Lassoo Pole!

These photos and the ones on the next post all record the use of the lassoo pole, the Mongolian cowboy's means of catching foals or mares (or any other animal, for that matter). Bold's son and a neighbor and a passing guide all took part in it. They said they were capturing the foals to keep them from nursing from the mares, so that they could then milk the mares and then make "airag", which is fermented mare's milk, an alcoholic beverage much beloved by the nomads.It was thrilling to watch something I had only read about.
The pole is about 15 feet long and very pliable. It is operated with one hand, while the rider stands in his stirrups and controls his mount with the other hand. Quite a feat!
Bold's son was good, but missed more than once.
The foals are tied to a length of rope. They hated it..fought and bucked like crazy.