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Horsemanship is a much-revered skill in Kyrgyzstan;
due to the horses endurance and good co-ordination in the
rugged landscapes, they are traditionally well-loved companions.
In keeping with the Kyrgyz love of horses, and their importance
in their lives and culture, they feature prominently in their
national sports. These popular and unusual games feature at
special events and give great pleasure and amusement to the
local people.
Ulak tartysh (kokboru)
A great favourite of the Kyrgyz people is ulak tartysh
- or kokboru - meaning 'Grey Wolf.' The name is said
to have come from the herds of cattle exposed to possible
wolf attacks while grazing on the steppes and mountains. The
shepherds had no means to protect their livestock so brave
djigits (horse riders) chased the wolves then beat
them with sticks when they fell. The competitive aspect of
the game evolved from the djigits trying to snatch the body
of the wolf away from one another.
The game involves two teams of equal numbers on horseback
fighting for a goat's carcass. The winning team collects the
carcass from the centre of the pitch and delivers it to the
opponent's gates, represented by flags. The game lasts fifteen
minutes and players are allowed to wrestle the carcass from
their opponent. Conversation is banned with your opponent
but the game encourages fast-thinking teamwork between both
friends and rivals.
Aht Chabysh
Aht Chabysh is another popular game. The competitors
race their horses over long distances, often over 30 miles,
testing the horses speed and stamina. The winner and his horse
gain honour and glory among the villagers. There are also
races for younger foals who are entered for shorter distances;
when they turn three years old they can be entered into the
main race. Occasions such as holidays and festivals are times
for an Aht Chabysh race, and the winner receives jewellery
and cattle as prizes.
Oodarysh
Another test of the rider's expertise is Oodarysh,
where one rider attempts to throw the other from his horse.
This sport is ancient and widespread; the fastest and heartiest
horses are chosen for the honour of competing. The aim of
the game is to wrestle your opponent from his horse.
Jumby Atmai
Jumby Atmai is a skilful game that requires the player
to shoot at a target while galloping. A Jumby is a large bar
of precious metal, usually silver, on a thread tied to an
inclined pole. The aim is to break the thread by shooting
it and bring the jumby down. Bows and arrows were traditionally
used before being replaced by firearms.
Tyin Enmei
In Tyin Enmei, the mounted contestant has to pick
up a coin from the ground while galloping.
Falconry
Falconry on horseback is also a common sport, hunting
for foxes, wolves and pheasants with falcons and eagles.
Kyz Kuumai
These sports are concentrated on men's participation, however,
there are opportunities for women to display their riding
skills. Growing up in the highlands where only a horse has
the agility to conquer the rough terrain, women learn to ride
in their childhood. When racing in kyz dzharysh you can tell
the women and girls apart by their headdresses, where girls
wear hats with wide trimming and the women wear pretty kerchiefs
tied around their heads.
Kyz Kuumai ('chasing after the bride') is a beautiful
yet unusual game. The man has to catch the woman on horseback
and kiss her; if he fails, she can beat him with a whip. The
attraction is the bright national costumes they wear and the
game draws on ancient chivalry accompanied by the clamour
of the crowds. It was traditionally played as part of the
wedding ritual with the bride signalling the start of the
race with a head start and the groom catching her up in order
to prove his love and the right to marry her. The bride has
the advantage with the faster horse, so her fiancé
must use his skills as a horseman to win over her affections.
If he fails, he is beaten with her kamchi (horsewhip)
but she doesn't reject him and they will marry nonetheless.
All these games are still alive and well-loved in Kyrgyzstan;
you can get a ringside seat and even participate as a guest
in the villages. |
