Wild Horses of Mongolia with Julia Roberts
Introduction

Julia Roberts lives among the nomads of Mongolia and discovers their special relationship with the wild horse.

Mongolia is home to the only true wild horses known to still exist. Julia Roberts, who shares a passion for horses with the Mongolian people, went there to sample life as a nomad on the steppes of central Asia and learn first hand why the wild horse has been an integral part of existence there for millennia.

Roberts spent several weeks with a nomadic family, living exactly as the family does — in a one-room transportable “ger,” with no bathroom, no running water, and no heat. Roberts is quickly absorbed into the daily routine of nomadic life. When she isn’t playing with the children, the family chats with her continually. Though they don’t understand each other’s language, messages get through with smiles and universal gestures.

Ms. Roberts’s rapport with her Mongolian hosts is fostered in part by two potent factors: her love of children, which is amply demonstrated in her interaction with the family, and her passion and skill with respect to horses. The horse plays many vital roles for the nomads of Mongolia — from the fermented mare’s milk that is a primary food staple, to transportation and to the races that are central to the nation’s culture and religious festivals.

Join Roberts in her discovery of the amazing trust that human and animal seem to share: “For these horses to just be allowed to roam around and they don’t take off and leave …is kind of amazing. Everywhere in America, you see animals and you also see fences. Here it’s really about the love and respect that man gives to the animal that they all stay together.”

Online content for Wild Horses of Mongolia with Julia Roberts was originally posted October 2000.

25 Responses to “Introduction”
  1. Simon Chu says:

    This is quite a different side of Hollywood that Ms. Roberts introduces to her fans where her affection for an interesting part of humanity reveals. Excellent article indeed.

  2. Chris Butler says:

    It is nice to see so much humanity from a movie star. Great film

  3. Jesus says:

    I am happy that the Mongolian nomads have a special relationship with the wild pony of Mongolia Pony.

  4. me says:

    that is so nice and considerent of her to do that someday i want to meet her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. boyusha says:

    NIce picture. I love my Mongolia. If you go to this beutiful contey, you will feel a freedom, see everblue sky, meet nice people and breathe a fresh air. Welcome to mongolia.

  6. Mary says:

    Saw the film. Was very impressed with Ms. Roberts and the people of Mongolia. It was both entertaining and informative. Loved the yurt and would love to have one. Wouldn’t mind having a horse also.

  7. erdene says:

    That sounds great!Mongolia is a really beautiful country.Welcome to Mongolia!

  8. balja says:

    yeah! its wonderful country

  9. sini jose says:

    longing to visit that greeny paustre of earth…

  10. ashley says:

    mongolia is a greeny country. . .

  11. Ally says:

    I loved this film… pretty cool how the Nomads race every year and over such a long distance, also how this is a door to how their life is so in the past compared to mine and yours.

  12. Amanda says:

    Please Spread this news around: Mongolian Derby to round up wild ponies and race them, possibly to the point of injury or death: http://tinyurl.com/lrs3p6

  13. ken says:

    lovely caring lady,incredible horses,incredible country,longing to visit Mongolia!

  14. susan says:

    its too interesting

  15. Giustina says:

    Julia has done a couple nature studies like this, I am impressed. As an Anthro major, I just stumbled across this, never knew she was out there. She is amazing.

  16. carol says:

    i think that matbe we need to live like that,and come togeter as family need too,and i,m pould of julia, if i had the money togo do it. i would.

  17. carol says:

    and dont juged person of that they do ,becuase we do it,too here with the wild horses,send them to rodeo and thinges ,we just need to leave them along and let them be free,to run.

  18. zlamgl says:

    I agree with all of you! you´ll never regret going and visiting Mongolia! you´ll see the everlasting blue sky, beautiful nature, friendly people, interesting and amazing historical places and traditions. Go Mongolia~~^^ Fighting!!!

  19. gedavaa says:

    My country is beautiful and very nice. If some one wants to have mongolian Yurt and horses , we can help

  20. 123 says:

    go horses!

  21. fifi says:

    ginger katherens does better ones about cloud!!!!

  22. odgo says:

    hi all. it sounds great. my country is very beautiful. if you want come to mongolia that we will can you. fresh air, green nature, fresh water fish, these all very wonderfull. welcome to mongolia

  23. K!LlA Bee$ Batbayar says:

    This Is My Country. Ms. Roberts is great actress. Mongolia is great wonderful country. Visit My Country You Will NOT REGRET. Happy ! ! ! See You Soon

  24. lena says:

    i have seen this movie in 7th grade.mr.persely. it was interesting.wish u had seen it.

  25. mongolian single man says:

    wow nice photo :D now i miss my coutry :*( maybe i need go back. nice so nice country

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