Horse branding in Mongolia is an ancient tradition of Mongols that shows specific respect the horses. Mongolians have a tradition to brand their foаl in autumn, when foul is 2 or 3 years old branding event will take place in either autumn or spring. In the past horse brand made out the bronze only as time goes iron is the dominant material to produce horse brands.
Horse brand will be kept in felt made container and hung on top poles or (Uni or Унь – wooden pole to used stabilize the ger that connects walls and pillars) of the ger.
Before the branding starts brand must have to be purified over the fire and have to be poured milk or other dairy products as an offering and branding must be entwined by khadag (religious ceremonial scarf)
In the past, only man has to carry to brand on horseback by placing it between the belt it can not be hung from a saddle. When Mongols buy new branding from blacksmith it can not be bargained and has to be offered adequate price or gifted valuable gits to the blacksmith.
When branding the horse, the khadag has to be tied from the brand, and thigh or butt hair must be cut and watered before the branding starts. It is very important to not harm the horse during the branding ceremony the one who is branding makes sure that the horse is not harmed and at the same time, the brand is visible enough.
Mongolians usually brand in the left side of the thigh and or hip and can not be in other parts of the horse body. Only in exceptional cases, the right side is acceptable for the branding. It’s strictly forbidden to walk over on any horse equipment including horse brand as well. When branding the last horse from the herd praise must be told about horses to be healthy and growing.
The type of brand varies such as moon brand, sun brand, firebrand, and even “khas temdeg” or swastika brands are very popular in Mongolia. The swastika is a sacred symbol of our culture for thousands of years which represents eternity.
After the branding event, the feast has to happen for everyone who has participated in the ceremony.
