Kokpar is played on a large open field. Two teams — each with a number of skilled riders — gallop at full speed across the ground, leaning low from their saddles to grab the stuffed pouch, wrestle it from opponents, and carry it toward the goal. The horses are trained athletes in their own right, quick to turn and incredibly responsive to their riders.
Riding is part of everyday life in Kazakh culture — children often learn to ride before they can properly read or write. Horses feature in Kazakh songs, poetry, and proverbs. The saying 'a Kazakh is born on a horse' captures how central the animal is to the culture and history of the steppe.
Kokpar is played at Nauryz (the spring new year) and at national celebrations called Qazaqstan Respublikasy Kuni. Watching a match is loud, colourful and exciting — riders in bright costumes weave and gallop while crowds cheer from the sidelines.
The sport has been part of the Kazakh nomadic tradition for centuries. Today it is also played competitively across Central Asia and is recognised as an important piece of living cultural heritage. Some competitions have formal rules and referees, while village games are more free-flowing and informal.