Munarbek Kuldanbaev: Chaar Suluu, a journey of horses, heart and an accelerated dream
Drawing of daughter of classmate of Munarbek
My journey with horses began with a moment of destiny. While filming True Appaloosa, I met Chaar Suluu a magnificent stallion whose name means “spotted beauty” in Kyrgyz. It was an unexpected encounter, raw and unforgettable, that set the course of my life. I didn’t just meet him I bought him, along with five Kyrgyz mares, and together they became the heartbeat of a dream. Want the full story? Dive into our blog!
Conor Woodman, Van Royko and ChaarSuluu, moment from shootings of the film “True Appaloosa” 2012
In 2012, with Chaar Suluu and those five mares by my side, I launched a program to revive and preserve the Chaar horse a rare Kyrgyz breed on the brink of vanishing from the mountains. At first, it was a humble start. My tourism business demanded most of my time, and the horses were a quiet passion simmering on the back burner. But the challenges came fast: the herd grew slowly, wolves struck, mountain accidents took their toll, and I wrestled with constant shortages of feed and hay. I poured my own money into it, and let me tell you it was a struggle, heavier than I’d ever expected.
Me and Chaar Suluu
A turning point in 2021
Years of hardship stretched on like an endless winter storm. By 2021, I stood at a breaking point: sell the horses and retreat to the comfort of business, or stake everything on a dream that had lived in me since I was a kid, running my hands through a horse’s mane under the open sky. Horses weren’t just a pastime they were my soul’s fire. I chose the dream.
That’s when inspiration struck: why face this alone? I launched an accelerated Chaar breeding program and called on friends to join me. Some leapt in without hesitation, fueled by the same spark I carried. This program changed everything. Before, I’d had to sell foals to scrape by feed, stable hands, the basics and even that barely covered costs. But every foal is a living vault of Chaar’s genetic treasure, a cornerstone of the breed’s revival. With my friends’ support, I could finally hold onto them.
Caramele a foal of Ester. 2024
We started with the essentials: securing steady feed, stabling the horses at night to shield them from wolves, and adding extra rations through bitter winter nights. Bit by bit, the herd transformed healthier, stronger, growing in number. But I knew survival wasn’t enough. To truly save Chaar, the world had to see them.
Chaar Suluu the founder of chaar breed
An international association in 2023
In 2023, we took a daring leap: we founded the International Chaar Association. It’s more than a breeding effort it’s a platform for sportsmen, artists, musicians, and creators worldwide to capture Chaar’s spirit in works that echo across borders. The first believers in our accelerated program became its founders, bound by a shared mission. Today, we stand at 60 horses, each one a step closer to our goal of 500 the threshold to officially recognize Chaar as a breed.
Ketmen Tobo region where chaar accelerated program took its place
We’re calling the world to join us. This isn’t just about horses it’s about safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity, reviving Kyrgyzstan’s cultural and historical soul, and building bridges of friendship across the globe. It’s for anyone stirred by the thunder of hooves and united by our vision. Step into this adventure with us together, we’ll resurrect the legend of Chaar!
