The town of Shawes in the Kurdish capital city of Erbil hosted an equestrian competition that drew 25 riders and showcased some of the finest horses in the region, with a few valued at up to $10 million. The event took place in favorable weather, adding excitement to the contest.
Participants covered a distance of 40 kilometers, with rest breaks every 10 kilometers. Heart rate monitoring was used to evaluate the endurance of the horses, with readings between 60 and 66 considered standard, while the strongest horses achieved rates as low as 50 to 55. Organizers emphasized the importance of continuing such events, noting that international standards in this category reach 140 to 160 kilometers. They expressed hope that future competitions in Erbil would expand to meet global levels.
Equestrianism holds a prominent place in Kurdish culture and history, where heroes are often depicted as master horsemen with powerful purebred horses. This tradition continues today, as increasing numbers of young men and women pursue equestrian training, reflecting the enduring passion for horseback riding across the Kurdistan Region.
