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Cirit (Javelin Horseback)

Cirit (Javelin Horseback)

Popular in TürkiyeTraditional

Cirit is an ancient Turkish equestrian sport that came from Central Asia. Riding skill is an essential prerequisite, so a late starting age is unavoidable. Still kept alive today in several provinces of Anatolia and included on the UNESCO cultural heritage list, this sport builds courage, agility and balance on horseback.

Benefits
  • Balance on horseback
  • Courage
  • Traditional culture
  • Coordination
  • Reaction speed
Physical Development

Front

Back

Primary
Supporting
Inactive

Primary Muscles

CoreLegsShouldersArms

Supporting Muscles

BackGlutes

Fitness Components

balancecoordinationstrength
Physical Demands
Coordination
High
Endurance
Medium
Strength
Medium
Flexibility
Medium
Height advantage: Doesn’t matter
Body type: Athletic
Development by Age
14

Up to age 14

An equestrian foundation is required

16

Up to age 16

Javelin-throwing techniques on horseback

18

Up to age 18

Traditional cirit competitions

A Family Sports Background Helps
Equestrian: Horsemanship and horse culture are an essential foundation

Starting age

Ages 12+ (ideal: 14)

Competition age

Ages 16+

Weekly time

Beginner 2–3 hours
Intermediate 3–5 hours
Advanced 5–8 hours

Estimated monthly cost

TRY 3,000 – TRY 8,000

Equipment
Horse TackProvided by the facility
TrendyolHepsiburadaAmazon
Cirit (Wooden Javelin)₺200–500
TrendyolHepsiburadaAmazon

Where to Buy

Specialist sports shops near you
Federation

Türkiye Atlı Spor Federasyonu

Is there a Cirit (Javelin Horseback) club near me?

Find Facilities
traditionaltürkiyehorsescourageculture

Sports That Pair Well With It

A strong equestrian foundation is an absolute prerequisite.

🏇Olympic

Equestrian

Balance, communication and technique on horseback; it includes three Olympic disciplines (dressage, show jumping, eventing).

Ages 4+1–2 hours
Individual Sports
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Traditional Turkish Archery

A branch of archery practiced with the Turkish bow and traditional techniques; valuable for cultural heritage and for building concentration.

Ages 7+1–2 hours
Traditional

Cirit (Javelin Horseback) Videos

Technique guides and training videos

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How Is Cirit Played? — TRT Avaz

A TRT Avaz program about cirit, the traditional Turkish horseback sport

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Cirit, an Ancestral Sport — TRT Avaz

The history of cirit, a sport deeply rooted in Turkish culture, and how it is practiced today

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