Once thought to be simple hardy mountain ponies developed from Mongolian stock, recent research indicates that there may be up to six separate horse breeds native to Tibet.

[2] Horses in general are well regarded by the local people, and they have been traditionally kept by both wealthy Tibetans and farmers alike, as well as by the Dalai Lama and other religious figures.

Horses also were commonly traded for tea from the southern parts of Sichuan province, China even as late as the 1950s.

Most Tibetan ponies have a pronounced jaw line, straight profile, and small ears and eyes.

The Tibetan breeds in their pure form do retain individual characteristics and heritage, however.