Horses in ancient and Imperial China were an important element of China on cultural, military, and agricultural levels. Horses were introduced from the West, disturbing warfare, and forcing local warring States to adopt new military practices such as chariots and cavalry. The strategic role of horses in large amounts for military defense against steppes invasions is well documented. The furthest Chinese conquests North and Westward were achieved under Han, Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties thanks to massive and extensive military-managed horses farms, involving hundred thousands horses. Horses were highly valued and represented up to the late Qing dynasty. As elsewhere, increased industrialization, the raise of mechanical labor, as well as China's century of humiliation lead to the virtual dis
