Emdik ürediş
The breaking-in of an unbroken horse.
About
Emdik uredish is the national equestrian contest of the Altaians: the rider has to break in an unbroken horse that has never been ridden. It is part of the sports programme of El-Oiyn, the festival of the Altai people, and together with the horse races is counted the most spectacular part of the festival.
El-Oiyn was first held in 1988 and takes place every two years in different districts of the Altai Republic.
History
As N. Ekeev writes, among the Altaians no folk games passed without horse contests, and these were held to be the most honourable: children were taught to ride from an early age. The contest of breaking in an unbroken young horse has been revived quite recently. The horse first has to be caught with a lasso, then saddled, and then ridden and tamed. In the riders' contests there were usually no age limits.
Peoples
Research: Vasif Namazov, Turan Games Concept