Mongolian horse culture: A gallop through tradition

“Conquering the world becomes a seamless journey when the reins are in your hands atop a powerful horse.” – Genghis Khan

Imagine a time when the mighty Mongol warriors swept across continents, their trusty companions, the Mongolian horses, carrying them fearlessly and tirelessly. Picture these diminutive yet sturdy creatures, wild and untamed, conquering extremes from the icy chill of minus 40 degrees Celsius to the scorching heat of plus 30 degrees Celsius. Welcome to the world of Mongolian horses – the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the thirteenth century.

In Mongolia, the impact of horses on culture is unparalleled. With over 5 million horses, nearly double the human population, Mongols have a deep connection to these animals. Renowned as exceptional horsemen, Mongolian children start riding at 3-5 years old, continuing a tradition that dates back to Genghis Khan’s military campaigns. Today, horses remain vital in Mongolia, serving as transportation, sources of milk, meat, and hair. Nomadic households, often with over 200 horses, use a hands-off approach to care. Mongolians rarely name their horses, relying on color and markings for identification.

In the heart of this untamed landscape, horses are not mere creatures; they are revered members of the nomadic Mongolian family. The male horses, numbering in the thousands, serve as transportation, racing champions, and, occasionally, a source of sustenance. The mares, though rarely ridden, play a crucial role in providing milk, with some even experiencing the honor of being ridden by children and women.

Herding becomes an art form as families tend to their four or five favored riding horses from a herd of 25 or 30. These magnificent animals, symbols of wealth and status, work tirelessly, often racing across the steppe during the thrilling Naadam Festival – a celebration of speed and skill that unfolds beneath the endless Mongolian sky.

Racing isn’t just a sport; it’s ingrained in the social fabric. The National Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar sees the culmination of this tradition, where the thunderous hooves of horses echo the spirit of a nation. Even the youngest riders take part, racing yearlings and two-year-olds, forging bonds with their steeds from an early age.

Mongolian horsemanship is a spectacle to behold, a harmonious dance between rider and horse that defies Western conventions. The riders trust their horses, allowing them the freedom to navigate the terrain while they perform daily tasks. It’s a relationship built on mutual understanding and respect.

These remarkable horses, unburdened by breeding societies or registries, are nature’s own masterpiece. Standing between 12 and 15 hands, with short necks and legs, they defy traditional norms with their pony-sized stature and diverse colors. Their strength and endurance, often working well into their late teens, set them apart from the modern equine landscape.

In a world dominated by high-performance horses, the Mongolian horse stands as a testament to resilience, embodying the essence of a nation. In Mongolia, where horses are more than transportation – they are a way of life, a cultural icon, and a cherished companion. “Mongolians see horses the way most people see their cars.” It’s a connection that transcends time, echoing the words of Genghis Khan as these indomitable creatures continue to carry the spirit of Mongolia across the ages.