DUSHANBE, July 10, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- An international horse festival, At Chabysh-Murgab 2010, is expected to take place in Murgab district, Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) from July 17-18.

According to CA-News (KG), Ms. Jacqueline Ripart, founder and director of the Kyrgyz Ate Foundation remarked this at a news conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on July 9.

Ms. Ripart noted that the main objective of the festival was in promoting development of cultural and sports events in the region.  

The festival program includes long-distance horse races (endurance) and a number of Kyrgyz national horse competitions games.

The Kyrgyz Ate Foundation develops a comprehensive program aimed at preserving and rehabilitating the Kyrgyz horse breed and promoting enhancement of sports and tourism (in particular ecotourism) sectors, and handicraft industry.