The indigenous Kyrgyz horse, a unique breed adapted to mountain ecosystems, used to be a strategic agroecological companion for nomadic communities but has been in steep decline since the 1950s. The horse contributes not just to ecology, economy and food security, but also to culture, knowledge and health. Reviving the indigenous horse could be vital for Kyrgyzstan, enabling the country to effectively adapt to serious global challenges. However, the restoration of these horses requires not just adequate agricultural policy, but above all changes in worldview – a return to a holistic vision of human wellbeing in relation to nature. This is key to unlocking the full potential for indigenous animals to strengthen livestock farming and improve ecological and human health in many countries.