Winter Food Security
Horse care and grazing practices in Kyrgyzstan differ significantly from those in many other countries. Thanks to the favorable summer climate, horses are taken to high-altitude pastures ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 meters, where the vegetation is rich and diverse. This allows them to build up essential nutrients and vitamins needed to withstand the harsh winter months.
Although Kyrgyz winters can be severe, local horses are well-adapted to these conditions. They have the instinct and ability to forage for grass beneath the snow, which helps them survive in the wild.
However, each season presents its own risks and challenges.
In summer, when herds roam freely in the mountains, there is a constant risk of horses falling from steep cliffs or rocky terrain. To prevent accidents, herders must regularly monitor the herd and guide them to safer areas.
In winter, the primary threat comes from wolves. As food becomes scarce in the mountains, wolves descend to lower pastures in search of prey and often target horse herds, causing significant losses to livestock.
To reduce the risk of attacks and ensure the horses’ survival during winter (from December to the end of March), we bring the herds into shelter at night and provide them with supplemental feed. This not only protects them from predators but also ensures they maintain strength and health through the coldest months.
For the upcoming 2025-2026 season we must stock up on 25 tons of barley and 1000 bales of dried clover in order to have a safe winter season.
Support the Project:
Annual Preservation Fund Donation
€ 25
Other ways to support the project:
-
Visit Our Shop
With each product sold, the maximum portion of the profits goes directly towards supporting our association's initiatives. By purchasing our products, not only will you be acquiring high-quality items crafted with care, but you will also become an integral part of the mission to safeguard and revive the Chaar Appaloosa horses here in Kyrgyzstan.
-
Make a Donation
Our Association is a an official registered non-profit with our head office in France. We graciously accept any amount you feel comfortable contributing and you can be sure that your money is going directly to the conservation of the breed and Kyrgyz culture. Thank you for your support!
-
Share With Friends & Family
Support doesn’t just mean the monetary kind, one of our core goals is to raise international awareness of the Chaar horse. We appreciate any time you take to talk to your networks, horsey or not, to spread the word about our projects in your home country. Here you will find important information and links to our social media accounts.