Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

An international tournament in CSI2 * W category kicked off at the equestrian center "Sarhadchi", which is located in Absheron district of Novkhani, on July 5.

"Thirteen jockeys and 27 horses from Azerbaijan, Georgia and Poland are taking part in the contest, which will run until July 8 in two types," Secretary General of the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan Bahruz Nabiyev said.

Azerbaijani jockey Rahib Ismailov with his horse Velga and Georgian Shalva Gachechiladze with his horse Chewing Gum were the winners on the first day of the tournament, with 55.52 and 61.23 points respectively.

The panel of judges includes 8 arbitrators from Turkey and Iran. Total prize money is 40,000 euros.

Horses have been a matter of pride and dignity for the Azerbaijanis for centuries. Azerbaijani epic literature represents a number of legendary horses, such as Girat of national hero Koroghlu or Bozat of another hero, Gachag Nabi, which throughout history came to the rescue of their masters, keeping them away from danger.

Azerbaijan has long had favorable geographical and climatic conditions for animal breeding and equestrian development. The first presence of horses in this region dates back to 5,000 B.C.E.

The famed Karabakh horses, valued for their endurance in mountainous terrain, mild temper and dense chestnut color, are considered to be a national animal of Azerbaijan.