Nong Duc Tho, a Tay ethnic resident of Lang Son province, has transformed white horse breeding from a traditional draft animal role into a lucrative economic activity in the mountainous Huu Kien region. Starting with a small herd, Tho adopted commercial breeding techniques, focusing on quality stock and improved care, which enabled him to sell breeding horses at significant prices, generating substantial income. His success has not only improved his family’s livelihood—evidenced by a new spacious house—but also contributed to the local economy, where nearly 2,800 horses are now raised by residents.

Tho’s journey was marked by challenges such as disease outbreaks, which he overcame through education, better stable management, and enhanced feeding practices combining natural grazing with maize supplementation. This semi free-range method has strengthened the herd’s health and productivity. Local authorities support this growing industry by promoting commercial-scale breeding and disease prevention, making white horse breeding a promising avenue for economic development and improved living standards in Lang Son’s highlands.