Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 16:12 GMT+7

20 Mongolian horses return home after 6 years with Vietnam's mounted police

Twenty Mongolian horses that spent six years serving with Vietnam's mobile mounted police have returned to their homeland, Mongolia, where they received a ceremonial welcome, marking the end of a remarkable journey that has become a symbol of friendship between Vietnam and Mongolia.

When Vietnam returned 20 of the horses to Mongolia, the Mongolian authorities organized a formal reception, welcoming them home as if they were returning after a special journey.

In Mongolian culture, horses are regarded as treasured companions deeply connected to the nation's history, identity, and spiritual life.

Their return, just ahead of the traditional Naadam Festival, added further significance to the occasion.

At 5:00 pm on July 5, a specially equipped aircraft carrying the 20 horses departed from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

The charter flight was jointly organized by Mongolia's Ondur Zotol Logistics LLC and Vietnam's Golden Sun Logistics Service Co. Ltd., with veterinarians and animal care specialists accompanying the horses throughout the five-hour journey.

Transportation costs were sponsored by ROX Group and Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB).

The horses arrived at Mongolia's Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 10:00 pm the same day.

The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from the Office of the President of Mongolia, Mongolia's Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs, the General Executive Agency of Court Decision, Vietnam's mobile mounted police, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Mongolia.

Six years ago, the horses were gifted to Vietnam and adapted to a new climate, diet, and living environment before undergoing professional training.

Each adult horse weighs around 400 kilograms and consumes between 35 and 40 kilograms of feed daily under scientifically designed nutrition plans.

Over five years, the Mongolian horses successfully produced more than 50 foals, increasing Vietnam's mounted police herd to more than 150 horses.

After adapting to their new environment, the horses were trained progressively, beginning with basic commands before becoming accustomed to engine noise, vehicle sirens, gunfire, smoke, crowds, and other simulated operational situations.

Advanced training included navigating obstacle courses, military trenches, muddy terrain, and other challenging environments.

Over the years, the once free-roaming steppe horses became highly trained mounts capable of performing a wide range of operational tasks and participating in key missions of Vietnam's mobile mounted police.

Through years of dedicated care and training, the horses became a source of pride for Vietnam's mounted police force, working alongside officers during numerous important assignments.

The close coordination between riders and horses was essential to the success of their missions.

The return of the 20 horses marked the end of their six-year journey in Vietnam, symbolizing not only the bond between humans and horses but also the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Mongolia.