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

Josette and Chaplin

Hello!

I first traveled to Kyrgyzstan in 2024, backpacking and using local transport. I truly fell in love with this small country, a jewel of Central Asia. Of course, there are the incredible landscapes and the horseback rides in Bokonbaevo and up to Son Kül… But above all, it’s the warmth and hospitality of the Kyrgyz people, which is truly unique. You build connections, you stay in touch… and you come back.

I love this country where I can slow down, where time seems to stand still—and that suits me perfectly.

Throughout the day, the horses roam and graze freely across the pasture. As evening approaches, they naturally make their way back to the ranch, where supplemental feed is provided.

I was looking to get involved in an association because I knew I wasn’t just passing through Kyrgyzstan.

Thanks to my daughter Diane, I discovered the Chaar Appaloosa Association. Diane is an excellent rider; she owns two horses and manages a boarding stable with 12–15 horses. She told me, “You know there’s an association there, and through sponsorship, you can have your own horse.” I searched online and found the association’s website. I carefully read the articles about the Chaar breed and the association, and I learned about the sponsorship program.

Since February 2025, I have joined the accelerated breeding program. It felt like an obvious decision—a way to make my small contribution to preserving this breed and to support the dedication and work of Munarbek Kuldanbaev.

I had the opportunity to meet Munarbek in July 2025 and again in November when he came to Paris. It is always a pleasure to listen to him speak about what he has built for his horses.

As a result, I spent three weeks at the ranch in Toktogul last February to see the facilities and, most importantly, the horses “in real life.”

Way from Toktogul town to the Chaar Ranch. February 2026

I met Munarbek and his family in Bishkek, and then we traveled to the ranch. I discovered the newly established facilities and met Yrys… and I was surrounded almost constantly by the 70 horses! During the day, the horses roam freely and return to the ranch in the evening.

Munarbek stayed a few days, then I remained at the ranch with Yrys.

What a joy it was to observe them! Besh, Chaar Suluu, Tan Suluu, Ak Suluu, the foals of summer 2025, and all the others… in such a wonderful environment!

Having tea on the terrace while watching the horses—those are priceless moments.

Yrys is herding the horses to the watering

Thanks to Munarbek’s kindness and Yrys’s dedication and care, I had the chance to go on a magnificent mountain ride in the snow. I rode Chaplin, who was gentle and well-behaved, and I trusted him completely.

I truly regret not being a better rider—I need to stay longer!

Gaby joined us on weekends. She is a volunteer and works at the school with Munarbek’s mother. I was even able to participate twice in Thursday morning classes—it was a wonderful experience!

I spent precious moments with Munarbek’s family and at the ranch with Yrys. It is unforgettable—thank you so much!

Yrys, Josette, Gabi, Munarbek and children having their lunch on the terrace

Daily life at the ranch was quite simple, but with good organization, it is absolutely manageable… just maybe a bit more internet connection would help for processing photos 😊. Oh yes—I should mention that I came to take photos of the horses.

This way of life suits me perfectly… (so I will definitely come back 😊)

Chaar ranch at winter

I would go shopping in Toktogul, most of the time on foot—the landscape is just so beautiful!

It is a real source of pride to be part of this program, and now I am considering becoming more involved in the association.

At school with children, where Gabi helping to teach french language

Through my conversations with Munarbek, I continue to learn more about the Chaar breed, the country, and his commitment—it is truly enriching… Munarbek feels like a member of the family now!

Would you also like to support Munarbek and his wonderful project?

You can contribute to this program—several options are available on the website. And who knows? Maybe one day you too will visit the ranch…

I sincerely hope so!