The last remaining "warhorses" of Duc Hoa horse village.

Since the racetracks ceased operation, the horse breeding industry in Duc Hoa district (Tay Ninh province) has also declined. The once-famous racehorses, once highly sought after, now remain only in the quiet memories of the countryside. Today, only a few households in Duc Hoa still cling to the profession out of love for these warhorses.

According to locals, at its peak, the entire Duc Hoa area had over 1,700 racehorses, not including foals and mares. These horses took turns participating in races at Phu Tho Racecourse and sometimes at Duc Hoa Thuong Racecourse.

However, after the racetracks ceased operations in 2011, Duc Hoa racehorses no longer had a place to compete. Therefore, from an area where 7-8 out of 10 households raised horses, now only a few households in Duc Hoa still raise these warhorses, with a total number of less than 100.

Previously, the racehorses in Duc Hoa were mainly purebred Vietnamese horses. However, later, some places imported horses of European and American origin for breeding. The foals born had the tall, strong characteristics of foreign horses combined with the agility and adaptability of Vietnamese horses.

According to some horse breeders in Duc Hoa, although racetracks have closed and demand is no longer as high as before, beautiful horses still fetch quite high prices because many people buy them for tourism or as a hobby. A good horse, just over 12 months old, can sell for over 150 million VND.

Recently, upon hearing about the planned horse racing track, many horse breeders were very excited. They believe that if the horses of Duc Hoa have a place to perform again, the traditional horse breeding industry of the locality will have a chance to return to its golden age, preventing the traditional craft from fading away and providing a good income for the people.

>>> Some images of the last remaining warhorses in Duc Hoa, Tay Ninh :

Mr. Tran Thanh Hung, from My Hanh commune, is one of the few remaining horse breeders in Duc Hoa.

Currently, he is raising three horses, mostly a crossbreed between purebred Vietnamese and American horses.

Daily horse care isn't overly complicated, mainly involving bathing and feeding, but it requires meticulous attention to detail.

Mr. Ha Van No, from My Hanh commune, Tay Ninh province, and his horse Ruby, one of the rare remaining horses of this breed in Duc Hoa.

Being a purebred horse, Ruby is nearly 1.8 meters tall and has a large, muscular build.

Previously, Mr. Nở raised quite a lot of horses, but due to the decline of horse breeding, he only keeps Ruby and treats her like family.

GLORY

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-chien-ma-cuoi-cung-cua-lang-ngua-duc-hoa-post830407.html