Ili Heavenly Horse

Ili Heavenly Horse

　　In ancient China, the so-called Heavenly Horse, Westernmost Horse, and Rouge Horse—all famous steeds—originated from the Western Regions. The "Rouge Horse" refers to the Yanqi Horse, and the "Heavenly Horse" and "Westernmost Horse" refer to the Wusun Horses. Emperor Wu of Han once wrote the "Song of the Westernmost Heavenly Horse," stating: "The Heavenly Horse comes from the Westernmost, traversing ten thousand li to reach the virtuous realm..." This story has been passed down through the ages as a cherished legend.

　　　　Today’s Ili Horse is the descendant of the ancient "Heavenly Horse," the Wusun Horse. More than two thousand years have passed, and now the Heavenly Horse once again displays its new splendor on the Ili grasslands. A Xinjiang folk song sings: "If you ride a horse, ride an Ili Horse." The Ili Horse is elegant and agile in appearance, with large, bright eyes, a high-held head and neck, small yet sensitive ears, and strong, powerful limbs. It moves with steady steps and is covered in glossy, chestnut-colored fine fur. Riding such a majestic horse makes one feel truly proud. Not only does the Ili Horse possess an appealing appearance, but it also excels in speed and endurance. It has been measured that the Ili Horse can run 1,000 meters in just 1 minute, 15 seconds, and 4 tenths. The Ili Horse is also excellent for both milk production and meat. Adult mares, aside from nursing their foals, can produce 6–7 kilograms of milk per day. The horse meat is delicious and can also be processed into smoked horse sausage.