Sheep Tussling
( 2005-09-13 )

Sheep tussling is a traditional cultural game of sport held on holy days and holidays of the Kazak Uygur, Kirgiz, Xibe, Ozbek, and other ethnic groups.

Before the tussling commences, the master of ceremonies first offers a prayer, and the competitors return a blessing. Then the master of ceremonies slaughters the animal and a signal is given to start the game, hence unfolding before the spectators the magnificence of the sport.

On the pastures one sees horses being whipped into a heated gallop while the riders overtake one another on horseback, and fighting for the slaughtered anima1. A lot of tugging and tussling back and forth goes on with no one easily giving up.

After a vigorous competition in strength, tactics, and horsemanship, the winner finally gets the animal, and the meat from the animal is called "lucky meat."