On day two of the World Nomad Games in Cholpon‑Ata, Kyrgyzstan, a small group of American cowboys rode into the dusty arena to compete in Kok‑Boru, the region’s centuries‑old equestrian sport. Led by team captain Ladd Howell, a Mormon cattle rancher who speaks fluent Russian, the nine‑man squad—most hailing from Utah—spent two weeks away from their families and ranches, investing nearly $100,000 in travel, gear, and stipends to represent the United States.
What is Kok‑Boru?
Kok‑Boru, sometimes likened to polo, challenges riders to snatch a 70‑pound stuffed goat carcass from the ground and toss it into a goal called a taikazan. The sport demands extreme horsemanship, strength, and courage; horses and riders alike endure a grueling, dust‑filled contest that few outsiders master.
American participation and purpose
U.S. teams have attended the Games since 2014, though they have yet to win a match. This year’s record 52 American athletes included the nine‑man Kok‑Boru crew, whose ages range from 25 to 50, with one player even a grandfather. Howell explained the team’s mission: “When the Games are over, people will know the culture in the US is amazing and authentic. After they meet us here with our cowboy hats, we want them to remember, ‘Hey, the cowboys are good guys.’”
Beyond competition, the team serves as cultural ambassadors. Howell, a former missionary in St. Petersburg, translates for the squad and shares stories of faith, family, and traditional cowboy values. “We stand for our country, for our families, for cowboy culture, and definitely for our religion,” he said.
Local and global significance
The Games, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, draw over 3,000 athletes from 112 nations. They also function as a soft‑power platform, attracting leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov used the event to signal the nation’s growing global presence ahead of upcoming elections.
For the American cowboys, the experience blends sport, faith, and cultural exchange. As physiotherapist Hayden Hilke noted, “These guys are a different breed—lifelong horsemen looking for the next challenge.” Their participation underscores how traditional sports can bridge continents while highlighting the values of faith, family, and liberty that define their community.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
