Centuries-old equestrian battle test originating when Kyrgyz herdsmen defended livestock against wolf packs on the high pastures. Two squads of 4 mounted riders compete to seize the serke (goat carcass / weighted leather replica) and gallop at high velocity to cast it into the opponent's elevated earthen goal ring called the Kazan.
Salburun synthesizes ancestral hunting arts: mounted archery (Jamby Atuu), golden eagle falconry (Burkutchuluk), and Taigan sight-hound coursing. Horse archers gallop down a 100-meter straight runway releasing composite horn bows within a narrow 6-second window at varied target distances and heights.
Held at the shores of alpine Lake Issyk-Kul with the snow-capped Tien Shan peaks as the natural stadium backdrop. The Games rely on legendary Central Asian horse breeds—the agile Novokirghiz and hardy Karabair—famed for endurance, footing over rocky steppes, and unmatched sprint acceleration.