American Cowboys Compete in Fifth World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan
The U.S. Kokpar Team Competes in Kazakhstan at the World Nomad Games
ASTANA—The U.S. kokpar team has arrived in Kazakhstan to participate in ethnic equestrian sports at the fifth World Nomad Games, as reported by Kazinform. The team captain, Ladd Howell, expressed his lifelong passion for horses, which started with his interest in American professional rodeo. In 2018, he discovered kokpar through a YouTube video and was instantly captivated by the sport.
After being invited by a friend to play kokpar at the third World Nomad Games in the Kyrgyz Republic, Howell had his first hands-on experience with the game, solidifying his passion for it. Despite the absence of kokpar games in the U.S., Howell pointed out the similarities between kokpar and American rodeo in promoting hard work, horsemanship, and dedication among participants.
The U.S. team will be using horses provided by Kazakhstan for the competition, training with them to determine which ones are best suited for offensive and defensive roles. Scott Zimmerman, the team’s second captain, expressed optimism for a strong performance at the games and emphasized the team’s goal of sharing Western American cowboy culture and embracing Central Asian cultures.
Zimmerman also highlighted the team’s efforts to promote kokpar in the U.S., believing it would resonate with cowboys and Western American culture due to its emphasis on horsemanship and competitive spirit. By participating in the World Nomad Games since 2018, the team has been able to deepen their understanding of Central Asian culture and ethnic sports.
