The snowy Josholu Mountains are home to the legendary Kyrgyz heroes – Alymbek Datka and Alay empress Kurmanjan. Kanybek Myrzamatov was born and grew up in Josholu village, where people have lived off livestock and the land for centuries.In 2008, Kanybek’s horse breeding business required additional funds, and he used his first loan from Bai-Tushum & Partners Microfinance Company to purchase two pedigree mares. He started selling mares’ milk (kumys), which is healthy for adults and children alike.
“I always tell my wife that the horses belong to Bai-Tushum & Partners, because they give a lot of milk, and the word Bai-Tushum means ‘rich harvest’,” says Kanybek. Kanybek took a second loan to purchase a New Kyrgyz breed pedigree stallion. And if a pedigreed horse shows good qualities, such as extraordinary speed or strength, it fetches a much higher price.
“I myself train and take care of them every day,” recalls Kanybek proudly. “In some cases I sold a horse for a very good price and I used the money I received to expand my house. Such is life – nothing comes easily.”
