questions
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us about the Chaar horse, Chaar Ranch in Kyrgyzstan, visiting the herd and supporting the breeding programme.
The Chaar horse
What is a Chaar horse?
The Chaar is a native spotted horse from the mountains of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. "Chaar" is the Kyrgyz word for spotted. It has the same leopard-spotting gene as the American Appaloosa, and Kyrgyz nomads have ridden it for generations.
Is the Chaar horse related to the Appaloosa?
Yes. A 2022 study by the Animal Genetics Laboratory at Texas A&M University found that the Chaar carries the same leopard complex (Lp) spotting mutation as Appaloosa horses around the world. The researchers say the results suggest, but don't prove, that the spotting pattern first arose in Asia.
What did the DNA study find?
The Texas A&M study (Cothran, Juras and Kjoellerstroem, October 2022) found that the Chaar is a genetically distinct indigenous horse of Central Asia. It has high genetic diversity with no sign of inbreeding, and its closest relatives are ancient breeds: the Mongolian horse, the Yakut horse and the Exmoor Pony.
Why is the Chaar horse endangered?
The Chaar was crossed with imported breeds for over a century, first for the Russian cavalry, then on Soviet collective farms. Today it isn't officially registered anywhere in Kyrgyzstan, and pure Chaar horses are found only now and then in mixed herds. The association runs the only professional breeding programme for the breed.
What does a Chaar horse look like?
Chaar horses stand about [140 to 160] cm at the withers and come in the full range of Appaloosa coat patterns, from leopard spots to blankets. They are compact, muscular and very hardy, and many have a smooth natural ambling gait the Kyrgyz call the jorgo.
What is the Chaar horse like to ride?
The Chaar is sure-footed on steep, rocky mountain paths and calm with riders. It copes with cold winters and high altitude, and can live on mountain grazing alone. Many Chaar horses have the jorgo, a smooth ambling gait that's comfortable on long rides.
The association and the ranch
Who runs the Chaar horse conservation project?
The International Chaar Appaloosa Horse Association, a non-profit association registered in France in 2023 (no. W353023160). It was founded by Munarbek Kuldanbaev, who has bred and studied the Chaar since 2012. The ranch itself is run in Kyrgyzstan by a partner organisation.
How did the project start?
In 2008 Munarbek sold a spotted horse to presenter Conor Woodman for a TV series. An Appaloosa breeder in New Zealand, Scott Engstrom, saw the horse on screen, which led to the 2012 documentary "True Appaloosa" and the first DNA tests. The breeding programme began with the stallion Chaar Suluu and five mares.
Where is Chaar Ranch?
Chaar Ranch is in the Ketmen-Tobo Valley near Toktogul, in the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The herd spends June to September on high summer pastures up to 3,800 metres and comes down to the ranch for winter.
How many Chaar horses are there?
The association's herd at Chaar Ranch has [more than 70] horses, including breeding stallions, breeding mares and young stock, with around [20] foals born each spring. The long-term goal is [500] horses and official breed recognition.
Visiting and riding
Can I visit Chaar Ranch?
Yes, through one of three programmes: the Chaar Expedition (a riding trek), the Spirit of Kyrgyzstan (a non-riding cultural journey) and the Volunteer programme. Private visits are occasionally possible but can't be guaranteed.
What is the Chaar Expedition?
An 11-day horseback trek through the Kyrgyz mountains on Chaar horses, from Bishkek through the Suusamyr Valley and over high passes to the herd's summer pastures. The 2027 Expedition runs [4 to 14 July 2027] for [9 to 12] riders and costs [€1,950] per person.
Do I need riding experience for the Expedition?
Yes. The Expedition covers remote mountain terrain at altitudes up to about 3,800 metres, so riders need to be confident at walk, trot and canter and comfortable spending long days in the saddle. Every rider fills in a safety questionnaire and must wear a helmet.
Is there a trip for people who don't ride?
Yes. The Spirit of Kyrgyzstan is a 10-day cultural journey in spring 2027 for [10 to 12] people, ending at Chaar Ranch, with no riding required. It costs [€1,650] per person.
Can I volunteer at Chaar Ranch?
Yes. Volunteers stay at the ranch for 10 days and 9 nights, one or two people at a time, helping with the herd and each paired with one horse for their stay. The programme runs [November to May] and costs a [€500] contribution per person.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, for every programme. Your insurance must cover horse riding (and volunteer work, if you volunteer), high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation, because serious medical care in Kyrgyzstan is limited. You'll need to show proof before your place is confirmed.
Supporting the herd
How can I help save the Chaar horse?
You can give once, become a monthly supporter, join the Own a Foal programme, buy from the shop, or visit on one of the trips. Every contribution pays for feed, vet care and the horsemen who look after the herd.
What is Own a Foal?
Own a Foal is a four-year commitment of [€50] a month ([€2,400] in total) that funds the breeding programme. At the end of the four years, a newborn Chaar filly is born because of your support. She can stay with the herd at Chaar Ranch, with updates and visits, or you can arrange her transport at your own cost.
Are donations tax-deductible?
For French taxpayers, yes. Donations made through HelloAsso qualify for a 66% income tax reduction, and you receive a tax receipt (reçu fiscal) automatically. A €100 gift costs €34 after the reduction.
Where does the money go?
Donations pay for the herd's daily needs: winter feed and hay, veterinary care, the horsemen's wages, and building paddocks and facilities at Chaar Ranch. Shop profits go to the same place.
Does the shop support the horses?
Yes. The shop sells clothing, mugs and prints featuring the Chaar horse and artwork by Alice Shirley and other artists. Items are printed on demand by Printful, and the profits go to the herd.
The film and staying in touch
What is the documentary "True Appaloosa"?
"True Appaloosa" (also released as "Secret Horse") follows Conor Woodman, Munarbek Kuldanbaev and Scott Engstrom on a 12-day, 3,000 km journey across Kyrgyzstan in 2012 to find out whether the Kyrgyz spotted horse is related to the American Appaloosa. It was shown on the BBC in 2015.
How can I watch "True Appaloosa"?
The full film is free. Sign up with your email on the film page and we'll send you the link, along with our newsletter from the ranch.
How can I follow the herd?
Join our newsletter for news from the ranch every two weeks, and follow us on Instagram at @chaarhorsekyrgyzstan and on TikTok at [@chaarappaloosa].
How do I contact the association?
Email chaarappaloosa@gmail.com or use the form on the Contact page. We read every message, though replies can take a few days when the team is out with the herd.
Didn't find your answer? Write to us and we'll get back to you.
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