The Horse in My Blood: Multispecies Kinship in the Altai and Saian Mountains

Victoria Soyan Peemot studies the human-horse relationships in the Altai and Saian Mountains of Inner Asia, building upon Indigenous research epistemologies to explore how these relationships interact with each other, experience injustices, and develop resilience strategies as multispecies unions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2024
Publisher: Berghahn Books

A captivating interspecies bond exists between the horse breeding pastoralists in the Altai and Saian Mountains of Inner Asia. Victoria Soyan Peemot, herself raised in a community deeply intertwined with human-horse relationships, harnesses her expertise in the local language and horsemanship traditions. Drawing upon Indigenous research epistemologies, she delves into the intricate interplay of human-horse relationships, exploring how they navigate experiences of injustice, cultivate resilience strategies, and form multispecies unions.

The Altai and Saian Mountains, nestled within the vast expanse of Inner Asia, serve as a remarkable backdrop for this captivating interspecies relationship. The horse breeding pastoralists who inhabit these rugged landscapes have forged a profound connection with their equine companions, forming a symbiotic bond that has endured for centuries. These pastoralists rely heavily on their horses for transportation, agriculture, and cultural practices, and their deep understanding and respect for these animals are evident in their daily interactions.

Victoria Soyan Peemot, born and raised in this unique environment, possesses a profound connection to both the human and equine worlds. Her knowledge of the local language and horsemanship practices allows her to delve into the intricacies of the human-horse relationship, shedding light on the ways in which these interactions shape the lives of both species. Through her research, she seeks to understand how the human-horse relationships intersect with each other, experience injustices, and develop resilience strategies as multispecies unions.

One of the key aspects of Victoria's research is the recognition of the inherent value of Indigenous research epistemologies. These epistemologies prioritize the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous communities, recognizing the importance of their traditional practices and cultural knowledge in understanding the natural world. By integrating Indigenous research methodologies into her work, Victoria aims to honor the contributions of these communities and promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to scientific inquiry.

In her study, Victoria explores the complex dynamics that exist within human-horse relationships. She examines how these relationships are shaped by cultural beliefs, social structures, and economic factors, highlighting the ways in which they can both perpetuate and challenge injustices. For example, she explores the historical and cultural significance of horses in Inner Asian societies, noting how they have been used as tools of oppression, exploitation, and control. Through her research, Victoria seeks to understand how these historical legacies continue to impact the human-horse relationship today, and how pastoralists can work towards creating more just and equitable relationships.

Resilience is another critical aspect of Victoria's research. She recognizes that pastoralists face numerous challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and political instability. In response to these challenges, she explores how pastoralists develop resilience strategies to cope with the changing conditions and maintain their way of life. For example, she examines the role of traditional knowledge and practices in promoting sustainable resource management, and how pastoralists can adapt their livestock management practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Victoria's research also highlights the importance of multispecies unions in promoting resilience and sustainability. She argues that by recognizing the interconnectedness of different species and their roles in ecosystems, pastoralists can develop more holistic and sustainable approaches to land management. For example, she explores the potential of equine-assisted therapy and other forms of interspecies collaboration to promote mental health and well-being among pastoralists and their horses.

In conclusion, the interspecies relationship between horse breeding pastoralists in the Altai and Saian Mountains of Inner Asia is a fascinating and complex phenomenon. Through her research, Victoria Soyan Peemot seeks to understand how human-horse relationships interact with each other, experience injustices, and develop resilience strategies as multispecies unions. By integrating Indigenous research epistemologies and promoting a more inclusive and equitable approach to scientific inquiry, she aims to honor the contributions of Indigenous communities and contribute to the conservation and sustainability of these unique ecosystems.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805392958