Balikun Horse

Balikun horses come from Balikun Kazakh Autonomous County in Xinjiang, China, a region of cold winters, open grassland, and long distances between settlements. The Balikun is a Chinese indigenous horse associated with Kazakh and Mongolian-type ancestry, with some lines influenced by later improvement programs. These horses are usually compact but sturdy, with a deep body, strong bone, and a thick winter coat that suits snow, wind, and sparse pasture. They have been used for riding, pack work, light draft, herding, and in some areas for meat or mare's milk.

Traditional management relies heavily on grazing and hardiness, but domestic herds still need mineral support, secure winter forage when snow crusts over, and routine hoof and parasite care. The breed's practical value is its ability to stay useful where more refined horses may require heavier feeding or shelter. For breeders, preserving adaptation to the Balikun environment is as important as increasing size. Outside China the breed is rarely encountered, so records, photographs, and local knowledge are often more useful than expectations based on international sport-horse standards.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White