Horse Trekking In Mongolia
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Mongolia
September 25, 2022
Toilets, Tourism And Mongolia
November 13, 2022
Last updated 10 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: October 26, 2022
Horse Trekking In Mongolia
‘when your horse is young, travel to see places’
Mongolian proverb
Horses remain a central part of the life and culture in Mongolia and are one of the five traditional livestock animals (known as ‘tavan khoshuu mal’ – ‘Five Snouts’) owned by Mongolian herders who are great horsemen and women. And, in a country of great horsemen and women what could be a better way of exploring Mongolia than on horseback? Read on to see what else makes horse trekking in Mongolia such a worthwhile experience.
Our Mongolia Horse Trekking Experiences
We prefer a maximum group size of six for our horse trekking experiences in Mongolia to minimize our impact, although we can accommodate larger private trips. Small groups are more respectful to our host families, fostering a genuine and personal experience for our guests. We also limit the number of departures, avoiding the creation of a ‘tourist circuit’ and reducing our impact on Mongolia’s fragile ecosystems.
Mongolian Horses
“They looked like outlaws of the equine world. What they lacked in stature they made up for with attitude. They were tough, wilful, unsentimental characters.”
Stanley Stewart
Primarily used for herding, travel, hunting, and sport as well as a source of food and drink, Mongolian horses are a little like the herders that own them – self-sufficient, fearless, and tough. They’re small (approximately 1.3 metres at the shoulder) but strong and resilient. Ponies they are not.
Mongolian horses live in territorial, almost semi-wild herds, led by a stallion who guides the other horses to water, shelter, and safety. They are hardy and well adapted to living out in a harsh environment facing a range of temperatures from extreme heat in the Gobi to sub-zero temperatures in the winter. They can also dig through snow to graze.
Most horses are owned by herders who brand them in late summer or early autumn. They are broken in at the age of two and typically ridden by the age of three. In the spring, herds are inspected, young males are castrated, and all manes, except those of the stallions, are trimmed. Mares are primarily used for breeding and producing airag, the beloved national beverage which is fermented mare’s milk. Herders usually have a few favored riding horses within their herds of 25-30, with the rest serving as symbols of status and wealth. Horses of various ages fulfill different roles, from riding to working, and families often gift horses to one another.
Horses have significantly shaped Mongolia’s history and continue to be central to daily life in the 21st century, sustaining Mongolia’s horse-based culture.
One of Mongolia’s most traditional instruments is the Morin Khuur, or horsehead fiddle. This fiddle’s significance extends beyond its musical function; it has historically played an integral role in the rituals and daily activities of nomadic Mongolians. The Morin Khuur repertory still includes tunes (tatlaga) specifically intended to tame livestock. Its design is closely linked to the revered cult of the horse, and when played, it can produce sounds reminiscent of a horse’s noises. Learn more about the Morin Khuur here.
Historically, horseback archery was vital for hunting, livestock protection, defending the tribe from enemies, and warfare, creating highly mobile warriors. This skill was a defining characteristic of the Mongol Army, whose use of the Mongolian composite bow—a formidable weapon with explosive acceleration and velocity—helped them conquer the largest contiguous land empire in history. Recently, there has been a resurgence in horseback archery. Learn more about this fascinating tradition here.
Mongolian herders are skilled horsemen and women, and festivals—such as local Naadam events and eagle festivals in western Mongolia—often feature horse games that celebrate the partnership between herder and horse. One such game is Kumis Alu (pick up the coin), played by the Mongol Kazakhs. In this game, the rider, while galloping at full speed, must pick up a coin off the ground. Another game to watch is Buzkashi (literally “goat grabbing” in Persian). Also known as kolpar, this version of the game played in western Mongolia involves horse-mounted players engaging in a tug-of-war with a goat carcass.
Traditions of Mongolia’s Ethnic Groups: Darkhad Herders and Kazakh Eagle Hunters
The Darkhad ethnic group, primarily herders, possess a cultural identity and dialect distinct from the majority Khalkh Mongols. Residing in northern Mongolia’s Khovsgol Province, their summer pastures are in the grasslands of the Darkhad Valley. Many Darkhad migrate through the Khoridol Saridag mountains to their winter camps near Khovsgol Nuur. During the winter months, they handcraft horse sleighs to traverse the frozen expanse of Khovsgol Nuur. Learn more about their unique winter journeys and how you can join them here.
