Altai mountain meadows

Horses and cows pasture freely in the Altai mountain meadows. From afar it seems that the grass in the valley is neatly trimmed. But in fact it is the domestic cattle that copes with it no worse that a lawn mower.

Altai people love beef and horseflesh and actually breed cows and horses for meat. Dairy products are less popular, although koumiss (a fermented dairy product traditionally made from mare's milk) is loved by all the natives.

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Looking at the graceful horses, it is bizarre to think that they are only used for food and as a means of transportation. On the other hand, where else would you see so many horses?

Text and photo: Dmitriy Strakhov