Chinese Guoxia Pony

There are many different breeds of horse in China, most of which are ancient and descended from the Mongolian. Although many of the breeds are small in stature, they are considered to be small horses not ponies, and will often, when provided good care and food, grow considerably in height. The is one breed that is thought to be an actual pony breed and this is the little known Guoxia, found in the southwest of China. many of the breeds within China bear distinct regional differences, so although they may have descended from common ancestors, they have developed differently according to their habitat and climate. The Guoxia is no exception.

There is little information available regarding the breed's roots or heritage, except that it is likely to be extremely old and to have developed through the centuries. A bronze statue has been recovered of a Guoxia, dated approximately 2,000 years old, which is an indication of the age of the breed. Their name translated means 'under fruit tree horse' which is probably indicative of one of their early uses. Very small in height, only reaching a maximum of 11 hh and often smaller than this, they would, therefore, have been useful for working among the fruit trees, collecting fruit. The breed was largely forgotten and considered extinct until it was rediscovered in 1981 and now there is a breed association.

They make very good children's ponies and are useful in harness, in spite of their small size. Generally they have good temperaments, being quiet and willing, and are also tough and enduring. In appearance, they are not very refined, and bear some primitive horse features. They ten to have a small, but heavy head with small alert ears. The neck is short, and the back is straight and short. The shoulders are also quite straight, but the legs are well formed and strong with good hard feet. They are usually bay, roan, or gray in color.

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