Equestrian Games

Equestrian Games

Kokpar (Traditional Mounted Goat-Carcass Game)

Kokpar (a traditional mounted game involving a goat carcass) remains a quintessential test of equestrian endurance and raw athleticism. It is played using two distinct techniques: Jeke Tartys (a head-to-head duel) and Doda (a massive, chaotic scramble). While the latter is most prevalent today, the former is a highly engaging spectacle that has, unfortunately, faded into relative obscurity.

In the Jeke Tartys format, each side selects two representatives. A young assistant drops a carcass at a designated spot, roughly 1.5 kilometers away. Upon reaching the objective, the riders aggressively compete to scoop the prize from the ground. The first to secure it tucks it firmly under their thigh, attempting to deny opponents any opportunity to reclaim it. Their rival will relentlessly grasp at the carcass, trying to hook the spare leg under their own to force a struggle. Teammates actively support their companions throughout this intense battle. Whoever successfully wrenches the object away passes it to a partner, who gallops toward their goal while being pursued. If an opponent catches up, the fight for possession resumes, often moving closer to the cheering spectators. Riders mounted on exceptionally fast horses may successfully escape during the initial struggle, making them nearly impossible to overtake.

Eventually, as the skin of the goat wears thin and its skeletal structure begins to give way, the general public joins the fray in a massive scramble, marking the transition to Doda. During this stage, the most formidable competitors and finest steeds distinguish themselves. The strongest men work to clear a path, helping those on swifter mounts break free. The rider who succeeds in escaping with the prize delivers it to a host’s home—often a family seeking to honor a special occasion. By tradition, the household provides a fresh carcass to continue the activity, and from that moment forward, the event proceeds exclusively in the Doda style.

Audaryspaq (Mounted Wrestling)

Audaryspaq is a thrilling contest of strength where riders attempt to unseat one another from their saddles. Only individuals possessing exceptional physical power, courage, and stamina participate, as the pursuit requires lightning-fast reflexes and flawless horsemanship. Stemming from ancient times, this challenge cultivated the martial attributes—such as handling spears and wielding swords—required by warriors in battle. Today, it remains a popular feature of shepherd festivals and public celebrations.

Qyz Quu (Catch the Girl)

This exhilarating race, known as Qyz Quu (Catch the Girl), takes place on a flat, soft-soiled field, typically 300 meters long and 30 to 40 meters wide. A flag marks a turning point at the far end of the track. Pairs consisting of one woman and one man are formed for the dash. At the starting line, the female participant positions herself approximately 15 meters ahead of her male counterpart. Once the referee signals the start, both gallop forward simultaneously.

By rule, the woman must reach the turnaround point first. Should the man succeed in catching up before they reach the flag, he is declared the winner and earns the right to embrace and kiss his partner. If he fails to overtake her in time, the roles reverse on the return leg; as they head back, the young woman—cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd—gains the opportunity to pursue the rider and strike him with a whip. Throughout this pursuit, both must demonstrate wit, fluid agility, and superior equestrian mastery.

Tenge Ilu (Picking Up Coins)

Tenge Ilu (Picking Up Coins) is a fast-paced game primarily enjoyed by young men. It is frequently organized during weddings or circumcision feasts. This event tests a rider’s confidence in the saddle, his reaction speed, and his physical dexterity while moving at high velocity. It is not uncommon for contestants to lose their balance and fall while failing to grasp the target.

On certain occasions, it is performed as a ceremonial gesture. For example, when a new bride arrives at a village, she may wrap silver jewelry—such as hair ornaments or a necklace—in a cloth and place the bundle inside a deep pit, just large enough for a hand to reach. Riders gallop from a distance of 100 to 150 meters, aiming to snatch the bundle in a single, continuous motion. Crucially, they are forbidden from stopping or slowing their horses. Whoever successfully retrieves the prize is considered to have received a gift from the bride; by custom, he does not keep the treasure, but presents it to a person of his choosing.

Altyn Qabaq (Golden Target)

Altyn Qabaq (also known as Jamby Atu) is a test of marksmanship where a rider must strike a target while galloping at high speed. Its roots lie in ancient military training, a necessity that persisted into the 18th century. During festivals, a tall wooden pole or long spear was planted in the ground, with a jamby (a silver ingot) suspended from the tip using silk or horsehair thread. The mounted competitor would attempt to shoot down the prize using a bow and arrow. Other methods of testing accuracy also existed, such as firing a rifle while standing on the ground or from the saddle. Ultimately, this practice played a vital role in refining a young man’s sniping skills.

Asau Üiretu (Breaking Wild Horses)

Asau Üiretu (Breaking Wild Horses) is a dramatic display of bravery that begins days after a community settles into their jailau (summer pasture). By this time, the foals have grown strong. While young men keep the herd gathered on fast steeds, agile men on foot use a quryq (horse-catching lasso) to snag the wild youngsters. The struggle to subdue these spirited animals involves placing a halter on them and tethering them to a line. Once secured, the grandmothers lead the women in laying out a feast. In a symbolic gesture to invite abundance, elders pour fermented milk on the picket pins and apply thick yogurt to the foreheads of the colts, praying for protection.

After the community shares this meal, the children begin training the untamed yearlings. The riders capture the horses with a quryq, and with the help of seasoned men, carefully saddle the animals. A rider mounts, and the horse immediately begins to buck, leaping and plunging in a fierce attempt to dislodge him. The horseman must find the rhythm of this violent struggle to maintain his seat, earning the admiration of the entire village. Mastering a wild horse is a rare talent, making the trainer's clever techniques a spectacle for onlookers of all ages.