Guoxia Pony
Intro
The Gouxia Pony comes from the Debao, Jingxi & Tianyan counties of southwest China and it is an ancient breed that probably comes from the Mongolian horse. It’s name translated means Under fruit tree horse. The name & small stature comes from their initial use of holding baskets under fruit trees for harvest.
Origins
Later during the Han dynasty these ponies were playthings for concubines & wives, and it was mentioned as a plaything during the Dong dynasty as well. This record from the Song dynasty is thought to be the oldest reference to amusement in the royal courtyard.
After the need for horses was squeezed out of modern agriculture Gouxia numbers began to dwindle, in fact they had been thought extinct. Until 1981 when a herd of about 1,000 ponies under 10 hands was discovered in a remote mountainous area. These animals are distinct in Chinese breeds in that their mane, tail & leg hair grows thick & heavy.
Upon finding this herd a breed registry was immediately formed and 390 animals were registered right away. Today the breed is rare, but it’s numbers are solid, although their small size remains a constant even with improved feeding & conditions. There is speculation that these are in fact, miniature horses and related to the Baise breed of the same area.
If this theory is true, it is an incredibly rare find as the only other naturally occurring miniature horses on the planet are the Caspian. Other mini breeds have been created by mankind through selective breeding.
Features
Average height 9 – 10 hands
Physique
Head is short & can be heavy with a straight profile
Neck is short, thick & level
Back is also level (with neck)
Legs are straight with good joints
Feet are strong
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Quiet & willing
Tough & enduring
Use
Children’s mount
Harness