Ancient Chinese Painting. A Horse Presented By Its Groom

The horse is a central animal in Chinese culture, both as a symbol of good luck and as a symbol of the military power of horsemen, particularly during the Ming Dynasty.
This work on silk, celebrating the beauty of these small, resilient, and agile horses, appears—given the condition of the medium—to be very clean, yet the very ancient fibers give it a look as if scorched by time. 
It is difficult for me to date it with certainty, given how powerful the influence of tradition is on the arts of the Middle Kingdom.
I do not think I am stretching the truth too far by placing it around the 17th century—perhaps even earlier, given how archaic its style is. 
I imagine that a poem accompanies this depiction of daily life.
The painting is mounted on a silk backing that appears to be more recent.
The frame is modern, understated, and of good quality. 
It is a piece full of poetry, whose cultural context could undoubtedly be explored in greater depth by a scholar.
All person who have interesting détails to give to me , to confirm ,or to give well founded correction is welcome.