Over 2,000 years ago, horses were one of the first major imports into China.  The Chinese were battling their ancient enemies the Xiongnu. a confederation of nomadic peoples from the eastern Asian Steppes whose horses were a major strategic advantage for them when pitted against the then rather weak cavalary of the Chinese.  The horses coveted by the Chinese were originally from Ferghana and sometimes called 'sweats blood horse' because after a long hard gallop believed to be caused by the presence of parasites leading to a conditions vets call 'summer bleeding'.

The phrase Heavenly Horses has been stretched over the millenia to include the Akhal-Teke a Turkmenistan breed: they are a national emblem in the country.  There are thought to be about 6,600 of these horses in the world: they are adapted to severe weather conditions and are thought to be one of the oldest existing horse breeds.  They are especially valued for their endurance: this was demonstrated when in 1935 a group of Turkmen riders rode the 2,500 miles from Ashgabat to Moscow in 84 days, including a three day crossing of 235 miles of desert without water.  The Akhal-Teke is also known for its form and grace as a show jumper.

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