The Hequ has a comfortable and established position in the history of
Physical Characteristics
The Hequ breed is classified into three distinct varieties: the Jiaoke, Suoke, and Kesheng. The gray-coated Jiaoke has strong hooves and head. The Suoke, which is commonly found in the Sichuan province, has a wide head and ears. The Kesheng, meanwhile, is commonly crossbred with other horses, especially in
Regardless of the variety, however, a Hequ body form is considered well-defined. Its elongated withers are slightly higher than the croup, which are somewhat bent downward. The Hequ also has stable hooves and a broad chest, which accentuates the height of the withers.
The facial features of the Hequ render it facially distinct and, therefore, easy to identify. The ear, nostrils, and eyes are wide, while the muzzle is quite small.
Personality and Temperament
What makes the Hequ breed so popular is its ability to serve many purposes, including riding, racing, traveling, and draft work. In fact, with rigid and focused training, the Hequ can carry as much as 240 pounds for over 600 miles.
Care
History and Background
The name "Hequ" has only been used for the breed since 1954; prior to that it was called a variety of names, including Nanfan (now a common name for a Tibetan horse breed) and Tu-fan (a breed used in war).
Lauded for its various aptitudes and ability to thrive in cold environments (essential for the rough terrian of China), the modern Hequ is a result of crossing Hequ stock with the Dawan and Datong breeds. This has immensely improved the quality of the current Hequ horse breed, both in its appearance and performance.
Today, the Hequ horse breed is among the most common in