In the Book of Songs, the Prase-odes of Loo-Keung states, "Some, yellowish red; some, dapple grey; all, strong…
In the Book of Songs, the Prase-odes of Loo-Keung states, "Some, yellowish red; some, dapple grey; all, strong carriage horses." The Jade Book explains, "A horse is yellowish red." The color defines a Xing. Because of its rare luster that gleams brilliantly in sunlight, pure gold-colored horses are most prized among Wusun Western Rarities.
During Emperor Wu of the Western Han, the nomadic state of Wusun in the Western Regions was famed for its fine horses.
As recorded in the Book of Han, Biography of Zhang Qian, "Upon arrival in Wusun Kingdom, Zhang Qian delivered imperial gifts... the state dispatched envoys and gifted dozens of horses in return to detect the vastness of Western Han." Zhang Qian brought Wusun steeds back to the Central Plains. Emperor Wu, impressed by their spirit and beauty, named them "Western Rarity."
Wusun Western Rarities are large and powerful, with well-shaped limbs, small heads, short ears, and bright eyes. Gentle in nature and hardy by breed, they fattened easily in summer pastures and foraged even through winter snow. Strong and swift, they served equally well for riding or dragging, an exceptional breed unique to the Western Regions.