In winter, in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, the day ends too early. By 6 PM, darkness covers the valleys, and the hardest part of the day begins — feeding the herd. On an old, worn-out farm,

this meant one thing: six hours of continuous work in freezing conditions.

From 6 PM to midnight. Every single day.

*Old but beloved farm where we started Chaar reviving program*

In cramped enclosures, without proper infrastructure, and with a steadily growing number of horses, we were operating at the limit. We were losing time, energy, and resources — but not the core belief:

the Chaar horse must be preserved and developed.

That is where everything began.

It was more than just a farm.

It was the beginning.

Over time, that place allowed us to build a core breeding population that now produces foals every year — forming the foundation of a sustainable program.

The turning point came in 2024.

Artist Alice Shirley, known for her iconic “Appaloosa of Steppes” artwork featured by Hermès, offered her support.

She created a unique painting dedicated to the Chaar Appaloosa, completing it in just a few days.

The artwork was sold for a record $23,000.

All proceeds were donated to the Chaar Appaloosa Association.

At that moment, we faced a very practical reality.

We urgently needed a truck.

Not as a convenience, but as a critical tool —

to transport horses safely, to deliver and store forage, to manage daily operations across long distances in mountainous terrain, and to reduce the physical strain and time loss that came with every movement of animals or feed.

Even today, this need remains.

But at that moment, we had to make a decision:

solve an immediate operational problem — or invest in the long-term foundation.

We chose the future.

With these funds, we acquired land in the Ketmen-Tyube Valley — a place where the mountains carry the memory of ancient civilizations, battles, and life along the Silk Road.

This marked the creation of Chaar Ranch.

*beginning of construction of new Chaar Ranch*

Not just a farm, but a functional and philosophical base — a space where breeding, nature, culture, and art come together around one extraordinary horse.

In 2025, we built the ranch with spacious paddocks and infrastructure designed to accommodate up to 100 horses.

The impact was immediate:

what once took up to 6 hours now takes just 1–2 hours.

Feed loss has been significantly reduced thanks to improved systems and layout.

Today, Chaar Ranch is home to more than 70 horses — a structured and steadily growing breeding nucleus.

It includes:

• 4 breeding stallions

• 22 mares in active breeding

• 31 young mares entering the breeding program within the next two years

• as well as working horses and young stock

In 2026, we expect around 20 foals — marking the next stage in the growth of the Chaar horse population.

But the development continues.

After the winter season, it became clear that to ensure proper herd management and animal care, we need:

• additional paddocks

• herd separation systems

• a professional handling chute for safe veterinary care

And there is one next step that will define what comes next.

Chaar Art Residency

A 400 m² space built from natural materials — clay, sand, straw, and wood.

A place in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan where artists, photographers, writers, and researchers from around the world will gather.

Here, a new cultural narrative of the Chaar horse will emerge — through art, imagery, storytelling, and music.

A narrative that will bring this rare horse to global recognition.

Chaar Ranch is not the entire story — it is a living part of something bigger.

The road ahead is not easy.

But it is a path opened by the Chaar horse —

the most extraordinary, inspiring, and deeply moving journey we could have ever imagined.

And along this path, together with you, we will search for answers —

to the questions and mysteries still held by the mountains and nature.

With all the best,

Munarbek

Chaar Ranch — a place where a rare Central Asian horse is being reborn

Josette OBIN: More Than a Visit: Becoming Part of Chaar Story