A portion of the Mongol Kazakhs in western Mongolia are not only herders but also eagle hunters. During the winter months, they use female golden eagles to hunt, traveling on horseback to reach the hunting grounds. The primary prey species are foxes, whose winter fur is particularly valuable. Therefore, hunting occurs only from late October/early November through February. Learn more about this fascinating tradition here.
Our Horse Treks In Mongolia
We run our horse treks in Mongolia in collaboration with Mongolian horse herding families, with whom we have established long-term community partnerships. The routes for each trek remain flexible and are determined by our experienced horse herder guides, leading to a more authentic and organic exploration of Mongolia. Unlike many horse trekking experiences that follow rigid itineraries, our approach reflects the freedom of the Mongolian landscape. It’s fitting, given that Mongolian herders rarely adhere to strict schedules, living a lifestyle that is relaxed and free from the constraints of time.
The primary focus of our treks is to enable you to meet and connect with your Mongolian horse guide or wrangler. You will ride alongside them in their homeland, experiencing one of the world’s greatest horse cultures firsthand. By not pre-planning the route, you have the flexibility to explore hidden valleys, enjoy abandoned Soviet hot springs, or even stop for tea at a ger belonging to a friend of your wrangler.
We have worked with the same herders for nearly two decades. Although their relationship with their horses is practical rather than sentimental, the horses are well cared for. This practical approach is a necessity in nomadic life, where there is no room for sentimentality, but it ensures the well-being of the horses nonetheless.
Riding Style
The horses used in our treks are working horses owned by the local herders with whom we partner. When not serving as riding horses, they live freely, grazing on the steppe. They are responsive but are not trained to the same extent as Western riding horses.
Mongolian riding style differs significantly from Western styles. For instance, Mongolian horses typically have five gaits instead of four, often preferring to canter in various situations although sometimes you get the odd horse that doesn’t want to do anything more than plod! Unlike Western horses, Mongolian horses are not extensively ‘broken in.’ Herders allow their riding horses considerable freedom, trusting them to do their job and find the best path. This means that if a Western rider tries to exert absolute control, the Mongolian horses may resist.
As a result, if you’re not accustomed to horses, you may find them jumpy, unpredictable, and boisterous. However, if you are an experienced rider, take the time to understand their character and learn to control them the Mongolian way. Once comfortable, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. The horses are as integral to the journey as the trek itself.
The Small Details | Horse Trekking In Mongolia With Eternal Landscapes
This information is intended for EL guests considering joining one of our adventures. If you are traveling with another company or independently with horses, feel free to use this as an approximate guide, but be sure to verify details specific to your situation.
Safety & Support
- Our trips are fully supported by an EL Mongolian team, including female trip assistants, male drivers, and the herders who lead the trek and provide the horses. Backup is provided by our tour vehicles. Depending on the route, equipment, provisions, and luggage will either be transported by the EL van or a pack horse. If using pack horses, they are managed by the herder trek guide, typically with one pack horse for every two guest riders, though the final decision is made by the herder guide.
- We provide safety guidelines for our riding trips, but it’s essential to understand that all rides occur in remote regions. Hospitals outside Ulaanbaatar have limited resources, so any repatriation, even if organized by your insurance company, would be to Ulaanbaatar. The road infrastructure can significantly extend travel time to a hospital. Our trip assistants are trained in basic first aid by the Mongolian Red Cross, and a medical kit is available on each trip. However, you are largely responsible for your own safety while riding. Although the horses are accustomed to carrying Western riders, they can react unpredictably to various factors, including flies and plastic bags.
- We strongly recommend bringing your own helmet, as they are likely to be of a better standard than those available in Mongolia. If you do not plan to wear a helmet, check with your travel insurance company beforehand, as some policies may be invalid without helmet use.
Pace And Experience
- Although Mongolian horses are strong there are limits on what they can and should carry so a maximum weight limit is 95kg/210ibs and a maximum height limit of 1m 95cm / 6″4.
At EL, we primarily offer tailor-made Mongolia horse trekking tours, customized to suit your travel dates and preferred trip length. As mentioned, there are no prescribed routes, allowing you the freedom to ride through the vast expanse of the Mongolian steppe alongside herders who own the horses and live in the areas you explore. This provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s greatest horse cultures from horseback, in a land where horses remain central and essential to the herding way of life.
If you’re considering horse trekking in Mongolia, visit our website or learn more about horseback archery. Feel free to get in touch with any questions you may have.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
