Horse Riding of Kirgiz Ethnic Group

Horses are like the wing of prairie nationalities. When children of herdsmen begin to walk, the first capability they must learn is riding. Kirgiz people are not exceptional. When their children are 7 or 8 years old, they must take horses as their partner and learn to ride and train them until they grasp all skills of ridding.  

Kirgiz people regard horses as holy animals, and they generally ride them, but not drive them to draw cart or do other tough job. They treat their precious horses as their own family members. Apart from regular feeding and drinking those animals, people also ornament them. Saddles and pedals are made of the best materials by superior craftsmen. Sometimes a set of saddle would cost more that a horse. In the past, Kirgiz people apply gem and gold to embellish their horses as well as their housewives. 

In addition to saddles, Kirgiz people also make pretty dress for horse. Sometimes horses’ dress costs more than men’s. And the horse dress appearance can tell the economic level of the host and skill of a housewife.

Kirgiz people think horses as their close mate. When lads marry their wives, they must present the best horses to the wives’ families; at the same time, brides must take the best horses in their home with them. People always deem horses as their confidants, and horses are the precious gift to present between friends.