Quite and determined, Mana steadily gained points in all disciplines to win the Second Annual Eagle Festival.

Dressed in his chestnut horse skin coat he stood out from the more favoured needle black corduroy coats of the other competitors. His female berkut of seven years was an experienced hand and I never saw her hesitate at any of the tasks set for her.

Mana’s traditional fox skin lined hat was of particular quality as they are lined only with the fox skin from the rear legs, which enables the dark and light strips to be formed.

The judges take notes on all aspect of dress and equipment as well as the performance of the mount and the berkut.

Mana will be a proud man as he rides back to his community.