“A fast horse and a soaring eagle are the wings of a nomad” is a Kazakh proverb. The Eagle Festival takes place every October in Ulgii, where close to 80 hunters gather. After two days of grueling competition where the bonds between the hunters and their eagles are tested, the title of “best eagle hunter of the year” is awarded. More than the competition, the gathering is an opportunity for hunters to share stories and compare notes on their hunting practices.
Khaizim has a strong work ethic, taking care of her parents and learning the tradition of eagle hunting. Eagle hunting is traditionally passed down among male relatives. Female hunters are rare but there are no religious or cultural prohibitions against a girl who wishes to train and fly eagles. Khaizim started riding horses at age three and got her first eagle at age 10. Her outfit is made of furs of animals she hunted herself.
