Young Nomads

A man without a horse is like a bird without wings (Mongolian Proverb). The life of Mongolian nomad families is based on a deep relationship with nature, a delicate reciprocal dependency that leads to a perfect equilibrium. Animals and humans are self-sustaining on the land, and nature finds its own balance through their livelihoods. The latter is the one in control, dictating rhythms and ways of living. It is a relation based on full respect where living creatures honor its force and power not for fear or due to hierarchies but with filial gratitude. The Mongolian steppe reminds us of the beauty of where we come from. Its vast and immense spaces arouse feelings of smallness and vulnerability despite all our humanly great deeds and achievements. Nomads living in the traditional Mongol fashion still hold more than 3 million animals, which outnumber the country's human population; it is even said that the horse to man ratio is about 7:1. More than a quarter of Mongolia's population is under 14 years of age, making the country one of the youngest in Asia. They are also the stars of the yearly Naadam festival races. Classified according to the age of the horse, children from 5-12 years old run up to 40km in the open steppe. Historically Mongolians have been horsemen almost from birth. Adults and children develop a special relationship with these animals; real work and entertainment companions of a lifetime.