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There are many different breeds of horse in China, most of
which are ancient and probably descended from the Mongolian horse. Although
many of the breeds are small in stature, they are often considered to be
small horses, not ponies. They will quite often, when provided with good
care and food, grow considerably in height. There is one breed that is
though to be an actual pony breed and this is the little known Guoxia, found
in the southwest parts of China. Many of the breeds in China bear
distinct regional differences, so although they may have descended from
common ancestors, they have developed differently according to their
habitats and environments. In this the Chinese Guoxia is no exception.
Unfortunately
there is little information available regarding the breed's roots or
heritage, beyond the fact 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. This is quite an indication of
the breed's age. 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 quite often smaller than this,
the Guoxia 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 a breed association was
established.
The Chinese Guoxia makes a very good children's
pony and are also useful in harness, despite their small stature. Generally
they are known to have good temperaments, being quiet and willing, and also
tough and enduring. In appearance they are not very refined, and tend to
bear some primitive horse features. They usually have a small but heavy head
with small alert ears. The neck is short, and the back often short and
straight. Their shoulders are also quite straight, but the legs are well
formed and strong with good, hard feet. The Chinese Guoxia is usually bay,
roan, or gray in color.
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