Munarbek Kuldanbaev, alongside Scott and Conor, introduced the Chaar horse to the world, linking it to the American Appaloosa and rewriting horse breeding history. Born in Toktogul, Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains, he received his first colt at age 10 and grew up immersed in equine culture. After graduating from Kyrgyz National University, he co-founded “KirghizAsia” with his brothers, offering riding, trekking, and cultural tours, while also working in film as a fixer, assistant director, and co-producer for projects like “True Appaloosa” and BBC documentaries, showcasing Kyrgyzstan globally.

In 2012, Munarbek launched a project to revive the Chaar horse, blending traditional and modern breeding methods, and established the “Chaar Appaloosa” foundation to preserve Kyrgyz equine heritage. As president of the Kyrgyz Horseball Federation, he led the national team to the 2022 Horseball World Cup in France. In 2021, he left his business ventures to focus fully on this passion, conducting research, organizing events, and advocating for Kyrgyzstan’s indigenous chaar horses, cementing their place in the region’s cultural heritage.

PRESIDENT

Nicolas resides in the picturesque region of Brittany, France, where his lifelong love affair with horses began in childhood and now flourishes as he passes on his passion to his two beloved daughters. His journey into the depths of equestrian culture took an unexpected turn during the At Chabysh festival in 2007, where he participated in a Horse Ball demonstration. It was here that Nicolas's world expanded to embrace the rich tapestry of Kirghiz culture, as he forged meaningful connections that would shape his path forward. Inspired by the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange, Nicolas became deeply involved in the Chaar Appaloosa association, driven by a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of these magnificent creatures.

TREASURER

Philippe, a computer scientist hailing from Toulouse, France, boasts a multifaceted identity that intertwines his passion for technology with his love for equestrian sports. As a former horseball player, Philippe's journey took him to Barskoon for the historic Kirghizstan-France match in 2007, where he immersed himself in the exhilarating world of equine competition. Since then, he has made numerous return trips to Kyrgyzstan, drawn by the allure of reuniting with friends and indulging in the timeless joy of horseback riding amidst the breathtaking landscapes of celestial mountains.

Philippe also participant of accelerated breeding program

His role in the association is treasurer.

Originally from Switzerland, she divides her time between her home country and Chile.

In love with horses since childhood, she is passionated by the history of Central Asia and had the opportunity to work in Kyrgyzstan after studying Geology. She went on to do a PhD in forensic sciences and worked as a project manager for Swiss government.

Today She divides her time between river protection consultancy and work as an animal naturopath, trimmer and equine biomechanics analyst.

She also has a Chilean mare with whom Anne Laure does western dressage and trail riding.

Anne Laure also participant of accelerated breeding program

François Guillemé, a 62-year-old software engineer from Paris, France, embarked on a transformative journey to Kyrgyzstan, where he crossed paths with Munarbek and encountered the majestic Chaar horses. Captivated by their beauty and the noble cause of revitalizing the Chaar breed, François found himself enamored with these magnificent creatures. His heart stirred by the passion and dedication of Munarbek and the project team, François became deeply committed to supporting their efforts in preserving and reviving the Chaar horses.

Francois participant of accelerated breding program since 2021

We share a deep passion for horses and the captivating equestrian culture, having both enjoyed our days as horseball players. Nestled on our farm in Bretagne, we also take pride in breeding oysters, adding another layer of richness to our agricultural pursuits.

Our connection with Munarbek spans many years, during which we've witnessed firsthand the dedication he pours into reviving the indigenous Kyrgyz chaar horse. Recognizing the profound significance of his work, we wholeheartedly support Munarbek's mission. It brings us immense joy to be an integral part of this meaningful endeavor, contributing to the preservation and celebration of a cherished breed and cultural heritage.

Dedicated Groom, Bereiter & Horseball Champion

Tukonov Kudaibergen has a deep-rooted connection with horses, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both skilled horsemen. Taking care of horses every day, he knows them inside and out—their needs, their moods, and their well-being.

A former Kok Boru player, Kudaibergen is also one of the best horseball players on the Kyrgyz national team. His experience, dedication, and natural talent make him a key figure in the sport, seamlessly blending traditional horsemanship with modern equestrian competition.

Horseman, Groom & Guide

Born into a family of horsemen, Shamshiev Yrys has spent his life around horses. With deep knowledge and daily dedication, he ensures they are well cared for, understanding their every need and temperament.

Beyond his work as a groom, Yrys is an avid horseball player and a true expert of the mountains, knowing their trails by heart. In summer, he leads riders on unforgettable journeys, sharing the beauty of nature and his passion for horses along the way.

Veterinarian

Kuldanbaev Yryskeldi is a skilled veterinarian with a deep passion for horses. His expertise ensures the health and well-being of the horses under his care. In addition to his veterinary work, he is also an experienced horseball player, combining his love for the sport with his knowledge of equine health.

