Cossacks From Ukraine
The Society acknowledges with thanks the Sponsorship of the Cossacks from Ukraine by
ECOLAB
Those that saw the Ukrainian Cossacks at last year’s Show will surely agree that the team offers an unforgettable performance, and a display that is quite unique. It’s the only one of this type in the Ukraine. The repertoire consists of the tricks and exercises that were used by Cossack warriors who lived in Ukraine in 15-18th centuries and played a large role in Ukrainian history.
The Cossacks have shown in more then 20 countries in Europe. They have also performed as stuntmen in many films and musical videos.
They had an interesting time at the FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Malaysia in April 2006. The Cossacks performed tricks on local horses provided by the organisers. The horses were trained by the group in 15 days for the show. Only the organisers knew that all the shows were performed on local horses.
Horsemen in Cossack costumes, with “osseledetc” on shaved heads, perform complicated tricks at unbelievable speed. It seems that all the daring, strength and beauty of the Ukrainian people is there to be witnessed by the audience. Elastic standings change into violent military slipping or Cossack springs. There is a constant change from one trick to another and it seems as if there is no limit to human dexterity and courage and no end to horse endurance.
Historically this art had practical meaning and was closely connected with the skill of the battle horse riding. To evade the saber or spear was a vital necessity. Some of the tricks were used in battle. For example military slipping was applied to simulate the rider’s death. Sitting backward on the horse’s neck allowed the Cossacks to shoot their chasers.
Trick riding was an essential part of Cossacks’ festivals. And what is more it was an obligatory part of warriors’ training. Nowadays it is used only in shows.
Oleg Iurchyshyn is the founder of the group and has been the permanent leader for almost 20 years. The show is based at Kyiv racetrack stables. For the future there is a dream to stage a Horse Show where not only the Cossacks but also riders from all over the world can show their skills.
Bearing in mind the dreadful conditions, the Cossacks performed heroically at last year’s show. It is hoped that the weather will be much kinder at this year’s event enabling the team to perform to its full potential and to the exceptional standard of horsemanship set by the team.
Let not Oleg’s faithful horse stumble ‘cause his master and all the show of the Ukrainian Cossacks have a lot of glorious deeds ahead!
