Horse
Pronunciation:
Rih-wok'-keh
Breed Description:
The Riwoche breed of horse is a small pony, discovered in an isolated region of Tibet in 1995. Previously unknown, these horses are important because they may be an evolutionary link between the prehistoric wild horse and the modern domestic horse, although they could also be a domesticated variety that reverted to a small size and primitive coloring. They are pony-sized and dun in color, with thick coats. They are very similar to the Przewalski's horse.
Temperament:
The Riwoche breed of horse is a wild breed but individuals are frequently captured and trained locally as pack animals and working ponies. They are believed to be fairly trainable.
Height:
The Riwoche breed of horse stand around 12 hands.
Weight:
The Riwoche breed of horse weigh around 500 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Riwoche breed of horse has know known health problems, but little is known about the breed.
Living Conditions:
The Riwoche breed of horse is a wild horse from a very harsh environment. It can survive harsh climates and requires little forage.
Exercise:
The Riwoche breed of horse is only known as a wild horse; it enjoys freedom and exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Riwoche breed of horse's life expectancy is unknown.
Grooming:
The Riwoche breed of horse is a wild breed and requires little maintenance.
Origin:
The Riwoche breed of horse was discovered in 1995 in an isolated valley reached only by crossing a 16,000 foot high mountain pass. They were first spotted by a team of French explorers while on an expedition to study another newly-discovered horse breed,the Nangchen horse. They stumbled across a number of small horses in an isolated valley in the Riwoche region of Tibet. These animals were unknown to the rest of the world, but apparently used by the local Bon-po people. Blood samples were obtained from the herd for DNA testing.
It was thought that the horse might be a relic population of wild horses, and a genetic link to the origins of the domestic horse, although genetic testing showed no significant variance between the Riwoche and other horses. They are very similar in appearance to the Przewalski's horse, but testing showed that the two are not related. 