Mongolia to Host World Horse Day

For the first time this year, Mongolia will host the traditional celebration of World Horse Day, which will gather around 10,000 riders from 56 countries.

The event will take place at the Khui Doloon Khudag area, located on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, from July 11 to 13, 2026. The organizers are currently working on creating a rich program that will showcase riding skills. Five themed zones are planned, featuring entertainment, hippotherapy, traditional healing methods, cultural events, and heritage bearers from all 21 aimags of the country.

It is worth noting that in 2013, an event was held at Khui Doloon Khudag that set a Guinness World Record, which included 3,000 horses and a parade of 10,000 riders in traditional outfits with full gear.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as of 2023, there are approximately 60.8 million horses in the world.

Mongolia has a vast number of horses that significantly exceeds its population. As of the end of 2023, there are 4.8 million registered horses in the country out of a total livestock population of 64.7 million. Horses play a key role in the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols and are actively used for riding and transporting goods. The horse occupies a central place in Mongolian culture, associated not only with traditional racing and the production of airag (fermented mare's milk) but also with various ceremonies, folk games, and public celebrations that accompany these traditions.