Cultural guardian

Horse racing is deeply embedded in the hearts of the descendants of Inner Mongolia's nomads. There is no substitute.

"I get very excited when I race," said Bayangol, who never wears protective gear, preferring to ride in the traditional Mongolian way. He placed third last year in a regional competition. And he remains firmly focused on preserving his heritage.

As people's living conditions improve, their passion for horse racing grows, especially among the younger generation, Bayangol said. But it's becoming more difficult to find good horsemen. Many young people leave their rural roots behind, seeing city life as a gateway to a different, more modern life with a higher living standard.

Bayangol has tried to find ways to keep interest alive and growing.

"We often hold local races aimed at gathering people to enjoy the horse culture," he said. "Some sheep herdsmen participate in every race, and they don't care much about the results. They just love riding and racing and immersing themselves in the tradition that goes with it."

He feels it's his responsibility to pass the horse culture to the next generation and to ensure that the golden Mongolian horses are protected.

"Those horses have brought me great joy, as well as wealth. So I have deep gratitude and love for them. Anytime I feel pressured, I go to the stable or the pasture for a while to sit beside the horses. They heal me."

The lessons he has learned from the endurance and perseverance of the Mongolian horses encourages him in many aspects of life, he said.

Sarnaa supports his love of the animals and career. She has been a valuable partner, helping him raise the horses and sheep every day and taking care of daily family matters. The culture runs equally deep for her, as it does for Amjilt, their 19-year-old son, who has tasted the extremes of physical endurance, like the horses, in his pursuit of Greco-Roman wrestling.

He said it is sometimes hard for him to understand his father's love of horses.

"My family has had horses around since I was born. I have a feeling that my dad can only stand two days at most not touching his horses," Amjilt said.

"He and horses have a unbreakable link and emotion. I think only true love can describe it."

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