Yabusame (Horseback Archery)

Horseback archery has an interesting place in Japanese culture. It is now a purely ceremonial event that can be seen across the country. I was fortunate enough to discover that a small Yabusame association chapter held a competition just up the street from a local station, so I went with some friend to see this […]

Paved Road

Horse-trodden slopes that Elevate frozen sounds Of lucid dreams to create A precipice I look down Upon my silken throne. Tattered lights peek around The shaggy grills of buses To illuminate brittle stones That resemble cloud-soaked Skies until it dawns upon A closer view of decline. Sharp breezes that dance A solemn waltz which kicks […]

Game Day

On carpeted tables with Horses and Camels, We gather around The table to compete. First, with polished ankle Of sheep and goat, We learn how the pieces Fall on the table And how we are to Send them flying With terse jabs Into one another. Hit likes with likes, Take a bone. Hit more than […]

Naadam: Ankle Bones

This post is part of a four-part series on Mogolian Naadam (Three Manly Sports). Naadam is a festival traditionally held within the first half of July every year in Mongolia. You can read the other sections here: Horse Racing, Wrestling, Archery. Ankle bones are a popular game to play in Mongolia, and the Mongolian term for ankle […]

Naadam: Horse Racing

This post is part of a four-part series on Mogolian Naadam (Three Manly Sports). Naadam is a festival traditionally held within the first half of July every year in Mongolia. You can read the other sections here: Wrestling, Archery, Ankle Bones. “Summer, when there is least work to do and the pasture is at its […]

Pony Up

Horses. Most of us think of them as gallant beasts that work in cooperation with humans. They are have an almost mystic air about them: Their elegance and beauty admired by many. It will come as no surprise then should I offend with the following post. There are certain food taboos in every culture. You […]