Kazakh horseman sets Guinness World Record riding two horses
Young rider gallops two kilometers standing on two horses, marking milestone in Kazakhstan’s equestrian sport
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — A 20-year-old Kazakh rider has etched his name into the Guinness World Records after galloping two kilometers while balancing on two horses at a speed of 60 km/h, an achievement hailed as a landmark for the country’s equestrian tradition.
According to the Kazinform News Agency, the feat was accomplished by Ernar Zhasuzak, who also secured recognition in the Kazakhstan Book of Records. The stunt showcased both athletic skill and the deep cultural connection to horsemanship in Central Asia.
Zhasuzak said he prepared intensively for more than three months. Training days were marked by falls, exhausted horses, and moments of self-doubt, but he kept pushing toward a clear target. “I stayed focused on my goal and put in every effort to overcome the challenges,” he said after the attempt.
The record was set on September 20. Organizers allowed only two official runs, and Zhasuzak succeeded on the first, he said. The hardest part, according to the rider, was holding posture while controlling direction so neither horse drifted off course. He added that safety checks were part of the preparation, yet responsibility ultimately rested on him once the gallop began.
The performance taps into a wider Central Asian tradition of trick riding known locally as jigitovka—acrobatics on horseback that demand trust between rider and animals.
In Kazakhstan, equestrian heritage runs from long-distance steppe travel to competitive games such as kokpar (buzkashi), making the horse both a cultural symbol and a sporting partner.
Coaches and event stewards hailed the run as a showcase of discipline rather than spectacle alone, underscoring that record attempts require measured pacing and careful conditioning of the horses. Supporters said the ride could inspire young athletes to pursue equestrian sport with professionalism and respect for animal welfare.
Buoyed by the result, Zhasuzak said he is planning a new attempt next year, aiming to raise the technical difficulty while maintaining strict safety standards. The rider’s focus now, he said, is to recover, review training data, and refine technique for the next challenge.