The breed's ability to push through waist-high snowdrifts and endure the "Nine Nines" (peak winter frost) allowed them to play a vital role in one of the world's greatest geographical discoveries.

The riders first appeared in the distance simply as a movement - small, dark specks crossing the valley floor as steadily as satellites cross the night sky.

Genghis Khan, whose Mongol swept out of Central Asia in the 13th century to rule over the largest empire ever known.

In the summer of 1996 I found that horseman's paradise had a name: Mongolia.

Foxhunting on the grand Steppes of Mongolia not with hounds but with an eagle - what an exciting idea!