Legacy of nomads in equestrian show ‘Kyz Kuu’

"Kyz Kuu" is an ancient traditional game of the Kazakh people. A unique competition allows participants to demonstrate all the art of horse riding. It was this tradition that was taken as a basis by the creators of the equestrian show ‘Kyz Kuu’ with the participation of Kazakh and French stunt performers. A unique one and a half hour performance with the most complex equestrian tricks is presented at the Keruen Sarai arena in Turkistan. "Kyz Kuu" includes a light show and a theatrical performance, where the main role is assigned to a Frenchwoman  Audrey Hubeser. There was a reason why she was chosen for such a responsible role. Hubeser is a specialist at the Higher School of Horse Riding in France. She also takes an interest in nomadic culture from an early age.

 “We first arrived in Kazakhstan on February 26th. Thanks to teamwork, we managed to easily prepare the show in a month together with Kazakh stuntmen and our specialists. I was 2.5 years old when I first mounted a horse. It has become my life's work since then. Before coming to Kazakhstan, I read a lot and searched for information about Kyz Kuu. But there wasn’t much of it in English and French. I learnt more about the history, traditions and unique features of the country already upon arrival,” said Audrey Hubeser, stunt performer, France.

Performing complex stunts on horseback is not easy! However, Hubeser managed to demonstrate her professionalism by honing her skills specifically for the popular show. Now the stuntwoman is proud that she can perform on equal terms with Kazakh equestrian sportsmen, and moreover, popularize the rich culture of nomads of the Great Steppe. 

 Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova

Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova