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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2026; 16(13); 2015; doi: 10.3390/ani16132015

Vietnam’s Horse Sector: A Comprehensive Review of History, Production Systems, Health Challenges, and Research Priorities.

Abstract: Horses in Vietnam have a long historical presence and continue to hold economic, socio-cultural, and medicinal importance across diverse regions. Despite these roles, comprehensive scientific information on equine development, including health and disease patterns, reproductive performance, genetic resources, and biomedical applications, remains limited and fragmented. In this review, we summarize existing knowledge on equine populations, production systems, and their development in Vietnam, as well as their roles in cultural practices, livelihoods, and traditional medicine. We then identify major gaps in surveillance, genetic characterization, and coordinated research capacity by synthesizing evidence from breeding, health, reproduction, and emerging research areas. Finally, we highlight where current efforts fall short and outline key priorities for future work to strengthen equine science, support culturally relevant practices, and guide the sustainable development of Vietnam's horse sector. Overall, the synthesis information shows (i) native Vietnamese horses belong to the Southeast Asian pony complex and include at least four recognized populations; (ii) the northern mountain provinces account for the substantial majority of the national herd; (iii) strongyle infections, Trypanosomiasis, haemorrhagic septicaemia and the recently confirmed equine piroplasmosis are the principal health challenges; and (iv) genetic characterization, reproductive management, welfare assessment, and capacity building are the four most critical research priorities identified. This information is important for prioritizing future research and conservation activities and enhancing the development of Vietnam's horse population.
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Publication Date: 2026-07-01 PubMed ID: 42450722PubMed Central: PMC13360167DOI: 10.3390/ani16132015Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Vietnam’s horse sector has significant historical, economic, and cultural value, but detailed scientific knowledge about these horses is limited. This review compiles current information on horse populations, production, health issues, and research needs to guide future efforts toward sustainable development and improved management of Vietnam’s equine resources.

Background and Importance of Horses in Vietnam

  • Horses have been present in Vietnam for a long time and are integral to various regions.
  • They play important economic roles, supporting livelihoods through transport, agriculture, and trade.
  • Culturally, horses are embedded in traditional practices and ceremonies across Vietnam.
  • In traditional medicine, horses are valued for certain treatments and medicinal applications.

Current Knowledge on Horse Populations and Production Systems

  • Vietnam’s native horses belong to the Southeast Asian pony complex, indicating a distinct genetic lineage adapted to local conditions.
  • At least four distinct native horse populations have been identified within the country.
  • The northern mountainous provinces house the majority of the national horse population, highlighting regional concentration.
  • Production systems tend to be small-scale and diverse, reflecting the geographic and cultural diversity of the regions.

Health Challenges Affecting Vietnamese Horses

  • Strongyle infections are common parasitic diseases causing significant health problems.
  • Trypanosomiasis affects the horses, posing threats related to blood parasites transmitted by biting insects.
  • Haemorrhagic septicaemia, a bacterial infection, contributes to morbidity and mortality in horses.
  • Equine piroplasmosis, newly confirmed in Vietnam, is a tick-borne disease impacting horse health and productivity.

Research and Knowledge Gaps

  • Surveillance systems for tracking health and disease patterns in horses are inadequate and fragmented.
  • Genetic characterization of the horse populations has been limited, hindering understanding of diversity and conservation.
  • There is insufficient coordinated research capacity in areas such as breeding, health management, and reproduction.
  • Biomedical research on equine products and applications remains largely unexplored.

Identified Priorities for Future Research and Development

  • Improved genetic characterization to document and conserve native horse breeds and their unique traits.
  • Enhancement of reproductive management practices to optimize breeding outcomes and population sustainability.
  • Development of welfare assessment frameworks to ensure the humane treatment and well-being of horses.
  • Capacity building in veterinary services, scientific research, and community education to strengthen overall horse health management.

Significance and Recommendations

  • The synthesis serves as a foundation for prioritizing research and conservation initiatives in Vietnam’s horse sector.
  • It emphasizes the need to balance traditional cultural practices with modern scientific approaches for sustainable development.
  • Filling knowledge gaps is essential to improve horse health, productivity, and their socio-economic contributions.
  • Concerted efforts in research, surveillance, and capacity building will support the long-term viability of Vietnam’s equine populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Nguyen VT, Ba NV, Van Dai N, Pham LD, Do DN. (2026). Vietnam’s Horse Sector: A Comprehensive Review of History, Production Systems, Health Challenges, and Research Priorities. Animals (Basel), 16(13), 2015. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16132015

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 13
PII: 2015

Researcher Affiliations

Nguyen, Van Thanh
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Viet Nam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
Ba, Nguyen Van
  • Key Laboratory of Animal Cell Technology, Vietnam Institute of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Thuongcat, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
Van Dai, Nguyen
  • Mountainous Animal Husbandry Research and Development Center, Thai Nguyen 256460, Vietnam.
Pham, Lan Doan
  • Key Laboratory of Animal Cell Technology, Vietnam Institute of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Thuongcat, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
Do, Duy Ngoc
  • Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.
  • School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.
  • Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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