Horse riding in Mongolia

Why Ride a Horse in Mongolia?

(What is so special about it?)

In Mongolia, horses are a vital part of the country’s culture and way of life. The horse population in Mongolia is approximately 4.3 million, which outnumbers the human population of around 3.35 million. Horses have been integral to the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle for centuries, enabling people to travel long distances, hunt, and maintain tight-knit communities. Riding a horse here offers an opportunity to connect with these long-standing traditions while exploring the country's stunning landscapes.

As you ride through Mongolia, you'll experience wide open steppes, peaceful deserts, and towering mountains. Mongolian horses are well-suited to the tough environment, offering a smooth ride through rugged terrain. These horses have been raised by nomads for generations and are highly adapted to the harsh conditions of the land. While they are domesticated and trained for riding, they still maintain a connection to their wild ancestors.

Where Can You Ride a Horse in Mongolia?

Terelj National Park: Located near Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park offers great opportunities for horseback riding, with scenic views and the chance to visit local nomadic families. However, be aware that during the summer months, the park can get quite busy with tourists. It’s still a beautiful spot for horseback riding, but if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons.
Khovsgol Lake: In northern Mongolia, Khovsgol Lake is surrounded by forests and mountains. This peaceful area is ideal for horseback riding, allowing you to explore natural beauty and visit herding families.
Orkhon Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Orkhon Valley features grassy plains, valleys, and historical sites. Horseback riding here lets you experience both natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
The Altai Mountains: In western Mongolia, the Altai Mountains offer rugged, remote landscapes. Horseback riding here provides views of snow-capped peaks and expansive valleys.

Tips for Riding a Mongolian Horse

1. Dress Comfortably: Wear long pants and sturdy boots to handle the rough terrain.

2. Commands: Mongolian horses respond to simple commands like “pull the rope” (stop) and “Chu Chu” (go). A little practice will help you get comfortable.

3. Mount from the Left: Traditionally, you mount the horse from the left side, so remember this when getting on.

The best time to ride in Mongolia is from June to September, when the weather is favorable and the grasslands are lush. If you’re in Mongolia in July, you can experience the Naadam Festival, which includes horse races and offers a rich insight into Mongolian culture. While horseback riding in Mongolia is generally more affordable compared to similar activities in many other countries, it can still be considered expensive depending on the region and time of year, especially during peak tourist seasons like the Naadam Festival when demand increases and prices rise.

Gentle Reminders about Horse Riding in Mongolia

Prepare for Rough Terrain: The landscape can be uneven and rocky, so be ready for a bumpy ride.
Horses May Need Time to Adjust: Mongolian horses are accustomed to experienced riders, so take it slow and follow your guide’s instructions.
Weather Can Change Quickly: The weather in Mongolia can change rapidly, so bring layers and be prepared for varying conditions.

How to ride Mongolian Horse

The character and taming ways of Mongolian horses are totally different from horses of other countries and the following things should be kept in special attention.
Stay away from a horse’s back (hind legs). Make noise, cough, or say something when approaching a horse from the horse’s back, if not, horses may kickback.
Do not pat horses, especially, the horse’s back.
Coming close to the horse, mounting, dismounting and other actions should be completed only from the left side of the horse.
Grab onto the front grip of the saddle (i.e. a pommel on a Western saddle) before putting the front of your left foot in the stirrup. Put the weight on your left leg as much as you can, swing up, and take your foot over into the right stirrup.
Do not put your feet too deep into the stirrups. You don't have to post when the horse is jogging. (This will prevent your foot from being caught in case of a falling.)
Do not roll the rein around your hand or legs while riding. (it will also prevent from being dragged in case of falling.)
The word choo! is the one thing every tourist learns, it means 'get going', or 'faster! The horse will start walking if stationary, from there you keep saying it when you want to 'shift up a gear' to jog/ lope/ gallop.
On sunny days, horses get distracted by mosquitos and move their heads wildly which could hit you.
Stay away from trash, bright-colored pieces on the ground or pieces stuck on the trees or bushes. The horse might get frightened from hiding rabbits, marmots, or some shiny items and could suddenly run wildly. Reign should be folded in hands in short at all times.
Do not change your clothes, take off clothes or let things hang off the horse while riding. Also, do not wear clothes that make sounds. There is a risk that loose ends start flapping in the wind, clothing items fall off the horse- all of which might startle a horse, yours, or of the fellow riders.
Keep in mind that the horse could slide on rainy, snowy, and wet days.
Have your guide hold the horse still if you're not confident
Do not use an umbrella during horse riding. Do not open an umbrella close to a horse.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while riding or working around horses.

Interesting facts about Mongolian horse

Mongolians do not name their horses. Horses are named after their color.
Mongolia has a lot of songs and poems dedicated to horses. Plus, songs about horses tend to become hit.
Mongolian nomad’s children learn to ride horses when they reach 3 years old.