Folkloric and Mythological Meaning
In the mythologies of Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkic-speaking peoples, the horse is a sacred mediator between worlds. Shamans ride spirit horses to traverse the realms of earth and sky. In Buryat and Tuvan legends, a shaman’s horse can leap between stars and carry messages to celestial beings. In Kyrgyz and Kazakh epics, the hero’s horse is his soul’s twin — loyal, wise, and endowed with supernatural intuition. The famous winged horse Tulpar, known across Central Asia, symbolizes divine inspiration and heroic strength.
Spiritual Significance
The horse represents the essence of freedom, courage, and spiritual vitality — known in Mongolian as khii mori, the “wind horse.” When one’s wind horse is strong, life flows harmoniously; when it falters, misfortune follows. The horse is also an ancestral totem, a guardian of destiny, and a vessel of life force. During spiritual rituals, its image is invoked to restore energy, guide the soul, or offer protection on journeys.
Biological Value
Wild horses, such as the Przewalski’s horse, are keystone species in steppe ecosystems. Their grazing maintains the balance between grassland and desert, promotes biodiversity, and prevents soil degradation. Reintroduction efforts in Mongolia and Kazakhstan have proven essential to restoring steppe ecology.
Indigenous Practices of Interaction
Among Mongolians and Kazakhs, horses are treated as members of the family. Owners sing morin duu — “horse songs” — to express gratitude and bond spiritually with the animal. Decorative saddles, mane ornaments, and ritual blessings mark the deep reverence for this creature. In some regions, a horse’s hair is woven into protective amulets, symbolizing an unbroken tie between human and nature.
Interesting Facts
Mongolian horses can travel up to 100 kilometers a day and survive harsh winters without shelter. The morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) of Mongolia, said to be inspired by the soul of a beloved horse, remains one of the country’s most iconic instruments.
Conservation Challenges
The wild Przewalski’s horse nearly vanished in the 20th century due to habitat loss and overhunting. Modern threats include desertification, competition with livestock, and shrinking grazing areas caused by climate change. Despite reintroduction programs, maintaining genetic diversity and habitat connectivity remains an urgent challenge.