Equestrian Tourism in North Khorasan: Iran’s Hub for Turkmen Horse Culture

Published on December 10, 2025

In the mountainous, culturally rich province of North Khorasan in northeastern Iran, a powerful engine for economic and social development is stirring, driven not by oil or industry, but by the proud sound of hooves. This region, a crossroad of history and nomadic tradition, is making a strategic push to become the national hub for equestrian tourism—a specialized sector that combines the thrill of sport, the beauty of nature, and the depth of authentic cultural experience.

Equestrian tourism, or horse tourism, is a growing niche globally, and North Khorasan, particularly areas like Raz and Jargalan, Bojnurd, Samalqan, and Shirvan, possesses special, irreplaceable capacities to lead this field in Iran. The potential for this type of tourism is deeply rooted in the province’s heritage, particularly among the Turkmen, Kormanj, and Turk ethnic groups, for whom the horse is far more than an animal—it is a vital symbol of ethnic identity and a companion forged over centuries.

The Noble Turkmen Horse: A Living Cultural Asset

Central to North Khorasan’s entire equestrian strategy is the Turkmen horse. This breed—which includes the noble Akhal-Teke and the resilient Yamut—is renowned globally for its endurance, bravery, intelligence, and slender, aristocratic body. Many locals regard the breeding of these horses as one of the toughest yet most rewarding jobs in the world.

The Turkmen horse is an important part of the region’s cultural identity. For tourists, an encounter with these magnificent animals is an opportunity to touch a living piece of history. The province has wisely leveraged this cultural asset by consistently hosting high-profile events:

• Traditional Horse Racing Competitions: Regular autumn and spring races, such as those held in Yekkeh Soud, attract both local participants and spectators, providing a thrilling spectacle.
• Horse Beauty Festivals: National festivals dedicated to the aesthetic qualities of the Turkmen horse bring breeders from five provinces, promoting the protection and development of the breed.
• Traditional Rituals: Horse-related rituals, woven into the fabric of local life, offer authentic cultural immersion that cannot be replicated in a standard resort setting.

These events are not just sporting contests; they are vibrant showcases of local culture, often accompanied by local music and traditional celebrations, transforming into powerful platforms for introducing the host communities’ way of life to a wider audience. Furthermore, the commitment to protecting this lineage is so strong that Iran and Turkmenistan are jointly seeking to put the Turkmen horses and their safeguarding practices forward for inclusion in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A Diverse Economic Development Path

The development of equestrian tourism in North Khorasan is viewed by officials like Ahmad Dinari, Head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, as a strategic path toward sustainable development. It offers a solution that addresses several economic and social goals simultaneously:

• Sustainable Employment: Creating jobs not just in horse riding and training, but also in specialized local businesses.
• Prosperity of Local Businesses: Tourism growth directly benefits local economies, specifically supporting businesses involved in:
  • Saddlery and equipment production.
  • Production and sale of local handicrafts.
  • The traditional food industry.
  • Ecotourism accommodations (e.g., local guesthouses).
• Non-Oil Exports: The breeding of purebred horses, noted for their quality and nobility, creates a valuable avenue for non-oil exports.
• Rural Revitalization: By focusing on regions like Raz and Jargalan, this type of tourism helps eliminate deprivation and promote economic growth in often-overlooked rural areas.

In recent years, the establishment of equestrian clubs in cities like Bojnurd, Shirvan, Esfarayen, and Ashkhaneh, alongside the continued operation of Turkmen horse breeding farms, has laid the necessary initial infrastructure.

Designing the Authentic Tourist Experience

To capitalize on this potential, the next crucial step involves creative packaging by travel agencies. The goal is to design special travel packages that offer tourists a comprehensive experience, rather than just a quick ride. These tours are envisioned to include:

• Authentic Accommodation: Tourists would stay in local ecotourism accommodations, offering a personal, genuine experience of local hospitality.
• Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to visit handicraft workshops and shops, and to engage directly with the culture of the Turkmen and Kormanj tribes.
• Interactive Riding: Structured activities allowing tourists to ride the horses and participate in the cultural events.

This combination of sports, culture, and nature appeals directly to the modern traveler who is increasingly seeking authentic and different experiences over standardized mass tourism. It promises to introduce a “new face of Iranian tourism to the world,” one where tradition, nature, and a powerful cultural narrative are intertwined. The sound of the hooves of Turkmen and Kormanj horses is set to become the sound of a thriving, sustainable economic future for North Khorasan.