Archaeologist K. Tabaldiev discovered an 8th century petroglyph (stone drawing) in Kyrgyzstan's Kochkorskaya Valley that appears to depict a rider whose horse is covered in kurak (patchwork) trappings. It is probable that kurak was originally constructed of animal skins or possibly felt.

Artist's rendering of petroglyph: Rider with patchwork horsecloth
Circa
700
800 C.E.
Image credit: Historical Museum, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan