Kazakhstan Ranks Fourth Globally in Horse Population

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan has ranked fourth in the world in terms of horse population, with the country recording 4.4 million horses at the end of 2024, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The country has maintained its position among the world’s leading nations in horse population for several years, with the number of horses steadily increasing from 3.1 million in 2020 to 3.5 million in 2021, 3.8 million in 2022 and 3.9 million in 2023.

Turkistan region recorded Kazakhstan’s largest horse population in 2024, with approximately 499,900 horses. It was followed by Abai region with 409,300, Aktobe region with 399,700 and Karaganda region with 399,000 horses.

The growth continued in 2025, when Kazakhstan’s horse population reached 4.6 million, representing an increase of around 1.5 million horses, or nearly 48 percent, compared with 2020.

The continued expansion of the country’s horse population highlights the enduring importance of horse breeding and livestock farming within Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and cultural heritage.