russian animals were introduced to the breed. In the late 1930’s a stud farm was organized, utilizing a Russian strain of the Mongolian horse along with Anglo-Norman animals.
The farm practiced strict cross breeding practices until 1955 when the North Horse Farm was established and in 1963 The Heihe breed was officially recognized. Today they come in two types, a lighter riding-draft and a more robust draft-riding. They are both powerful animals known for their supreme endurance.
Features
Average height 14.2 – 15.2 hands
Physique
Head is medium in size with a straight profile
Eyes are large and expressive
Ears are long
Neck is medium length and wide at the base
Legs are strong hind legs often with overly crooked hocks
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Willing and obedient
Use
Farm work
Transportation
Riding horse
Pack animal