"Guess who just got back today?
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away..."
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away..."
Can't believe it's been a year since I was first introduced to the Kazakh eagle hunters.
I've since had the privilege of visiting them on their own turf in Bayan-Ölgii and now this week they are back in town! They are such a rare breed- a refreshing spectacle in this fabricated, technological world.
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| Kazakh men looking dashing. Kazakh eagle hunters love to wear skins and furs of both wild and domestic animals. Their clothing is brightly coloured and richly embroidered and sometimes even the eagle gets to wear a matching cloak! 
I wore my own Kazakh hat just for the occasion.
  but with expressions that also showed a softness and kindheartedness.  |
One look at these powerful talons and you soon realise getting
"up close and personal" is a risky business.
...although this guy is looking pretty relaxed despite his plumed accessory!!
Consider the strength it would require to have this powerful bird of prey (approx 4-8kg's) perched on your raised and outstretched arm while maintaining your balance on a galloping horse.
I've tried similar?! (with a camera on my horse riding expeditions)-even at a languorous pace it's a huge challenge!!
Whoaaa!... Hold on!
(it happens to the best of us)
"I always look better from the right"
The best part of the day was when the competition was over and it was time to have a little fun amongst friends with a friendly game of Kokbar. The horses appeared to be as instinctive as their riders in this game. It was very surprising to me that despite the energetic tugging, jerking and wrenching NO ONE fell off.
Hang on a minute! (pardon the pun)
Who's holding the horse??
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| Looks like this horse doesn't want to lose! |
It really did look like a lot of fun.
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| If anyone can figure out why this guy didn't hit the ground, I'm interested to hear! |
...until next time the boys are back in town.
