Montana Athlete Is Competing in One of the World’s Wildest Sports

Montana athlete Zanen Pitts is competing in one of the wildest competitions in the world right now. 

As a matter of fact, he's halfway around the world in Kyrgyzstan, representing Team USA in a sport you probably don't know much about. 

What is Kok Boru? The Ultimate "Goat Polo" Experience

It's called kok boru, also known as "goat polo". 

Trust me, this is one you have to see to believe. 

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Pitts is from Dixon, Montana, and if you're familiar with Montana basketball, you may recognize the name. Zanen was an early Warrior and helped lead the Arlee Warriors to back-to-back Class C state championships. 

Now he's representing the United States in one of the most unusual sporting events on the planet. 

Understanding Kok Boru: A High-Speed Equestrian Sport

Kok boru is a traditional Central Asian equestrian sport played at full speed on horseback. 

Two teams battle for possession of an ulak and try to carry it across the field and into the opposing team's goal. 

What's an ulak? 

I know that's what you're asking. 

It's a goat carcass. 

Yes. A specially prepared goat carcass. 

The riders have to grab it, control it while riding at full speed, and get it into the opposing team's goal. The current competition uses a carcass that weighs roughly 30 to 32 kilograms, or around 66 to 70 pounds.  

Skills Required in Kok Boru: Beyond Horsemanship

Kok boru demands incredible horsemanship, balance, strength and coordination. The horses and riders can collide and battle for possession, although striking opponents is prohibited.  

It's basically a combination of horseback riding, football, rugby and something that looks like it came straight out of a movie. 

Except this is very real. 

Zanen Pitts is officially listed on the 2026 Team USA World Nomad Games roster as one of the nine competitors on the kok boru team.  

The Exciting Opening Match: USA vs. Kyrgyzstan

Team USA opened the 2026 tournament against Kyrgyzstan on September 2. 

The Americans ultimately fell to the host country 16-7. The Americans scored in all three periods and showed significant improvement against one of the world's strongest kok boru teams.  

That's what makes this story so cool. 

You've got a guy from Dixon, Montana, who helped put the Arlee Warriors on the map through basketball, now halfway around the world representing the United States in a traditional Central Asian sport. 

He's not only representing Team USA. 

He's representing Montana. 

The World Nomad Games are taking place in Kyrgyzstan through September 6, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in traditional sports and celebrate nomadic cultures.  

Kok boru is one of the signature events. 

It's also one of the most unbelievable things you will ever watch. 

So if you haven't seen kok boru before, look it up. 

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Then keep an eye on Zanen Pitts as he continues competing for Team USA. 

Cheering for Montana: A Unique Global Representation

It's not every day you get to cheer on somebody from Dixon, Montana, competing halfway around the world in a sport involving horses, a 70-pound goat carcass, and a whole lot of mayhem. 

Pretty cool stuff, and how many Montanans can say they've done that?