All the roles in this theater are played by HORSES!

Pavel Kuzmichev
Pavel Kuzmichev
The world's only equine theater incorporated in a museum operates in Moscow.
Pavel Kuzmichev
Pavel Kuzmichev

The third bell sounds, the lights dim and onto the stage - or rather into the show ring - trot the “actors”! They perform intricate stunts to music: Their different tricks fall within an overall storyline that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Ramil Sitdikov / Sputnik
Ramil Sitdikov / Sputnik

The Equine Theater only opened in the Russian capital in early 2023: It operates as part of the Horse Museum at the Center for National Equestrian Traditions at the VDNKh exhibition park.

Kirill Zykov/Moskva agency
Kirill Zykov/Moskva agency

The top performers there are the ‘Russian Saddle’ and ‘Vladimir Heavy Draft’ breeds.

Pavel Kuzmichev
Pavel Kuzmichev

The smallest "star", meanwhile, is a European miniature horse by the name of Sheldon. He has already performed the lead role in the play titled 'History of One Friendship' about how a little horse becomes a celebrity performer.

Pavel Kuzmichev
Pavel Kuzmichev

Equine Theater artists Aida Gadzhimirzayeva and Vadim Kolodochkin work in the "freedom of horses" genre - they have the largest group in Russia performing in this style.

Pavel Kuzmichev
Pavel Kuzmichev

What it signifies is that their charges carry out all commands synchronously: rearing up on their hind legs, performing pirouettes and moving around the ring.

Pavel Kuzmichev
Pavel Kuzmichev

A unique trick can also be viewed at the Equine Theater: a horse jumping over a skipping rope!

     

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