Ten Thousand Steeds Gallop Out of the Tianshan Mountains

In 1976, news of the Tangshan earthquake reached Ili, Xinjiang. The Zhaosu Military Horse Farm was ordered to urgently dispatch 3,000 fine horses across thousands of miles to aid the disaster zone. Batur, a young Kazakh herdsman, offered up his beloved horse, Chasing Wind, whom he regarded as a brother. Along with retired cavalry officer Chen Xiangdong, veterinarian Ayiguli, living map Kurban, and companions from other ethnic groups, he formed a horse-delivery team and set out on an unprecedented journey.

For fifty-eight days and nights, they crossed icy mountain passes and deadly marshes, fought off wolf packs, rescued foals on the edge of cliffs, and watched over newborns aboard trains. Through scorching heat, poisonous plants, dwindling rations, and illness, they upheld their vow: “As long as we live, the horses live.” When the team finally delivered every horse to Tangshan, these ordinary herdsmen understood that they had brought not only the labor needed to rebuild homes, but also hope rekindled amid the ruins.

This is a legend of perseverance, selflessness, and ethnic unity. It bears witness to how ordinary people, swept up in the currents of their time, measured out their faith with every step and carved an enduring monument with their lives.