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Nomadic horse games
Kyz kuu is a playful horse game of the Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Azerbaijanis. A young man on horseback chases a girl on horseback, and if he fails, she chases him back.
| Group | Nomadic horse games |
|---|---|
| Also called | kyz kuumai, qyz quu, qiz-qov, girl chasing |
| Olympic | no |
| Where it is popular | The game is known in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. It is shown at folk festivals and nomadic culture events. |
The young man waits at the start line while the girl gallops up from behind and passes him. As soon as she passes, he gallops after her and must catch her before the finish line; by playful tradition, he then tries to kiss her. If he fails, she turns around and chases him back to the start, jokingly swinging her whip. Each chase is about 400 to 500 metres long.
The game suits fast, responsive riding horses that accelerate and turn easily. For festivals, the horses are colourfully decorated.
Riders usually wear national costumes and ride decorated horses. The girl carries a traditional whip.
Kyz kuu is shown at folk holidays, celebrations and nomadic culture festivals. At the first World Nomad Games in 2014 it was a demonstration event.
Kyz kuu is played by confident adult riders who can gallop with ease. A teen should start with lessons at a riding club and only take part in the game with a helmet and a coach nearby.
According to one version, the game comes from an ancient custom of the Saka people: before marrying, a young man had to prove he was a skilled rider.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, e-history.kz, advantour.com, en.wikipedia.org