However, their numbers have declined sharply in recent decades, largely due to the rise of mechanized transport and changing lifestyles.

Characterized as a small, sturdy horse with exceptional endurance, the Chinese Mongolian is categorized into four types: Ujumqin, Abaga, Baicha, and Wushen.

[3] However, mitochondrial DNA studies indicate that horses may have been domesticated in present-day northern China as early as 4000 to 5000 BC.

[5] Out-breedings occurred as a result of diplomatic gifts from Central Asian kingdoms, but during this period, the Mongolian horse was not favored by the Chinese imperial court, which preferred larger, more refined horses from Persia (Iran) and Central Asia.

Mongolian herders frequently exchanged their horses for silk, satin, cotton, needles, and other goods.

[10] It features a rectilinear head profile,[10] characterized by a broad forehead, open nostrils, protruding eyes, and long ears.

While some authors describe the breed as temperamental, it is generally reputed to have a good temperament and is often ridden by children.

[9] The Baicha is a small, sturdy mountain horse on the verge of extinction, originally from central-western Inner Mongolia.

[13] Among the different types, the Ujumqin and Wushen are the most genetically related,[10] despite the considerable geographical distance between their breeding areas.

[15] The CAB International book, which is more reliable overall, does refer to the breed as "Abaga",[16] as do scientific publications on the subject.

[17] The Ujumqin type (simplified Chinese: 乌珠穆沁马; traditional Chinese: 烏珠穆沁馬; pinyin: Wū zhū mù qìn mǎ, also named "Wuchumutsin"[18] and "Wuzhumuqin"[10]), is found in the Xilingol League region of eastern Inner Mongolia.

[10] In other provinces, Chinese Mongolian horses are also used as packhorses,[12] noted for their ability to carry heavy loads while foraging for their food.

[9] Chinese Mongolian horses are often employed in crossbreeding programs to produce "improved" breeds, such as the Sanhe.

[14] There is artistic, documentary, and archaeological evidence suggesting the possible presence of Chinese-type horses in North America prior to the 2nd millennium CE.

[8] The Chinese Mongolian mainly inhabits Inner Mongolia, but also various regions of northern China, such as western Heilongjiang,[3] Gansu, Xinjiang, and Qinghai.