Grozny hosted a festival of stunt riding in late September. Riders from the Kremlin School of Horseriding took part in the event.
Isa Khadjimuratov, Chechen MP, one of the organizers of the event and the head of Chechen patriotic youth organization, told VK about the promotion of equestrian sport in the republic.
- What inspired the organization of this festival?
- The idea of an equestrian festival in Chechnya emerged a few years back in Moscow. In Russian classic literature, Chechen people are always depicted as skilled horse riders, who value riding skills above all others. Unfortunately, we’ve lost a lot of traditions since that time, so equestrian sport lovers have always dreamed of restoring the former glory of Caucasian riders.
This initiative, however, would have dissipated without a trace if not for the help of the Head of the Chechen republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. The specific project of an equestrian festival in Grozny was approved by him in February 2011. When we started implementing the project, we had to face numerous difficulties and to think about overcoming them on the way. But the people who work in this field are committed and the only thing that can stop them is concern for the well-being of their horses. I’m very glad that I met these devoted people who became my friends. I hope that our cooperation will continue.
- How did you pick the festival’s program and how did the preparations go?
- We considered dozens of possible programs but finally picked the Kremlin Horseriding school, because they are the best. We also chose Volgograd and North Ossetian horse riding clubs.
The preparation of a proper ground for the equestrian festival was very complicated. We had to work around the clock, facing a host of technical problems. But finally the festival took place and it lived up to our best expectations.
The main purpose of this festival was to promote equestrian sport and horse breeding in our republic. Equestrian sport teaches young people to be responsible and diligent and to take good care of the beasts entrusted to them, unlike the meaningless waste of time in front of a computer or in a club. And of course we wanted to give our compatriots a great show instead of their everyday strife.
- Are young people interested in this sport?
- Stunt riding is in our blood. I think that everyone who could do came to see the show.
One of our traditional sports – wrestling – is now very popular, Chechens win Olympics, etc. Equestrian sport can give young people another field of opportunity.
We don’t have our own school yet, but I hope this sport, traditional for our people, will make its glorious return.
- And how did people react to women’s performances?
- All three teams have female members. Of course, they surprised the audience and got a well-deserved ovation, as they were no way inferior to their male colleagues.
Of course, all the stunts are rehearsed many times, but there’s always room for the unexpected. So I think that the women riders earned great respect among the spectators.
- Does the Chechen republic have its own stud farms and specific breeds?
- You should pose this question to the head of our republic, as he is the one who started the revival of equestrian sport here. A new hippodrome has been constructed, we have regular horse races. Kadyrov’s personal horses win first prizes in various international competitions.
- Are you planning on organizing such festivals in the future?
- Yes, we plan to have another one in a year. We have some experience now, so we can avoid a number of unnecessary problems. We hope to make the next festival even more bright and memorable.
Interview by Olesya Pelageyina, exclusively to VK.
