Travel Report: The Horses of Kyrgyzstan

Guido Riemenschneider Crosses the Steppes of Kyrgyzstan on Horse Back

November 30, 2006

On October 26, 2006, Eurodressage editor-in-chief Astrid Appels attended a photo exhibit of the Belgian alpinist Guido Riemenschneider in Mol, Belgium.

Initially, the exhibit was to show case photographs of Riemenschneider's solo-climbing stint in Kyrgyzstan in August 2006, where he climbed the 7,000 meter high mountain Khan Tengri.

However, besides seeing gorgeous panoramic photos of the Tien Shan mountain range, it was a pleasant surprise to find out that Guido's trip also included a short horse trekking trip through the steppes of Kyrgyzstan. We were extremely impressed by the beautiful photos Riemenschneider took on his horse back trip and we were able to get the publication rights on them for Eurodressage.com. Enjoy!

All photos copyrighted: G. Riemenschneider - Reproduction prohibited.
Contact Eurodressage for publication rights

Kyrgyzstan is a country in central Asia, located in the southeast of the Kok Shaal-Tau Range, part of the Tien Shan, and it forms the border with China. The Kyrgyz make up about two-thirds of the population; most of the remainder consists of Uzbeks and Russians.

The economy is based largely on agriculture, including livestock raising and the cultivation of cereals, potatoes, cotton, and sugar beets. Gold mining and industries such as food processing and the production of machinery are also important.

The Kyrgyz, a nomadic people of Central Asia, settled in the Tien Shan region in ancient times. They were conquered by Genghis Khan's son Jöchi in 1207. The area became part of the Qing dynasty of China in the mid-18th century. It came under Russian control in the 19th century, and its long rebellion against Russia (and later the Soviet Union) that began in 1916 resulted in a long period of brutal repression. Kirgiziya became an autonomous province of the Soviet Union in 1924 and was made the Kirgiz S.S.R. in 1936. Kyrgyzstan gained independence in 1991.

Cow and horse milk are part of the daily ration.

Kyrgyzstan is a largely mountainous country. At its eastern edge rises Victory (Pobedy) Peak, which at 24,406 ft (7,439 m) is the country's highest point of elevation. The country's valleys and plains, occupying only one-seventh of the total area, are home to most of its people.

Guido Riemenschneider, more a mountaineer than a horse rider, goes on a horse trekking trip round the gigantic lake Ysyk Kol, which is the second largest mountain lake in the world after Titicaca.

From the Ysyk Kol lake into the steppes, that lead to the mountains

Riemenschneider's guide was a local Kyrgyz with whom he could hardly speak. The horse trekking was not a commercial tourist trip, Riemenschneider depended on the kindness and hospitality of his guide to show him part of the country. Here are a few black and white photos of Guido's guide and his son (wearing traditional clothing, especially the felt hat).

Horses are extremely important to the Kyrgyz population. Not only do they depend on horses for food (milk production) and cattle driving, but the national sport also reflects the importance of horse riding in Kyrgyz culture. "Ulak Tartysh" is a team game in which the two mounted teams attempt to deliver the carcass of a goat weighing 65 to 90 pounds over the opposition's goal line (horse ball). Players are allowed to wrestle the goat from an opponent.

The Kyrgyz are traditionally nomads, who originally came from Sibiria and then moved to the south until what today is Kyrgyzstan. They have always been living with cattle, especially sheep and horses from the very beginning were important animals, but also cows and goats are being raised, as well as donkeys for the smallest of the family to ride them.

In the background on the picture below you see the tradition tent of the Kyrgyz, called the "Yurt". The yurt is a multifunctional, portable home, consisting of a wooden construction and the felt covers. The whole thing is fixed with short leather-ribbons (instead of nails) and ropes made from animals hair.  

Kids playing on the horse. Picture taken from inside a yurt.

Eurodressage.com gratefully thanks Guido Riemenschneider for providing these beautiful photos.

All photos copyrighted: G. Riemenschneider - reproduction prohibited.
Contact Eurodressage for publication rights

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