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Nomadic horse games
Naadam horse racing means long races across the open steppe on Mongolian horses. It is one of the three main contests of Mongolia's Naadam festival, together with wrestling and archery.
| Group | Nomadic horse games |
|---|---|
| Also called | Mongolian horse racing, Naadam, Nadam races |
| Olympic | no |
| Where it is popular | Races are held all over Mongolia at local festivals. The main national races take place at Khui Doloon Khudag, about 40 km from Ulaanbaatar. |
Horses race in age groups, from two-year-olds to adult stallions. Distances are roughly 10 to 27 kilometres, and the older the horses, the longer the race. Traditionally the riders are young; under Mongolian rules they must be at least 8 years old. The first five horses in each race receive the honorary title Airgiin Tav.
The races use Mongolian horses, which are small, very hardy and used to life on the steppe. They go through special training for two to three months before Naadam.
Riders often race without a saddle and in light clothing. The rules require a helmet, a body protector, and knee and elbow pads.
The main event is the national Naadam in Ulaanbaatar, held every year on 11 to 13 July. Races are also held at local naadams in the provinces.
Visitors from other countries can only watch the races, which are run by Mongolian horse-breeding families. A child inspired by Naadam should start with riding lessons at a club, with a helmet, a body protector and a coach.
Mongolians believe that touching the sweat of a winning horse brings good luck. In 2010, the Naadam festival was added to UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Sources: ich.unesco.org, eternal-landscapes.co.uk, discovermongolia.mn