Fluent in French and English, Yryskeldi easily connects with people from around the world, sharing his expertise and passion for horses across cultures.

Federica is an ethnomusicologist. She has just completed her PhD on late 19th-century Ottoman song and her new research project focuses on how Kyrgyz eagle hunters use their voices to bond with their eagles. She is Italian but has lived abroad for half of her life, in London and Istanbul. Riding horses has been a lifelong dream that became true in 2022. She also practices archery and her goal is to become a horseback archer one day. She has participated in building web site for Chaar Appaloosa association and also she is a contributor for Chaar horse accelerated breeding program.

Federica is an Ambassador of International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association and Chaar horse from ITALY

federicanardella@gmail.com

Conor’s new book Meth Road (Allen & Unwin) was released in October 2023 - a wild and dangerous ride from the world’s main meth source, a lawless Asian narco-state, to its most valuable market: Australia.

Conor is a former BBC and ITV broadcast journalist, also known as the presenter of hit TV shows Scam City, Around the World in 80 Trades, and Hunting Nazi Treasure. He has written three other non-fiction books - The Adventure Capitalist (Pan Macmillan), Unfair Trade (Random House), which was long-listed for the Orwell prize, and The Scam Hunter (September Publishing) as well as two novels Call to Kill and Survive to Fight (Hodder & Stoughton).

True Appaloosa, his first feature length documentary film, premiered at the Sun Valley Film Festival in 2015 and aired on BBC4 as 'The Secret Horse’ to wide critical acclaim. The film is available to watch here.

Conor is an Ambassdor of chaar horse and International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association.

TWITTER: @conorwoodman

Kayla is a web designer and marketing consultant from Toronto, Canada, but has lived in many places and is currently a digital nomad. She has been riding horses her whole life and has a passion for travel and exploring different cultures. Her role in the project is website design and advising about branding, social media and marketing.

Kayla is also participant of accelerated breeding program and an Ambassador of International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association and Chaar horse from CANADA

kayla@squelch.online

I met Munarbek and his family during a family trip to Kyrgyzstan in 2013. Having been a rider for over 30 years, this was the opportunity for me to see and ride chaar horse for the first time. We talked a lot about breeding, horse education, equestrian equipment... and we kept in touch to follow our respective projects.

I have supported the breeding program since its beginnings but our collaboration also lies in the publication of Kyrgyz folk tales where horses have a major importance. I illustrated ‘Tchaar, cheval sacré des Monts Célestes’, available in digital version on the site’s store and I am currently working on a fantastic second book.

My Appaloosa mare ‘Caféine’ accompanies me on walks and in Equifeel practice.

Marie Laure is Ambassador of International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association and Chaar horse from FRANCE

mlfromenteil@gmail.com

After graduating Extremadura University in Spain and receiving degree in law, he have worked for a long time in different world trade companies.

Recently, he decided to change his life and returned to his native village, where he continuing family business of producing olive oil and founded “EXTRAPERLU” olive oil brand. www.extraperlu.com.

Apart business, he also fond of travelling and discovering new countries and cultures and sharing impressions on his travel blog www.viajeroandulero.com.

Luis traveled to Kyrgyzstan 4 times and have met Munarbek with chaar horses in his farm.

At the moment he is representative person in Spain for promoting the chaar breeding program and trying to grow it with more people/companies.

Luis also monthly contributor to support chaar horse food security program and an Ambassador of International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association and Chaar horse from SPAIN

luismiguelbayan@hotmail.com

Alice Shirley graduated from Byam Shaw School of Art in 2007 with a BA in Fine Art. From 2007-2009 she worked on writing and illustrating her own edition of Aesop’s Fables, published in 2009 by Pavilion Children’s Books, Anova Books. In 2009 she started The Drawing Year at The Prince's Drawing School (now the Royal Drawing School).

She continued for a second year at the School and left in 2011. For three years Alice taught with the Royal Drawing School's Drawing Clubs at the Natural History Museum and V&A Museum of Childhood.

She wrote and illustrated her second book for children, The Gentle Lion and the Little Owlet (published by Anova Books in 2012). She works closely with the specimen collection of the Natural History Museum in London and has completed commissions in the United Kingdom, Jersey, India, Germany, Italy and France.

Alice is currently creating designs for the fashion house Hermès Paris.

She is author of famous scarf for HERMES called “Appaloosa des steppes”, inspired by patterns of kyrgyz rugs and by film “True Appaloosa“.

Alice also author of beautiful logo of our association and an Ambassador of International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association and Chaar horse from United Kingdom

Alice_Shirley@hotmail.com

Yorke is a passionate horsewoman turned conservation activist. Since a young age, she has been driven to understand endangered populations, whether they be rare breeds or species, and sought to find ways to help promote their preservation and appreciation. Yorke discovered the Chaar Appaloosa watching the documentary True Appaloosa with her mother, who shares her interest and excitement for rare horse breeds and genetics. Inspired by the film, Yorke was moved to find a way to help promote the Chaar in North America.

