**For the first time, the Kyrgyzstan Championship in Horse Tourism will be held on Issyk-Kul**
The hippodrome in the city of Cholpon-Ata is preparing to host a historic event: on April 25, 2026, the first Championship in Horse Tourism in the republic’s history will start here. The organization of the large-scale tournament is handled by the Federation of Sports Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the Directorate for Non-Olympic Sports.
The central event of the program will be the passage of the ‘Long Distance’ of the third class of difficulty. This challenge is designed to test athletes on endurance, navigation skills in field conditions, and the ability to work in tandem with an animal. Teams from different regions of the country will compete for medals, with juniors (born 2009–2012) competing against experienced riders.
Issues of safety and ethical treatment of horses are prioritized by the organizers. Only animals older than 5 years that have successfully passed a preliminary veterinary examination will be allowed to compete. For the athletes themselves, the mandatory requirement is to have a helmet and specialized footwear. From technical equipment, riders will need a compass, stopwatch, and a mobile phone, which will be sealed by the judging panel during the race.
Winners and prize-winners of the championship will be awarded medals, diplomas, and valuable gifts. For participants who cannot bring their own horses, a limited reserve of horses for rent is provided directly on site.
It is expected that the championship will give a powerful impetus to the popularization of equestrian sports in Kyrgyzstan and increase the tourist attractiveness of the Issyk-Kul region. Applications for participation are accepted until April 22.
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