Based on a Mongolian folktale.

"The story traces the origin of the Mongolian horse-head fiddle to 'a poor shepherd boy named Suho,' who raises a beautiful white colt only to be robbed of the horse (and his prize in a horse race) by a scoundrelly governor. But when the governor tries to ride the horse, it throws him and, though wounded, races home—shortly expiring in Suho's arms. Then the horse appears to Suho in a dream, and tells him to make an instrument 'from my bones, hide, and sinews.' And 'in time its music could be heard in almost every part of the grasslands of Mongolia.'" —- Kirkus Reviews