chapandaz

The buzkashi grounds at Dasht-e-Shadian, a desert area ten kilometers south of the city, are a focus for matches which begin in January and reach their height in April, when hundreds of “chapandaz” or horsemen from other parts of Afghanistan congregate here.

Afghan Riders Saddle Up for Buzkashi Season IWPR 2008

She shouted with the rest of them, but her exhortations were especially directed to one particular tall chapandaz, flashing in blue, his hair whipped by the wind and burnished in the sunlight.

Call Of The Heart Delamere, Wanda 1982

Once again the referee started them off; there was the same mad dash and then the wild horses burst away from the herd as one chapandaz, the calf under his leg, raced for the pole with the rest in hot pursuit.

Call Of The Heart Delamere, Wanda 1982

The chapandaz with the calf was using both hands to fight off his rivals, and his mount, in the dust and struggle, was running blind and guideless.

Call Of The Heart Delamere, Wanda 1982

Imitating what she later recognized as an old chapandaz trick, he leaned in the saddle, just as he had described to her, and with exact aim and timing wrapped his arm around her waist.

Call Of The Heart Delamere, Wanda 1982

He tried to toss the carcass to Ali Shah, but another chapandaz intercepted the throw, and in a moment the field was after him, Ali Shah racing with them on his reddish brown horse.

Call Of The Heart Delamere, Wanda 1982

One chapandaz, his turban unwound about his shoulders, was spread-eagled on the ground, shaking his fist at his galloping riderless horse, which was fast disappearing across the now empty field.

Call Of The Heart Delamere, Wanda 1982

After dismounting to give an interview, he told IWPR, "This year it’s been fantastic because hundreds of chapandaz have come here for the buzkashi match."

Afghan Riders Saddle Up for Buzkashi Season IWPR 2008