Munarbek was born and grow up in small village Toktogul, located in Kyrgyz Republic and surrounded by celestial Tyan Shan mountains. Since his childhood he was fond of horses and equine culture. his first horse, he had when he was 10 years old, when his father presented him a young colt for his birthday.

Following his graduation from secondary school and after Kyrgyz National University, Munarbek ventured into the world of tourism, co-founding with his brothers the renowned "KirghizAsia” which organises riding, trekking, cultural tours around Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. He also had his multifaceted role in the film industry that truly showcased his organisational abilities. As a fixer, director assistant, and co-producer for acclaimed films like "True Appaloosa", "Echapees Belles", "Vu Sur Terre" and for other films for CANAL +, FRANCE 5, CHANNEL 5 (Canada), BBC.

Munarbek's deep connection to his homeland shone through those films, captivating audiences worldwide.

Yet, amidst his success in film and tourism, Munarbek's heart remained steadfastly focused on the preservation of kyrgyz indigenous "CHAAR" horses. In 2012, he launched a groundbreaking initiative to revive these majestic creatures, blending traditional breeding methods with modern techniques. The formation of the "Chaar Appaloosa" international association followed, uniting enthusiasts worldwide in safeguarding kyrgyz equine heritage.

Beyond his work in film and tourism, Munarbek's influence extended to the promotion of horseball in Kyrgyzstan. His visionary leadership as a president of Kyrgyz Horseball Federation led to the Kyrgyz horseball team's participation in the Horseball World Cup which was held in France, Saint-Lo, a testament to his dedication and pioneering spirit.

In a bold move in 2021, Munarbek chose to fully devote himself to his passion project, leaving behind his business ventures. Today, he stands as a beacon of hope, conducting selection works, organizing events, conducting research, and tirelessly advocating for the preservation of Kyrgyzstan's indigenous horses.

Join Munarbek Kuldanbaev and international team of Chaar Appaloosa association on his inspiring journey and experience the magic of indigenous chaar horses. Together, let us celebrate tradition, innovation, and the enduring bond between humans and horses in a land where dreams take flight.

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.

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 dedicated individual whose career spans diplomacy, academia, activism, and art. With over two decades of experience in field missions and headquarters of esteemed international organizations such as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations (UN), Aidai remains committed to fostering global cooperation and understanding.

A graduate of the renowned School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, Aidai's academic journey laid the groundwork for her impactful career. Her time as a visiting fellow at Harvard University further deepened her understanding of global issues.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Aidai is an author, delving into the experiences of post-Soviet youth in her fiction work: "Three girls, Three Worlds: Growing up in the USSR." Her activism focuses on environmental protection and democracy, where she initiates community projects in Kyrgyzstan and Jordan, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among governments and local communities.

Aidai's passion for promoting peace through art is evident in her creative endeavors. Her artwork has been showcased in various prestigious venues globally, including exhibitions at the Mariott group hotel in the Red Sea, Four Seasons hotel in Istanbul, and Rowaq Art gallery in Jordan. Notably, some of her pieces are part of the UN Deputy Secretary General’s “Women in Art” collection at the UN Headquarters in New York, King Hussein Cancer Foundation under the patronage of HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the OSCE and the United Nations (Vienna), reflecting her dedication to using art as a vehicle for positive change.

Aidai Masylkanova's journey exemplifies the values of humility, perseverance, and purpose. As she continues to advocate for peace, art, and global change, she strives to inspire others and leave a positive impact on the world for future generations.

Aidai is an Ambassador of chaar horse and International Chaar Appaloosa horse Association.