If you enjoy taking care of or riding horses, you first want to know if the place has horses and where to find them before traveling. This article will help you understand the significance of horses in Vietnam and give information about horses in Vietnam.
Vietnamese horses (also known as “Hmong”) are descended from Mongolian horses. These horses may be miniature, but they are strong and very hardy with little effort to care for. This indigenous breed can survive on meager rations and constant labor, but its growth and development eventually plateau.
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Are There Horses In Vietnam?
Horses are common in Ha Giang, home to an estimated 50,000 horses. International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) investigation revealed that the horses in question were treated humanely, were adequately fed, and were in good health. However, the horses’ uniform physical type led to the conclusion that they should be recognized as a separate breed.
Due to the relative isolation of Ha Giang, the local horses appear to breed true to type and are rarely influenced by outsiders. These horses may represent the world’s most extensive collection of wild-kept domestic horses because they have never been vaccinated using modern veterinary techniques.
There is very little information available regarding the precise beginnings of these horses other than that they were likely descended from the smaller Mongolian ponies or other Asian ponies. However, as the research continues on these horses, a better understanding of where they come from and how they influence locals can be made.
Their broad brow and slight concavity in their face complement their intelligent eyes. Their manes are thick and are kept cropped, making them stand up to form a crest. Bay, sorrel, buckskin dun, pewter dun with eel-stripe, light palomino, paint, and gray are among the many colors and patterns available. Their temperament is good-natured and malleable, and they are incredibly sure-footed in the mountains.
The majority of people agree that Hmong horses have a pleasant temperament. These horses are frequently used for transportation due to their strength and durability; they are also highly regarded as fine equestrian mounts.
White Horses In Khau Sao Grasslands Vietnam
The Khau Sao grassland, located in the Suoi Ma district, has a large concentration of horses in Vietnam. Over 1,700 equines live in the village, 700 being purebred Vietnamese whites.
The Tay and the Nung are two minority ethnic groups that rely on livestock production. The village is located in an area with ideal conditions for horse breeding, including a mountain range reaching nearly 1,000 meters in elevation, an extensive grazing area, a reliable water supply, and mild winters and summers. As a result, the growth rate of white horse populations is approximately 25% annually.
During the lunar calendar months beginning in October and ending in March, herds of horses can be seen grazing and wearing rings to distinguish themselves from one another.
A purebred horse typically weighs between 1540 – 2200 pounds (700 – 1000 kilograms). Locals breed white horses to make bone glue, one of their primary sources of income. According to Tran Van Quan, an employee at the Chi Lang District’s Department of Animal Health, each household in the commune raises between two and fifteen white horses.
One way the government ensures that all horses produced are of acceptable quality is to limit the overall horse population. As a result, farmers routinely allow their horses to graze in open fields, and the animals rarely become ill.
Nong Quang Dam, Chairman of the Huu Kien Commune People’s Committee, stated that the herd’s roots date back to 1965 when there were only a handful of horses, and there are now as many as 700. White horses are easy to care for, and the money generated by breeding them can provide a consistent source of income for rural areas.
Is There Horseback Riding In Vietnam?
Horseback riding is great fun for people of all ages, so we have put together a short list of places you can visit for horseback riding. Of course, tourists can see many more places for horseback riding, but talking about each of them can be challenging.
The Vietgangz Horse Club
The Vietgangz Horse Club, located at 58 Tam Da in Thu Duc City’s Long Truong Ward, offers horseback riding classes and equestrian education to people of all ages every weekend. Visitors who wish to participate in a 45-minute lesson at the Vietgangz Horse Club must make an advance reservation.
The club is busiest between 6 AM and 10 AM and 3 PM and 6 PM. According to Pham Hong Thuy Trinh, manager of the Vietgangz Horse Club, they teach riders of all ages.
Trinh recommended that visitors spend some time getting to know the horses before petting them because “horses can feel human love.” After that, the guests can have a good time interacting with the horses as the children are taught to control the horse, steer, mount, and hold the reins.
Those who want to become elite athletes can benefit from the club’s training programs. The beginner level costs VND6.9 million ($298), while the expert level costs VND12.9 million ($556).
Vabis Group Horse Riding Sports Club
The Vabis Group launched the Horse Riding Sports Club on February 28th, 2021. Twenty thoroughbred horses were imported from Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Australia and raised in the Nghi Xuan district to provide services to tourists. In addition, horseback riding lessons, obstacle courses, beach rides, and boat excursions are available.
20 – 60 minutes of riding lessons and photo opportunities cost between 200,000 – 500,000 VND ($8 – $20). In addition, 20 imported Thoroughbred purebred horses from Europe will perform for club guests. Visitors can watch the shows and purchase photos as souvenirs.
What Is The Cultural Significance Of Horses In Vietnam?
In most Asian cultures, the horse represents the Yang quality of nature and the “Fire” element in the Five Elements, and it is regarded as a swift and energetic animal. Furthermore, because it is widely believed that the horse’s speed is directly proportional to that of the Sun, many cultures regard it as a symbol of the Sun.
Furthermore, Ancient people believed that the horse was an intelligent and empathetic creature capable of serving as a travel companion and true best friend for those who travel with one. As a result, the horse became a famous symbol of humanity and high ideals in their culture. The horse is symbolic of the Vietnamese values of patience and perseverance.
Furthermore, people born in the year of the horse and those who own horses are thought to be blessed with good fortune and financial success. Because the horse is a Fire sign, the Vietnamese believe that the month of the horse (July in the Lunar Calendar) is when plants in the ground stop growing and begin to wither.
Were There War Horses Used In Vietnam?
Although interactions with horses can be found in Vietnam’s history, the tactics and goals of those interactions changed with the reigning dynasties. Most of the military’s horses during the war were domestic horses from different parts of the country. These horses came from Bac Ha, Da Lat, Phu Yen, and the Southern grasslands.
These stallions are known as dwarfs due to their small stature. They are best suited to hauling and pulling loads over rough terrain, where they are most commonly used. They are also resistant to disease and injuries and easily adjust to different temperatures. Despite their lack of popularity, cavalry forces were held in equal regard as their Chinese counterparts.
