Exciting sheep catching competition of Kirgiz Ethnic Group

Sheep catching is the most popular sport absorbing Kirgiz young men. It is a competition of power as well as wisdom. The competition examines people’s boldness and the skill of horse training plus ridding. Generally it will come off in festival, ceremonies of wedding or relocation. 

Before the competition, the head and innards of a lamb must be removed and the body steep in salt water for an hour to tighten the flesh. Players are separated as 2 groups; each group has 6-7 people at most, 3-4 at least. Beside the match field, a pit 1.5 meters deep is dug; the winner will drop the sheep into it after the competition. In the beginning, referee put the sheep in the middle of the match field. As soon as the start whistle rings, all players will rush for the sheep; hence, the competition begins. Plays display all their skills in the field to fight against each other; the scene is very exciting and fabulous. When a play catches the sheep, others would chase after him. Then the player stop his horse suddenly, other plays cannot stop themselves, and the sheep catching player swerve his horse to flee away. Sometimes the sheep would be transferred between teammates just like basketball players pass their ball. The whole competition always draws audience¡¯s attention and satisfies them. 

The origin of sheep catching is very legendary.

In the time of Manasi, Kirgiz people fought against Kalemake people. Manasi led 40 heroes to have a close battle with enemies, they found enemies used many riding skills to rob their sheep and cow, cut their soldiers and pass women and children. Then Manasi made use of sheep to practice his soldiers; 40 brave men were divided as 2 teams, they exercised to attack and defend. After 40 days’ practice, they grasped the complicated skills, and they seize their treasure from their enemies again. From then on, sheep catching have been developed.

Winners of sheep catching are respect and envied in prairie. Once the competition finishes, the most respectable “Akeshaher” would present the headless lamb to winners. It is said that those who eat one morsel of trophy meat would gain the legendary 40 heroes’ power and wisdom.

The relatives and children of a winner will greet his with hug, kiss and gifts. If the winner is unmarried, many girls will show their favors to him and present him many pieces of embroidered silk handkerchiefs.