The Saddle Horse - Argamak

The Argamak - USSR Stamp 1968

The horse has played an integral role in the lives of the population of Central Asia for millennia. It is generally believed by most experts that the ‘Agramak’ known as the first saddle horse where bred for the first time on what is now the territory of modern Uzbekistan and that the majority of existing breeds of pure blood horses we have today inherited the best qualities of the Argamak. With the famous Uzbek horse breed the Ahaltekin its closest modern relative.

It is known from historical Chinese literature from the Tang Dynasty that in the year 138BC the Emperor Wu Ti sent an expedition over the "Heavenly Mountains" as the Tien Shan range was then known led by the diplomat and General Chang Jiang which took back the valuable Agaramak from an important horse breeding area, Davan in the 'Farg’ona Valley'. Before this time in China there were only the much smaller breeds as the Mongolian mountain horse.

Records of the period show that Agaramak horses were the most expensive merchandise that travelled along the great silk road from Khorazm and Samakand. In China the Argamak horse was venerated, and heards were carefully guarded as they were considered of great value. The Turkic people have always esteemed thier horses and called them “murod” broadly meaning satisfying, purposeful and desirable.

Today one of the main breeds are the “Karabair” who are characterized by their broad chests, small ears and amazing strength and endurance. Other local breeds are the Kurama as well as half breeds of Karabair and Ahaltekin.

Competitions featuring the “Karabair” are held throughout Uzbekistan. One of the most ancient national equestrian games is the “Uloq” in which large opposing sides of horsemen tussle with great ferocity and skill to hold onto a ram or goat carcass.

Uzbeks also call it as “kupkari”, which literally means 'business of many people'. The aim of Kupkari is to grabbing the carcass from rivals and be the first who brings it into the winning post. Only the most quick witted, deft and saddlefast horsememen usually win. The riders has a tunic and trousers made from thick cotton cloth. They put on a papakha 'astrakhan' hat, though leather helmets are now also gaining preference. The riders wrap their legs in thick cloth to avoid an injury, and wear broad-top boots with a thick sole for secure hold in the stirrup. The horses are fitted with smooth bridles, stirups and horsehoes to avoid injury.

According to the rules of the game, two winning posts – marra – are located one and a half kilometers away from each other. The marra is a circle on the ground some 20 meters in diameter. It is marked with scattered straw or laid with stones. The horseman needs to throw the carcass into the circle to score. Winners are awarded a valuable prize such as a carpet or money.It is played usually to in conjunction with Navruz and other national holidays or on special occasions; such as weddings or the the birth of a male heir.

Source: Uzbekistan Today

The Game of Ulak tartysh (Uloq-kupkari)

The riders in this fast-paced game are remarkable horsemen and fierce competitors.

Traditionally after the cotton harvest in Uzbekistan starts the season for one of the most enthralling of all equestrian sports known as Ulak tartysh (called Buzkashi in Tajik). A game can involes hundreds of horsemen. The match usually starts around 10 or 11 am and lasts until sundown at 5 or 6pm. The winning team receives a prize, not necessarily money, often a carpet or a cup as a reward for their win.

Competitions throughout Central Asia gather thousands of people and can cause wildly boiling emotions.

The riders in this fast-paced game are really remarkable horsemen and fierce competitors. They and their horses are extraordinarily skillful, turning amazing riding maneuvers and a repertoire of hand-held armaments to either aid or attack.

Two mounted teams often battle for the headless body of a sheep, calf or goat. To score a rider grabs the goat or calf carcass off another player or from the ground usually while riding a horse at full gallop, and then gets it clear of the other players then take it around a flag or marker at one end of the field, then throw it into a target circle or vat at the other.

The competition is typically fierce, with fighting erupting between riders over the carcass. Players may use any force short of tripping the horse in order to thwart scoring attempts and to try and steal the carcass away. As well its difficult to carry the carcass as it is pretty heavy inside filled up with wet salt and can becomes easily 40- 50 kg.

To protect themselves against the other players' whips and boots riders usually wear heavy clothing and head covers (usually a thick fur hat or tank cap).

The horses are usually specially bred and trained for the game and possess a lot of courage and are often devoted to their owners. Mostly they are stallions either pure or half pure Karabair breed (with some mongolian bloodlines or that of the Turkmen Akhal Tekke).



Uzbekistan Post: Karabair Stamp

Legend says that Genghis Khan's hordes played Buzkashi to refine their horsemanship skills. At its roots, it is also linked to the now elitist game of polo.