Decline in horse rearing challenges Pazaap tradition

2026-03-03 - 08:34

Local leaders are not only encouraging more young people to become Pazaaps, but they are also exploring ways to address the horse shortage to sustain the Pazaap tradition during the Punakha Dromchhoe. Communities no longer practise horse rearing and training. As a result, local leaders find it increasingly difficult to source riding horses and now hire untrained horses. Each year, during the annual Punakha Dromchhoe, the Zimpoen and the Gups of the eight gewogs ride on horseback as part of the ceremony. Every gewog requires two horses. The Zimpoen rides the horse and symbolically leads the Pazaaps as if heading into battle. These roles require well-trained horses and confident riders who can control them with precision. However, securing enough suitable horses has become a challenge. “We need 16 horses for our eight Gups, as both the Gups and the Zimpoen are required to ride. However, due to the shortage of horses, our Gups often go without. To manage, we hire horses from other districts and communities,” said Kinley, Pazaap, Maedwang Gewog, Thimphu. This year, the shortage has been particularly evident. As communities no longer rear horses, some Gups have hired animals from Layaps currently in Punakha, while others have sourced them from different areas. A few gewogs managed to secure only one horse instead of two. Many of the horses are not properly trained, raising safety concerns for the riders. Local leaders say this has been an ongoing issue for several years. The cost of hiring horses has also increased, with Gups now paying around Nu 2,500 per horse per day, compared to Nu 1,500 to 2,000 previously. “During my tenure, I have had to arrange horses from other districts, as there are none in Punakha. Gasa is the only district with horses. According to the records, there are only about ten horses across the eleven gewogs in Punakha. In my own gewog, Kabisa, there is not a single horse,” said Sonam Dorji, Dzongkhag Tshogdu Thrizin, Punakha. “When Dromchhoe takes place, we are required to ride horses as part of the tradition. However, it is difficult to find suitable horses. It is equally challenging to obtain saddles, horsemen and the necessary ornamental items,” said Dophu, Pazaap, Kabisa, Punakha. Local leaders say that unless they explore practical solutions soon, the shortage of horses could affect how the tradition is carried out in the future. Punakha Dzongkhag Tshogdu plans to discuss the matter soon. Changa Dorji, Punakha Edited by Sangay Chezom