A Comparative Assessment on Horse Breeding in Türkiye and Kazakhstan

Abstract

The horse has played a pivotal role in the cultural, social, and economic development of Turkic societies, and in this context, Türkiye and Kazakhstan are regarded as two of the most significant centers of equine culture. Both nations share a nomadic heritage and a long standing tradition of relying on horses for transportation, warfare, and subsistence. Nevertheless, their breeding objectives, management practices, and socioeconomic priorities have gradually diverged over time due to differences in geography, climate, and historical trajectories. In Türkiye, horse breeding historically emphasized performance, conformation, and aesthetic qualities, particularly for cavalry, ceremonial use, and later, sport and racing purposes. Modern programs focus on the development of purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Despite a decline in overall horse numbers, traditional equestrian sports such as javelin and pacing continue to preserve cultural identity and strengthen the symbolic significance of horses in Turkish society. In contrast, Kazakhstan maintains a more extensive, multipurpose system rooted in the nomadic tabun management approach. Kazakh horses have evolved under year-round herd grazing, developing exceptional resilience, endurance, and adaptability to extreme continental climates. They serve as sources of milk (kumis), meat (kazy), and transportation, making them central to rural economies. Modern breeding has refined specialized lines, including Kushum, Mugalzhar, Adai, and Zhabe, which demonstrate superior productivity, environmental adaptation, and athletic performance. This comparative review examines historical development, breeding practices, biological traits, and socio economic roles of horses in Türkiye and Kazakhstan. Highlighting contrasts between controlled and herd-based systems, it provides insights for conservation, genetic improvement, and sustainable equine management while emphasizing the horse’s enduring role as a cultural, ecological, and economic asset.