Photo courtesy Archives J. Ripart

You may not know, but here is the Kyrgyz Horse! Yes, there are English horses, Arab horses, Akhal Tekin horses, and the Kyrgyz horses! 

Today we talk to French Jacqueline Ripart, who has been working on saving Kyrgyz horses for 20 years. We touched upon issues like the origin of the Kyrgyz horse, its comparison to other breeds, and the importance of protecting these equine mountains natives of Central Asia. I also found out and that Jacqueline eats horse meat. I was so happy, now I understand why I can relate to her because I love horse meat! I am kidding, there is much more to it, of course!

Jacqueline Ripart was detained in China’s Kyrgyz region. Before that she was announced a persona non grata in Tajikistan, where she helped to create the most prestigious cultural event in this part of High Pamir called At-Chabysh or Horse Riding. And all because she supports minorities.

She has been tirelessly working to raise awareness about the people in these isolated places on Earth – the Pamir Mountains, for which I have tremendous respect for her.

You may contact Madam Ripart by email at jacquelineripart@gmail.com. She is also on Facebook, type her name. She also has a website atchabysh.info/en/kyrgyz-ate-foundation, where you find out more about the NGO which works for the protection and the promotion of the Kyrgyz horse and the equestrian traditions of the nomads.

This episode is also available on major podcast platforms as Apple Podcast.

Your Janyl Jusupjan

Chaï Latte & Salt, Central Asia’s Culture Podcast

www,janyljusupjan.com