Horse Games Festival

Horses, along with hunting dogs, have always been integral to the daily life of the Kyrgyz people. Beyond their role in hunting, horses were invaluable companions in everyday tasks and family life. Even today, many rural Kyrgyz communities maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, where almost everyone knows how to ride a horse. Traditional horse games, passed down through generations, provide an exciting way for people to showcase their riding skills, agility, and quick reflexes.

Some of the popular horse games you might see today include:

At Chabysh – This long-distance horse race can cover distances up to 100 kilometers. It’s a thrilling event, often featuring young riders aged 10 to 15, who ride for the speed and excitement of the horses. In some cases, riders even remove the saddles to enhance the horses’ speed.

Ulak Tartysh – One of the most intense and captivating games, Ulak Tartysh involves two teams of riders competing for possession of a goat carcass. The riders skillfully scoop up the 30-kilogram carcass while racing at full speed. The objective is to carry the carcass and drop it into a designated goal area, often marked by an improvised ring on a slope.

Kurosh – This game involves wrestling on horseback, where riders try to unseat their opponents using a combination of pushing and grappling techniques. It’s a test of both strength and horsemanship.

Oodarysh – Another traditional Kyrgyz wrestling game on horseback, Oodarysh sees players trying to throw their opponent to the ground while controlling their own horse with just their legs. Various grappling moves above the waist are used, but striking, kicking, biting, or using a whip are strictly prohibited. To make the game even more challenging, competitors are bare-chested and covered in oil, making it even harder to gain a grip. Only men participate in this physically demanding competition.

Kyz Kumay (Catch the Girl) – A lighthearted and entertaining game, Kyz Kumay, meaning «Catch the Girl,» is a race steeped in tradition. In the past, it was part of a wedding ritual. The bride-to-be was given a 20-meter head start on the best horse, while the groom rode a slower one in pursuit. The groom had to catch up and kiss the bride to prove his love and win the right to marry her. Kyrgyz women were excellent riders, and often the groom couldn’t catch the bride. If the bride reached the agreed finish line—usually about 1,000 meters ahead—she would then chase the groom, whipping him as a sign of his failure. However, a wise woman would ensure not to disgrace her future husband. Although the tradition was mostly symbolic, the game was always a source of joy and unforgettable memories for both participants and spectators.

Tiyin Enmey – This game, which translates to «Pick Up the Coin,» showcases riders’ dexterity and horsemanship. Originating from training exercises for warriors, the objective is for riders to lean out of the saddle and pick up small coins from the ground while galloping at high speeds. It’s a difficult task, even for seasoned riders, and a favorite among festival spectators.

These traditional folk games are not typically held during the regular «tourist season,» as they are primarily local celebrations. Most participants are people who spend their summers in the mountains, tending cattle on the high pastures, or jailoos. As the herds are brought down to lower meadows, preparations for the horse games begin, making it a vibrant community event.