Horse racing is one of the three major competition activities of
the Mongolian people.
The Mongolians regard horses as their close friends. On
festivals and holidays, the herdsmen will host horse races. The
distance can be up to dozens of kilometers. The contest can be
divided into walking races and running races. The walking race is a
competition of speed, steadiness and beauty. The running race is a
competition of speed and resistance. The rectilinear distance for
running on the grass is 20 to 30 km, the champion and runner-up
will be determined without regard for their age. Before the race,
the riders will select their horses and invite experience persons
to train them.
The competing horses and riders will be dressed up. All
competitors will wear beautifully clothes and riding boots, with
color bands tied on their heads. When the contest starts, all the
contestants will whip their horse. The riders that win the
championship will be awarded big prizes. The horse will have a red
ribbon hung on it, considered a major honor.
