TEHRAN – Sanandazi, western Iran, held its first festival of Kurdish purebred horses on Friday, attracting equestrians and horse enthusiasts from all over the country.
75 riders from 10 states of Kordestan, Lorestan, Ilam, Karmanshah, West Azarbaijan, East Zarbaijan, Isfahan, Karman, Markaj and Aldabil participated in the festival, CHTN quoted the head of the Kurdistan Equestrian Federation on Saturday.
The riders showed off their horses and performed riding techniques on traditional Kurdish-style horses, highlighting the unique skills and legacy associated with the region, Feizora Pili added.
“The main goal of this festival was to promote pure Kurdish horses, increase the general familiarity with this native breed, and promote social pleasure and community involvement. Along with equestrian performances, participants enjoyed a variety of cultural and artistic programs, including live Kurdish music,” explained Pili.
He also said that Kurdish horses, currently undergoing the international registration process through the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran, are considered one of the most valuable horse breeds in the world.
Kurdish horses, derived from the Kurdish regions of Iran, particularly Kurdistan and Kamanshah, are recognized as one of the nation’s indigenous horse breeds, along with the horses of the Caspian Islands, Turkmen and Darlev Shri.
Currently, there are approximately 3,000 purebred Kurdish horses in Kordestan. Piri emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving the genetic heritage of this ancient variety.
The event was held in collaboration with the Kordestan Equestrian Federation and the city of Sanandazi.
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