Early on in her involvement with the Chaar horse, Yorke helped facilitate continued genetic testing between Munarbek Kuldanbaev at the Kyrgyzstan Stud Farm and Dr. E. Gus Cothran at Texas A&M University’s Animal Genetics Lab. The results further confirmed the Chaar Appaloosa horse as the heritage breed for the American Appaloosa and validated their distinction as a genetically unique population in the region.

Yorke is currently on the Board of Directors for the Akhal-Teke Association of America (ATAA), an organization for another rare, ancient, nomadic breed for which she created an online pedigree database site. Yorke has also worked internationally with several nonprofit groups in projects focused on nature education and wildlife conservation.

Yorke is participant of accelerated breeding program and Ambassador of International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association and Chaar horse from USA

yorkenberry@gmail.com

Emil Umetaliev, Kyrgyz entrepreneur, investor and public speaker.

In 1990, Emil Umetaliev founded one of the first companies - Kyrgyz Concept. The company provides tourism services and it is one of the largest tourism companies in Kyrgyzstan at the moment. The mission of Kyrgyz Concept is to integrate Central Asia into the developed world, creating accessibility and diversity of travel and events.

Emil Umetaliev is also an investor and member of many other ventures in tourism, finance, education, digital and media.

At the present time, he is a speaker and participant in public discussions, and is involved in the creation of many business associations and civil society organisations.

Emil Umetaliev is a member of Intenational Chaar Appaloosa horse association and Ambassador for chaar horses from KYRGYZ REPUBLIC.

emil.umetaliev@gmail.com

Svein Olaf is experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the international trade and development industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Sales, Entrepreneurship, Sales Management, and International Sales. Strong business development professional with a Cand Mag. focused in Communication Sciences and Disorders, General from Statens Spesiallærerhøyskole.

Developed several properties. Dvergsnestangen, City of Kristiansand, Sogne and some other minor properties. Created a turn over of 10 mill. euros for suppliers and other entrepreneurs.

Svein Olaf is member of Intenational Chaar Appaloosa horse association and Ambassador for chaar horse from NORWAY

sveinolafolsen@gmail.com

Aidai Masylkanova is a dynamic force in diplomacy, academia, activism, and art. With over 20 years at the OSCE and UN, she’s a champion of global cooperation. A Columbia University grad and Harvard fellow, her career bridges continents and causes.

She’s an author of “Three Girls, Three Worlds,” exploring post-Soviet youth, and an activist driving environmental and democratic projects in Kyrgyzstan and Jordan. Her art, exhibited at venues like the Four Seasons Istanbul and UN Headquarters in New York, promotes peace and inspires change.

As Ambassador for the Chaar horse and the International Chaar Appaloosa Horse Association, Aidai’s journey reflects humility and purpose, leaving a bold mark on the world.

Aidai Instagram

Painter | Sculptor | Illustrator | Ambassador of the Chaar Horse

Myriam Sadat, known artistically as Ama, is a French painter, sculptor, and illustrator. From an early age, she developed a deep passion for the animal world. Growing up surrounded by horses, she formed an unbreakable bond with them and began horseback riding at the age of five—a passion that later became her profession.

Her artistic journey naturally led her to capture the beauty and spirit of horses through painting and sculpture. In 2013, she joined the Émile Cohl School of Art in Lyon, where she earned a degree as a practicing illustrator. She has since contributed to numerous creative projects, refining her unique artistic voice.

Today, Ama is fully dedicated to equestrian art, exploring the profound connection between horses and humans. She is also a proud ambassador of the Chaar Horse and the Chaar Appaloosa Association, working to promote and preserve this extraordinary breed.

Her work is a tribute to the elegance, power, and soul of the horse—an eternal source of inspiration at the heart of her artistic quest.

Ama_equine_art INSTAGRAM

www.amaequineart.com

Passionate about horseback riding from an early age, she was fortunate to grow up surrounded by horses, caring for them daily and forming a deep bond with these magnificent animals. Her loyalty to her companions is evident—she has had two horses for over 20 years, a testament to her dedication and love for them. A true enthusiast of nature and vast open spaces, she has a particular passion for horseback trekking.

One of her most unforgettable experiences was a 10-day trek in Kyrgyzstan, a journey she shared with her mother, who shares the same deep love for horses. This adventure left a lasting impression on her, not only because of the breathtaking landscapes but also due to the warmth and hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.

Deeply attached to the Chaar horse, she is committed to contributing to its development and preservation in this unique country, ensuring that this remarkable breed continues to thrive for generations to come.

Lauracornillotoff INSTAGRAM