Horses are an important part of Mongolian life. Horses are native to Mongolia. In fact, the only species of wild horse still in existence is being reintroduced to the country from populations found in zoos after going extinct in the wild in the early part of the 20th century. Horses are work animals in Mongolia. They are used to aid in herding other animals like goats and cows. Horse milk is prized and used to make a frothy fermented drink called airag. Since people in the countryside grow up riding horses, it is not surprising that horse racing is a popular pastime; what is surprising is the age of the riders. Because children are so much lighter than adults, it is children who serve as the jockeys. We watched a a 12km race of 3 year old horses and while the horses were amazing, what truly struck me was the skill and grace of the young riders. Over 50 horses and riders entered the event and the oldest rider was probably 10 or 11. For the most part the riders rode bare back and sometimes even barefoot. At the end, the prize is awarded to the horse but bragging rights certainly go to the riders.
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