Russia exported 30 non-purebred horses to North Korea in March as Pyongyang ramped up construction at two elite equestrian parks, NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery and trade data from Russia’s Federal Customs Service shows.

The construction effort and the $19,600 purchase of horses came during a difficult time for the DPRK, which closed borders over COVID-19 and suffered severe supply shortages due to plummeting trade with China.

The horses may be destined for Pyongyang’s main equestrian park, which is currently being outfitted with a new arena. The horses could also end up in a