A Study on the Horse Racing Culture in Ancient Tibet

Abstract

Horse racing is a traditional folk sport culture formed in the special geographical environment, living area and religious belief. Horse Racing made nomadic sonorous and powerful, the formation of moral value orientation of advocating bravery and fair competition. This thesis based on Tibetan historical documents on the origin, development and evolution of the ancient Horse Racing in Tibet. Tibetan people are fond and proud of the “Horse Racing Winning the Crown” excerpt from noted Tibetan heroic epic “<i>Gesar</i>” sung by the Tibetan people for thousands of years. Ancient Horse Racing was derived from the prehistoric era of heroic history. In Tubo and Qing Dynasty, with development of politics and economy, Horse Racing integrated with the cultures of the surrounding countries. Horse Racing becomes a unique military, sport and cultural activity. It enriches the folklore content of Tibetan ancient society and people’s interest in life, showing the spiritual and cultural value of “Nationality on Horseback”.