Kyrgyzstan — American cowboys are stepping into the demanding world of kok-boru at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, taking part in a fast-paced horseback competition that requires riders to fight for control of a playing object while racing at speed.
The competition has brought together participants from different cultures, with the American riders finding a strong connection with their Kyrgyz counterparts through their shared bond with horses.
Among those representing the United States is team captain Ladd Howell. Kok-boru requires competitors to manage their horses while also relying on their physical strength and equipment to battle for possession.
The relationship between the American and Kyrgyz teams dates back to the 2014 Games. Their mutual appreciation for horses helped establish a connection that has continued through the years.
For Kyrgyz competitors, horses hold a particularly important place in the country’s national identity and cultural traditions. As a result, kok-boru is about more than athletic competition, linking the modern sporting event to centuries of nomadic heritage.
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