Social network for herders and celebrity horses launched
A team of Mongolian mobile developers is trying to innovate centuries-old herding practices with an iOS app called Уяач ("seller"), designed for horse breeders and herders.
Social network for herders and celebrity horses launched. A team of Mongolian mobile developers is trying to innovate centuries-old herding practices with an iOS app called Уяач ("seller"), designed for horse breeders and herders, who typically own dozens—if not hundreds—of horses. The horse occupies an irreplaceable role in many herders' everyday lives and remains a national symbol of Mongolia's distinctive nomadic heritage. Horse racing is among the most popular pastimes of both urban and rural Mongolians. Each summer, scores of local, regional, and national races pit equine competitors against one another in grueling tests of speed and endurance that can last dozens of kilometers. Accomplished race horses are commonly sold for breeding by city slickers and herders alike. Often, many of the exact details of the horse's lineage and health are debated between the buyer and seller, but there are few if any records to verify the parties' claims. The app enables horse owners to carefully document each animal they own by allowing them to upload up to 10 photos per horse and input data on their ancestry, race history, and age, sex, and health conditions. Mongolia has an estimated 50,000 die-hard horse racing fans. There are a variety of Facebook groups and websites for enthusiasts, but the information is scattered and the online community is fragmented. Уяач's biggest innovation is the creation of an equine-centered social media network, allowing other owners, trainers, herders, and enthusiasts to follow their favorite stallions and mares. The app, which can be downloaded for free on iTunes, was first released in mid-June and is still under development. Though still in beta, it has been downloaded hundreds of times. The developers have already raised two rounds of venture capital in Mongolia and plan to release an android version in September.
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