Horses have been the most widely used animals in wars, especially in ancient times. Horses in warfare are known as war horses or cavalry horses.
Horses are deeply intertwined with the long history of human warfare. In ancient battles in Vietnam, horses were familiar warriors. The horses used for warfare in Vietnam are known as local horses, also referred to as indigenous horses, Vietnamese horses, or Vietnam horses. These breeds, which include purebred and mixed breeds, are commonly found in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam.
Local horses are scattered across the country.
Local horses are distributed throughout the country, such as Bac Ha horses, Phu Yen horses, Da Lat horses, and Southern grass horses. They belong to a group of small-sized horses, characterized by their compact build, mainly used for carrying loads and pulling, which is suitable for the rugged terrain. They adapt well to the climate, resist disease, and endure hardship. War horses primarily served commanders and were not as common among soldiers. Vietnamese generals riding horses in the battlefield were no less formidable than their northern counterparts.
The image of brave generals galloping into battle on horseback symbolizes strength, speed, and pride. Throughout history, many martial leaders and renowned generals have been depicted valiantly on horseback charging into combat. On the battlefield, the role of horses was regarded as equal to that of humans; horses were considered war steeds, and their lives were intertwined with the fate of their riders.
The Vietnamese have always recognized the role and power of the horse in warfare. The feudal dynasties of Vietnam understood the strength and significance of horses, leading to the establishment of institutions dedicated to their care, breeding, and training, known as the Horse Institute.
Male horses are small in stature but have strong bone and muscle structures; when fully grown, they weigh between 150-170 kg. Male horses are slightly larger than females. Vietnamese horses are predominantly bred in provinces such as Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, and in smaller numbers in Quang Ninh, Vinh Phu, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Bac Giang…
Vietnamese horse breeds are usually local purebreds.
Most Vietnamese horse breeds are local purebreds, with only a few near breeding farms or stations established during French colonial times that were crossed with Arabian horses, and a small number of horses in provinces near the Vietnam-China border that were mixed with horses from Guangxi and Yunnan (China).
The coat of this breed changes color with the seasons and weather conditions to adapt to the environment. In summer, the coat is short and shiny, while in winter, it becomes long and coarse. The horses have a rectangular shape, with height and length being roughly equivalent, or slightly longer than their height, with the top of the neck being slightly sloped and more horizontal, giving the horses a longer appearance.
From a lateral view, the shoulders, belly, and hindquarters of Vietnamese horses bulge out, while the area behind the shoulders and hips tapers in, with slightly curved backs. Female horses are similar to males but less robust. The primary colors of Vietnamese horses include yellow, light yellow, dark yellow, pink, brown, purple, gray… The mane, tail, and legs of the horses are usually black or slightly darker than the body coat.
