Datong horses are are native
to the Datong River basin in the northern Qinghai Province of China; where
their history dates back 4000 years. They are considered to be related the
fabled Longma or Dragon horse.
References to the Dragon
Horse appeared first under the reign of King Mu and have been immortalized in
ancient Chinese art. They were said to have 2 small, bony projections on their
forehead that resembled horns. The Datong horse can be born with theses same
bony projections (calcium-like deposits on the temple to small horns
behind or near the ear). Today this is
considered a flaw and horses born with them are not bred.
Datong Horses have a gentle temperament and excellent
endurance, especially at high altitudes. They are fast in their gaits (trot and
pace). They are well muscled with a long body, a heavy head, large nostrils,
medium size ears, wide jaw, long limbs, a thin short neck, deep chest, and well
sprung ribs. They have strong joints and hooves, tend to be sickle hocked, and
have a thick mane and tail.
They are found in bay, black, chestnut, and sometimes grey.
Appaloosa coloring is rarely found; some of them have white markings. They
stand 12.2 - 13.3 hh at the withers.
About Datong Horses
