An inspection of the Stud Book of Kazakhstan took place in Almaty on 20th-23rd July, conducted by Dr. Hubert Uphaus, Keeper of the German Stud Book, and EASBC Regional Reviewer, and Simon Cooper, ISBC Vice Chairman.

The Stud Book of Kazakhstan was placed in the Under Assessment category with effect from April 29th 2016. There has been close liaison between the stud book and its Regional Reviewer over the following nine years and based on the Regional Reviewer’s advice, it was agreed in 2024 and confirmed in 2025 at the EASBC Conference in Bucharest that an in-person inspection would be held.

Kazakhstan has a population of c. 20 million with a landmass similar to India and Argentina.  Archaeologists have determined that Kazakhstan is the most likely place in the world where horses were first domesticated and ridden, approximately 6,000 years ago. Thoroughbred racing is relatively new but endurance racing with native horse breeds (10kms to 100kms) has existed since records were first kept.

The two reviewers spent two days reviewing the stud book authority, both its stud book office and three stud farms.

The current Thoroughbred foal crop averages 150 and there is a significant throughput of Thoroughbreds each year with Kazakh owners active at sales, particularly in Europe and North America.

A group of owners has come together to form an investment company which is developing a second racecourse near Almaty, with a 30m-wide sand track and an inside sand training track together with c. 500 boxes on the backstretch, which they want to increase to 1,500.

A report on the inspection will be submitted to the ISBC meeting in Newmarket, England to be held on 1st October.