Intro
The Heihe horse comes from the boundary between China & Russia along the Heilongjiang River Basin in Heihe city. The horse is essential to the local people for both agriculture & transportation.
Origins
This breed comes from a mix of Mongolian & local Soulun stock. Mongolian animals were brought to the area on several different occasions & 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 & in 1963 The Heihe breed was officially recognized.
Today they come in two types, a lighter riding-draft & 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 & expressive
Ears are long
Neck is medium length & wide at the base
Legs are strong hind legs often with overly crooked hocks
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Willing & obedient
Use
Farm work
Transportation
Riding horse
Pack animal