Sichuan Hequ Horse

Sichuan Hequ Horse

The Sichuan Hequ Horse is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　The Ruoergai Hequ Horse is a specialty of Ruoergai County in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The Hequ Horse, along with the Inner Mongolia Sanhe Horse and the Xinjiang Yili Horse, is hailed as one of China’s three famous horse breeds. Historically known as the “Nanfan Horse,” records indicate that this breed has a history of over 1,300 years. It mainly comes from the regions around the intersection of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces—specifically Henan Mongol Autonomous County in Qinghai, Maqu County in Gansu, and Ruoergai in Sichuan. Because its distribution area lies in the horseshoe bend of the Yellow River, it was officially named the “Hequ Horse” by the Northwest Military and Political Committee in 1954.

　　The Hequ Horse is an ancient and superior local horse breed in China. With a history of over 1,300 years, it was historically referred to as the Tuyuhun Horse. Its distribution area lies in the horseshoe bend of the Yellow River, at the intersection of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. This region is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at an altitude of around 4,000 meters, with a relatively southern latitude, special natural conditions, and lush water and grass. Due to its location along the winding Yellow River, it is called the Hequ Horse.

　　The Hequ Horse is also an ancient and superior local horse breed in China, historically often used as a tribute gift. It is the largest and finest among China’s local horse breeds. The average height is 132–139 cm, and the weight ranges from 350–450 kg. The Hequ Horse has a slightly long head, a slightly raised nasal bridge that gives it a rabbit-headed appearance, a broad and thick neck, a straight body, a deep and wide chest, and a sturdy build, giving it definite advantages as a draft horse. It can carry loads of 100–150 kg and travel up to 50 km a day. The Hequ Horse is gentle in temperament, calm in demeanor, has strong endurance, and recovers quickly from fatigue. Therefore, it is often used for work purposes, capable of pulling loads of 500 kg with a single-horse cart. It is an excellent draft horse for agricultural use.

　　The Hequ Horse has a well-proportioned body structure, long and agile ears, a deep and wide chest, a long back with a short and straight waist, and sturdy joints and tendons in the limbs. Its coat color is mainly black or blue, but also includes bay and chestnut. It has a long head, medium-length neck, well-developed chest muscles, a flat back with a short waist, a wide and flat croup, and sturdy limbs. Average body measurements for a mare (in cm): height 132.5, length 139.6, chest girth 164.7, cannon bone circumference 17.8. The coat color is mainly black or blue, but also includes bay and chestnut. The Hequ Horse has good reproductive performance, stable heredity, a gentle temperament, a calm demeanor, and strong adaptability to the high-altitude and variable climate. It can ride with ease at altitudes above 4,000 meters and cover 40–50 km a day on long rides. It is particularly well known for its ability to traverse marshy grasslands. Owing to its strong adaptability, versatility in draft, riding, and pack use, and excellent working performance, it enjoys a good reputation among cavalry forces and farmers and herders across various regions. It is well adapted to highland climates.

　　In the hearts of Tibetan herders on the Ruoergai Grassland, the horse is a sacred animal, and horse racing is also a sacred event. Herders from all parts of the grassland select the best horses and riders, and gather every spring to compete in races of 1,000, 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 meters. Across the vast grassland, under the blue sky and white clouds, the horses race between heaven and earth, while cheers and encouragement echo far and wide, creating a grand, spectacular, and poetic scene. Only by being there in person can you truly feel the sacredness of the race and the devotion of the herders...

　　Sichuan Hequ Horse

　　Ruoergai County Yak Grassland Tibetan Sheep Breeding Association

　　9683392

　　Horse (live animal)