Cossacks

The Kassaev Cossacks
Dressage and Equine Drill, Roman and Trick Riding

From the ranks of ancient Slavic tribes came the noted horsemen – generically referred to today as Cossacks. For centuries, these warriors and their performing descendants have been recognized worldwide for their daring acrobatic feats on horseback.

The feats of these fearless riders – generically referred to today as Cossacks – trace their roots to the tribes of the same name that inhabited 15th century Russia and Poland. From their ranks came the noted warriors and horsemen who guarded the borders, most famously those working under the authority of the Russian Czars. The Kassaev Cossack’s founder, Igor Kassaev, a former officer in the Russian cavalry, was inspired by acts his elders originated for the prestigious Moscow State Circus and went on to achieve his own fame with a world-renowned Cossack troupe.

Although he no longer rides in performances, Igor Kassaev trained the 11 men and one woman who make up this current troupe of riders, which continues under the direction of his nephew, Oleg Tsopanov. Most of the riders are from Russia, hailing from cities including Ivanovo and Vladikavkaz, and a few call Baku, in bordering Azerbaijan, home. Brothers from Monterrey, Mexico, were recruited as young boys after meeting the troupe as it toured Latin America. The two worked as grooms for the Kassaev troupe before being accepted as riders, a progression not uncommon for many its members. While several riders have military-based equestrian backgrounds, others learned to ride as children. Many of them have performed with other equestrian groups and circuses (including the Gold Edition of Ringling Bros.^®), but all follow the proud tradition of Cossack equestrian and acrobatic skills.

It takes many months of training for both humans and horses to be considered ready to perform with the Kassaev troupe. Human courage and equine agility are a must. Each rider is an accomplished athlete and acrobat, and each horse in the 138 th Edition production is a majestic representative of its breed – be it a snow-white Andalusia or a coal-black Russian Trotter. Arabians, American Quarter Horses, Russian Thoroughbreds and a Canadian Pacer round out the international equine component of this astounding act.

In addition to a display of classic dressage and a precision group drill, The Kassaev Cossacks thrill audiences of the 138th Edition with an awe-inspiring presentation of Roman riding. Taking full advantage of the open arena floor, three riders – each standing astride two mounts – parade before crowds that cannot fail to appreciate their balance and bravery. One team’s leap over a flaming hurdle will put to rest any doubt of their true equestrian and athletic prowess!

The culmination of the troupe’s talents is a heart-pounding demonstration of sheer derring-do. Much more than tricks, their moves are based on actual Cossack cavalry maneuvers originally used to fool an enemy and allow warriors to escape life-threatening situations. While galloping at full speed, a rider turns himself backwards in the saddle, and then forward again; another hangs from his mount’s back, feigning injury, and then effortlessly rights himself; still another slides under his horse’s belly and comes up on the other side. The riders and horses are partners, working in perfect harmony, and their performance conveys four elements that epitomize the Cossacks: speed, energy, style and spirit.