MONGOLIA: Light and quick, children have traditionally taken the lead in Mongolian horse racing. However, the dangers of this sport make it far from just fun and games. In Mongolia, horses represent much more than mere animals; they symbolize the spirit of the nation. Horse racing plays a vital role in Mongolian culture. The connection between humans and horses is built on trust and skill on the vast steppe. Although young jockeys are honored as keepers of nomadic tradition, their involvement in tough, high-stakes races brings up concerns about how to maintain this age-old practice while also ensuring the safety of children. The growing commercialization has increased pressure on these young riders, transforming a cultural event into a high-risk business where children’s well-being can sometimes take a back seat to profit. “Horse racing events have shifted from traditional celebrations to commercial activities focused on making money, happening not only in summer but all year round,” explains Amaraa Dorjsambuu, a child protection expert with Unicef Mongolia. “Children face significant risks of injuries and even death.”
- Pray that God will protect the lives and health of children who participate as jockeys, shielding them from injury and death, and that His hand of safety will rest upon them amid dangerous conditions (The Holy Bible, Psalm 91:11).
- Pray that community leaders, race organizers, and policymakers will receive wisdom and compassion from God to prioritize the well-being of children over profit and to preserve cultural traditions without exploiting young lives (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 31:8).
News Source: South China Morning Post
Image Source: Canva
