{"id":12729,"date":"2026-03-23T06:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T21:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ashu-travel.com\/news\/must-read-manual-before-horse-riding-in-kyrgyzstan-precautions-and-safety-guide-explained-in-detail-by-our-local-staff\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T21:06:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T12:06:56","slug":"kyrgyzstan-horse-riding-safety-guide","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/ashu-travel.com\/en\/news\/kyrgyzstan-horse-riding-safety-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Must-Read Manual Before Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan | Precautions and Safety Guide [Explained in Detail by Our Local Staff]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u25c6 Horse riding involves risk.
\n\u25c6 Whether you are joining an ASHU TRAVEL tour or planning to ride in Kyrgyzstan on your own, please read this, whether you are new to riding or experienced.
\n\u25c6 Our company cannot accept any responsibility for accidents or injuries. Please take out your own travel insurance.
\n* We ask all guests to sign a waiver before riding.<\/p>
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Salamatsyzby! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, your guide to spectacular horse riding journeys in Central Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be honest, I still can’t quite say “drrrr.” “Drrrr” is the rolled-tongue sound Kyrgyz riders use to calm their horses. Our guests are usually better at it than I am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, I didn’t give up, and I’ve kept on riding again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This manual is packed with what I learned from our director Nuriya and local instructors, plus all the things I thought “I wish I had known this!” while riding myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just keeping this knowledge from the field in mind makes a huge difference to both your safety and your enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Appeal of Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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“What’s the difference between riding in Mongolia and in Kyrgyzstan?” We get asked this a lot. The biggest difference is the mountains. In some places, you ride through mountains over 3,000 m high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are no fences and no set courses. As you climb the slopes of the Tian Shan and glance to the side, the rocky peaks you were looking up at a moment ago are now below you. That feeling is something only riding in Kyrgyzstan can give you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have covered this in detail in a separate article, so please read it as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 [Link] 5 Reasons to Love Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Things to Keep in Mind for Riding in Kyrgyzstan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u2460 It’s completely different from riding in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Riding in Kyrgyzstan is fundamentally different from the way it is done at riding clubs in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Japan, riding is based on Thoroughbreds, and you learn technique inside a fenced arena under set rules. Kyrgyz horses, on the other hand, are bigger than Mongolian horses but shorter than Japanese horses, and you ride them in mountainous terrain with no fences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have been to a riding club in Japan myself, and both the size of the horses and the way the reins are handled were completely different. It felt like a different activity altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0\ufe0f Riders used to the Japanese style are often the ones who let their guard down. First, keep in mind that “the way it’s done is different,” and listen to the instructor’s explanation as if starting from zero.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2461 Don’t tough it out at high altitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

About 94% of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous. If you feel a headache, dizziness, shortness of breath or nausea at high altitude, tell your guide right away. Don’t try to tough it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2462 Trust your horse and stay calm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kyrgyz horses are born and raised in terrain full of steep climbs, steep descents and rocky paths. They keep their footing firmly even on steep slopes. Trust your horse, relax your body and ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0\ufe0f However, horses quickly sense when you feel scared, and an anxious horse may move unexpectedly. If you get scared, don’t push yourself: tell your guide and stop for a moment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2463 Horses in winter are different from horses in summer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During winter, Kyrgyz horses spend most of their time in the stable for long periods. Horses suddenly called out for a tour may be excited and act up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On winter tours, especially during the first ride, watch your horse’s behavior closely and follow your guide’s instructions. Even on canter tours, the guide may call off cantering if they judge it to be dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Riding in Kyrgyzstan | What to Bring, What to Wear and Your Physical Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Clothing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Upper body: A long-sleeved shirt or polo shirt. Always bring a fleece or windbreaker. When going to high altitudes, don’t forget a light down jacket, even in summer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lower body: Long pants that are easy to move in. Please avoid loose pants and skirts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Shoes: Sneakers or riding boots. Sandals, high heels and hiking boots risk getting caught in the stirrups if you fall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Gloves: Thin leather gloves or cotton work gloves. In winter, two layers are warmer but make the reins harder to handle, so we recommend a thin pair plus a thick pair.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    What to bring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Water, passport, credit card<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Raincoat or windproof outer layer (essential)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, lip balm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A waist pouch is recommended. Shoulder bags can fall off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Half chaps and helmets are lent free of charge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      * When it’s hot, you can leave your jacket in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Before Riding in Kyrgyzstan | 6 Precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      \u2460 Don’t stand behind a horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The area behind a horse is its blind spot. If startled, it may kick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2461 Always mount and dismount from the left side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      This is a universal rule. If you try to mount from the right, the horse will be startled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2462 Don’t mount or dismount until you’re given the signal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Mounting and dismounting are moments when you are vulnerable. Follow the instructions of the instructor or guide, and don’t act on your own judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2463 Have your stirrup length adjusted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      As soon as you are in the saddle, have the instructor adjust the length of your stirrups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Length guideline: your legs should not be overextended, and you should be able to straighten them when you lean back to stop the horse. At first, slightly shorter is safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2464Don’t put your feet too deep into the stirrups<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If your foot gets caught when you fall, it can be life-threatening. Ride with the stirrup in front of the arch of your foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2465 Follow instructions on how to hold the reins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      How to hold the reins can vary depending on the riding area and the horse. Even if it differs from what you learned in Japan, give priority to the instructions of the instructor on the spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While Riding in Kyrgyzstan | Basic Horse Controls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      Kyrgyz horses are raised with Kyrgyz words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Go: “Chuu!”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Lean your weight slightly forward, say “Chuu!”, and lightly kick the horse’s belly with both legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, some horses will start running if you kick too hard. At first, be gentle and find the right amount while watching how the horse responds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Stop \/ calm down: “Drrrr~”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Straighten your back, shift your weight back, pull the reins toward you, and say “Drrrr~” with a rolled tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The trick is rolling your tongue. I still find it hard to say, but try it while copying your guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Changing direction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Shift your weight toward the direction you want to go and slowly pull the rein on that side. Don’t yank it with force; be gentle but clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While Riding in Kyrgyzstan | Reading Your Horse’s Mood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      A horse’s ears are a barometer of its emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      [Danger level: Low] <\/strong>Ears pointing left and right: relaxed and observing its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      [Danger level: Medium] <\/strong>Ears pricked straight forward: focused on what is ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      [Danger level: High] <\/strong>Ears pinned flat and back: there is a good chance the horse is angry. Don’t try to force control; tell the staff right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While Riding in Kyrgyzstan | 3 Precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      \u2460 Don’t canter on your own<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Cantering is allowed only after the guide and instructor have checked the horse’s condition, how well horse and rider get along, and the terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If the guide judges it to be dangerous, they may tell you to stop in the middle of a canter. Please follow their instructions immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Also, if you canter on your own, the instructor will come to stop you, and the horses may start fighting each other. Please don’t act on your own judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2461 Don’t approach other horses on the road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      You may meet other horses on mountain paths or in villages. Horses may start playing or racing with each other, so if you see one, don’t approach it; stay behind the instructor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2462 Keep your distance between horses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      When riding in Kyrgyzstan, you may ride horses gathered from different parts of a village. Often the horses are meeting for the first time and don’t get along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Always keep at least one horse length between you and the horses in front and behind. If they get too close, horses may kick each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A Video to Watch Before You Ride<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Nuriya, the director of ASHU TRAVEL, clearly explains the precautions for riding in Kyrgyzstan. These are the words of a professional guide who has led more than 3,000 people. Please watch it before reading the manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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