Cossack Traditions Come Alive in France

 

On October 20, the final leg of the Moscow-Paris 1812-2012 Horse Cavalry March, commemorating the 200^th anniversary of Napoleon’s Russia Campaign, will take place in the city of Fontainebleau in France

 

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

On October 20, the final leg of the Moscow-Paris 1812-2012 Horse Cavalry March, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s Russia Campaign, will take place in the city of Fontainebleau in France. The event program includes a grandiose show involving the State Academic Kuban Cossack Choir, the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army, as well as a combined unit of the Honorary Cavalry Escort of the Presidential Regiment and the Kremlin Equestrian Riding School.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

The combined unit of the Honorary Cavalry Escort of the Presidential Regiment and the Kremlin Equestrian Riding School will show its new program “Traditions of Russia” at Fontainebleau, the former residence of Napoleon.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

The program includes elements of the traditional trick-riding technique and involves mounted and dismounted riders in Cossack uniforms practicing their traditional weapons drill in formation.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

Unit members use traditional Cossack weapons, including standard-issue sabers made from top-quality steel. Each saber weighs about 20-27 ounces.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

Only a few can perform the trick-riding stunts today. Consequently, the performance in Fontainebleau will help to revive old Cossack traditions.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

The performance will culminate in the Pyramid stunt when six riders and three horses form a four-tier pyramid. The rider on top will hold a Russian and a French flag symbolizing the unity of European nations.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

In all, the combined unit of the Honorary Cavalry Escort of the Presidential Regiment and the Kremlin Equestrian Riding School has 13 riders, including two ladies.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

Each rider has his or her personal horse. Unit horses, primarily of the traditionally Russian Don and Budyonny breeds, are aged from five to 17 years.

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© RIA Novosti . Valery Melnikov

On October 9, 12 horses from the Kremlin Equestrian Riding School left Moscow for the final leg of the Moscow-Paris trip. They will travel about 3,000 kilometers by sea and land, and they will reach France five days later.