This is the ceremony of labor, which happened when the baby foal grown well and enough milk comes as a result of the good weather. In other words, this is the ceremony that symbolize the growing of horse and animals and having much more airag (fermented mare’s milk). There is a custom to celebrate the occasion of fermenting mare’s milk with a feast, which is held within three days of the tethering. The ceremony is celebrated for the means of summoning prosperity to receive plenty of growth of horse herd, the abundance of airag (fermented mare’s milk) and other dairy products and blessing the newborn animals. During the ceremony the proceedings of tethering the foals, milking the mares, ritual of milk libation, recitation of milk libation and anointment, and sharing the ceremonial mutton and mare milking feast are carried out alternately.

“The Spirit of the Steppe: Mongolian Horse Culture” takes viewers on a powerful journey into the heart of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage—where horses are more than animals; they are partners in survival, symbols of strength, and spiritual companions.\n\nFor centuries, Mongolians have relied on horses for hunting, warfare, migration, transport, food, and drink. From galloping across the steppe to brewing healing mare’s milk (airag), horses are central to every aspect of nomadic life. Their unmatched endurance, compact build, and gentle temperament make Mongolian horses ideal for long rides, harsh climates, and riders of all ages.\n\nThis documentary explores how foals are trained from a young age, classified into herding, racing, catching, or event horses, and how they are selected for leadership based on traits like stamina, courage, and gait. Viewers will also discover Mongolia’s diverse horse breeds—like Galshar, Tesin Gol, and Darkhad—each adapted to different terrains, from desert to mountains.\n\nWith deep respect, herders care for their horses using centuries-old techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and mindful riding practices. Tools like saddles, bridles, hobbles, and brushes are passed down through generations, and always stored in the honored western side of the ger.\n\nThe film also highlights horse-related rituals and songs, sung when milking mares, calming foals, or praising racehorses. These traditions, rich in emotion and wisdom, echo the unique bond between herder and horse—a bond built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.\n\nMongolian horses are not only fast and hardy—they’re loyal, intuitive, and capable of navigating home across vast distances. With each gallop, they carry the legacy of the steppe.

Traditional Technique of Making Airag\nThe occasion of fermenting a mare’s milk is celebrated with a feast that is held within three days of tethering foals. The ceremony is held to summon prosperity, to encourage horse herds to multiply, to wish for an abundance of airag (fermented mare’s milk) and other dairy products, and to bless newborn animals. During the ceremony, the proceedings (tethering foals, milking mares, holding a milk libation ritual, reciting milk libation and anointment, and sharing the ceremonial mutton and mare milking feast) are carried out alternately.