American cowboys compete in Kyrgyzstan's Kok-Boru sport

A group of nine American ranchers and rodeo men, primarily from Utah, are competing in the World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The team is participating in Kok-Boru, a traditional Central Asian equestrian sport where riders attempt to grab a headless goat carcass from the ground and carry it to a goal.

Led by team captain Ladd Howell, the group traveled approximately 6,600 miles and spent nearly $100,000 on travel, equipment, and stipends to compete at this elite level. Although the United States has participated in the games since 2014, the team has yet to win a match in five tournaments, but they continue to return to compete in the intense sport.