Ky Son strives to preserve the native horse breed.

Việt Nam•28/02/2024

The Muong Long horse is a native breed in Ky Son district, raised since ancient times in mountainous areas inhabited by the Mong ethnic group such as Muong Long, Huoi Tu, Na Ngoi… with the largest concentration in Muong Long commune.

Muong Long horses are a native breed, raised by the Mong people since ancient times. Photo: QA.

Muong Long horses are well-adapted to cold climates and the natural conditions of high mountainous areas above 1,300m above sea level, and are less prone to disease, making them suitable for the farming methods of the Mong people in Nghe An.

Muong Long horses have a fairly diverse coloration with yellow, brown, or black coats. An adult horse is usually about 1.1-1.3 meters tall and weighs nearly 200 kg. In the past, these horses were used by the highland people to carry rice or transport goods, and to ride up and down the mountains. However, over time, this breed of horse has become increasingly rare.

Horses are raised in Muong Long commune, Ky Son district. Photo: QA

Mr. Va Nhia Tu, from Muong Long 1 village, Muong Long commune, said: “Previously, roads were difficult and treacherous, and there were no means of transportation, so people raised many horses. During harvest season, they would carry rice on their backs home. However, in reality, horses have weaker pulling power than buffaloes and cows, not to mention that caring for them is more difficult and they are harder to tame, so gradually people stopped raising them…”

According to statistics, previously there were around 100 horses in Muong Long commune, but by the end of 2023, only about 30 remained, scattered across the villages of Muong Long 1, Muong Long 2, Trung Tam, etc.

Although there used to be a large number of horses in the area, their numbers are now declining. Photo: QA

Mr. Va Cha Xa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Long commune, said: "Since ancient times, before the advent of vehicles and machinery, and with eroded and rugged roads, the people here raised horses in large numbers. However, nowadays, raising horses for transportation and goods transport is no longer as common as before. Besides, the market price of horses is not too high; a mature horse only costs between 10 and 20 million VND, not much different from buffalo or cattle, so gradually people have stopped raising them. In reality, the risk of the native horse breed disappearing is entirely possible."

The Nghe An Center for Advanced Science and Technology Application inspects the current status and development of Muong Long horses in the area. Photo: QA

Faced with the risk of extinction of the indigenous Muong Long horse breed, the Nghe An Center for Application of Advanced Science and Technology has collaborated with the Institute of Animal Husbandry to develop conservation plans for this rare breed.

Representatives from the Center for Application of Advanced Science and Technology in Nghe An province stated: Given the unique climate, weather, and terrain of Ky Son district in general and Muong Long commune in particular, it is very difficult to find a livestock breed that can adapt and survive in such conditions, but the local horses have managed to thrive. These are valuable, beautiful horses with good vitality, and therefore, we cannot allow this genetic resource to be lost. Currently, the two units are collaborating to implement a model for preserving the indigenous Muong Long horses, focusing on guiding and training local people in breeding techniques, providing veterinary medicine and feed, and skills in disease prevention and control… to ensure the horse herd is maintained.

Currently, Muong Long commune is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Ky Son district and Nghe An province in general. It is famous for its plum and peach blossoms, vibrant red rose gardens, and the mist that often blankets the area. Therefore, preserving the native horse breed not only helps to safeguard the rare genetic resources of this animal but also creates a unique characteristic, contributing to the development of tourism in this "gateway to heaven" region.

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