The Book of Han states: "A fine steed is called a zhui", referring to horses with intermingled white and gray …
The Book of Han states: "A fine steed is called a zhui", referring to horses with intermingled white and gray hair. Among the Wusun Western Supreme horses, those with such markings were known as Jinzhui - Gold-Gray Charger.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han, the ancient Wusun kingdom in the Western Regions practiced nomadic herding and bred excellent horses. The Book of Han, in the biography of Zhang Qian, records: "Upon reaching Wusun, Zhang Qian conveyed imperial gifts and instructions... Wusun dispatched envoys and dozens of horses with him in return, seeking to better understand the grandeur of the Han." When Zhang Qian returned from his mission, he brought back Wusun steeds. Emperor Wu, struck by their majesty, named them "Western Rarity."
Wusun Western Rarityhorses are large and muscular, with sturdy limbs, small heads, short ears, and clear eyes, elegant in appearance. Gentle in temperament and hardy in the wild, they fatten on grass in spring and summer, and can dig through snow to feed in autumn and winter. Strong and fast, they are suited for both riding and pulling. They are a prized horse breed unique to the Western Regions.