Horses have been integral to Kazakh culture and nomadic life for centuries, valued for transportation, food, and companionship. Kazakhstan is actively preserving native horse breeds like Kushum and Kostanai while also working to reintroduce the rare Przewalski’s horse, the last true wild horse subspecies that vanished from the wild in 1969. Since 2024, groups of these horses have been brought from Prague Zoo to adapt to the harsh Kazakh steppe, with plans to release 40-45 individuals into the Altyn Dala Nature Reserve by 2029. This conservation effort not only protects the species but also benefits the ecosystem by supporting biodiversity and reducing wildfire risks.

Beyond conservation, Kazakhstan maintains a strong horse breeding tradition, with native breeds adapted to local conditions and more cost-effective than cattle farming. Recent laws aim to preserve these breeds for agriculture and sports, where Kazakh horses continue to excel internationally. Traditional equestrian sports like kokpar and baige have seen a revival, drawing large audiences and fostering national pride. With state support, these sports have the potential to gain recognition at major events like the Asian Games and Olympics, reinforcing the horse’s enduring cultural and sporting legacy in Kazakhstan.