Chakouyi Horses

Chakouyi Horses

　　Chakouyi Horses

　　There is a local saying in Shuideng: “The horses from Zhenwu, Sancha, and other areas are naturally born to gallop.” This refers to the region encompassing Zhenqiang Post (now known as Jinqiang Post, now part of Tianzhu County), Wusheng Post, Chakouyi (now part of Tianzhu County), Sancha Village in Pingcheng Township, and Machangcha — where the horses bred here can canter swiftly once they reach maturity. According to the Records of the Grand Historian (Han Shu), during the Han Dynasty, this area was already famed for being “abundant in livestock, richer than anywhere else under heaven.” The breeding and development of the Chakouyi horses are inseparable from the lush grasslands and superior grazing conditions found in the high mountain pastures around Pingcheng and Songshan.

　　The Chakouyi Horse is a breed developed through the crossbreeding of local Yongdeng horses and Qinghai horses. It has a straight and well-proportioned head, a broad forehead, bright eyes, pointed upright ears, large nostrils, a deep and wide chest, a long back with a short yet powerful loin, hard hooves, and is both hardy and adaptable. It is especially renowned for its rapid lateral gait (amble) and smooth, comfortable ride. The breeding of this horse is also closely linked to the historical need for swift mounted couriers along the mountain routes of the Wushaoling Pass area, where riders were selected over generations for their speed and endurance.

　　For over a hundred years, during the sixth lunar month each year, Tibetan and Han communities in the region have gathered on the grasslands atop their well-trained steeds to hold horse racing festivals. These events serve not only as competitive arenas for fine horses but also as bustling marketplaces for trading horses and livestock. Today, Yongdeng County is home to approximately 15,000 horses, the vast majority of which are Chakouyi Horses. These fine steeds have made significant contributions to the development of agriculture and transportation in Yongdeng.