User:Horse writer

The Chinese Guoxia is a pony native to the southwest of China. Its exact origins are not known, but it is thought to have developed from mongolian horse breeds. When it originated is not known either, but a bronze statue of a Guoxia, dated at roughly two thousand years old, was found, giving some indication of how ancient this breed is. The Chinese Guoxia was nearly forgotten until 1981, and now a breed association has been formed. The name, when translated, means "under fruit tree horse", which is possible indication of an early use. Another thing that may support this hypothesis is their height, which rarely exceeds eleven hands. A hand is four inches, measured from the withers (the top of the shoulders) to the ground. If the Guoxia was significantly taller, then they may not have been as useful in carrying packs around fruit trees. They are either bay, roan, or grey in colour.

The Guoxia is used in harness and as a children's pony. They have quiet, willing, argreeable temperaments. Generally speaking, the Guoxia is tough, enduring, and hardy. They have a somewhat coarse appearance and bear a resemblence to a Prezwalski's horse. They have heads that somewhat resemble those of draft horses, except that a Guoxia's head is smaller in proportion. Their backs are straight and short, their small ears give an appearance of alertness, and their necks are short. The shoulders are straight, the legs are well made and strong, and the hooves are strong and hard.