Riders with braids
January 25, 2018 | 21:37 |450
This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the legendary equestrian run of Ashgabat-Karakum-Moscow. In its time, this historic transition through the desert was given much attention. We remember it to this day. But today few people know that half a year has not passed, and a new group has departed, although, on a different route. Before the participants of the new equestrian crossing lay the same unlimited desert that had to be crossed. The campaign was not only extremely difficult, but also very dangerous. Firstly, because the Karakum had to be overcome in the winter. And winter in the Black Sands (this is how the toponym "Karakum" is translated) is severe. Sometimes the cold here is worse than the summer heat. And, secondly, from the fact that this time the voyage was undertaken not by hardened men - experienced riders, but by fragile young ... girls. They were simple girls, workers of rural farms from the western regions of Turkmenistan - Chardzhou, Farab, Karabekaul. Inspired by the feat of their compatriots, they decided to repeat their route. The task set was simple - to confirm that women can cope with a complex deed no worse than men, that they are not afraid of any obstacles.Vladimir ZAREMBO
And the girls wanted to confirm the opinion of some researchers: the Amazons who once lived on the territory of the country are not a myth, but a reality.
There was another reason.
It was a time when the shadow of the coming terrible war was approaching slowly, but inexorably into the peaceful life of people. It seemed that even the air was saturated with a premonition of great misfortune. For everyone understood that sooner or later the most bloody war in the history of mankind will break out. And, therefore, the opposition must be prepared ahead of time. And, if necessary, the girls will be able to stand next to their fathers, husbands and brothers in defense of the Motherland.
... To carry out a long and exhausting campaign to distant Moscow, it was necessary to withstand the and the most difficult exam - to pass through the sands of one of the greatest deserts of the world, and at the same time to test the endurance of rural horses in an unprecedented cavalry march.
The girls, who had never been in the saddle before, were prepared thoroughly. The routes were scrupulously developed, including thorough preparation of material and food support for the run, training of horses and horsemen. For 13 days they had to pass about 650 kilometers through the territory of Turkmenistan. Of these, one-third of the way lay through the difficult unsteady sands of the Karakum.
Early morning of February 2nd, 1936, twelve Amazons, the eldest of whom was twenty-three years old, the youngest-only eighteen, set out on their journey.
Two hours after the departure from Chardzhou, the group entered the most difficult part of the journey - the sands of the Karakum desert. The horses were almost knee-deep in the sand dunes.
On the third day of the trip the group was overtaken by a sandstorm. The icy wind, which was taking place towards evening, caused the women to stop. The riders laid the horses on the ground, covered with koshmas and tarpaulins, under which they themselves hid, clinging to the warm groats of horses.
The storm raged all night, calming down only in the morning. However, this incident did not stop the girls in the least and made them turn back. They did not cry from the cold and did not cry out of despair - the girls encouraged themselves with songs. As the newspapers that covered the run wrote at that time, "... perhaps, the Karakum sand has never heard such cheerful and sonorous songs as that night."
On February 6th, the group arrived in Bairam-Ali. For the inhabitants of the then village, the arrival of the girls turned into a real holiday. As the newspaper "Turkmen Iskra" reported, "when approaching Bairam-Ali, for three kilometers, bicyclists, physical culture workers, workers and collective farmers stood on either side of the road with trellises, and the thunderous "Hurray!" did not cease to be shouted.
It should be noted that throughout the journey from Chardzhou to Ashgabat, courageous girls were received by solemn, joyful meetings, being treated by various delights, invited to visit and expressed admiration in every possible way.
Having rested, on the morning of February 7th, the brave explorers took the start on Mary. By noon they arrived in the city on Murgab. Ten kilometers from Mary, the girls were met with honors by representatives of the military units of the city. The same day, after dinner, the brave group continued on its way.
On February 10th, the riders arrived in Tejen. More than 350 kilometers were covered in 7 days. The newspapers reported that the girls are cheerful and healthy, the horses are in excellent condition and are taking the passage through the desert terrain well.
After a day's rest, with the onset of midnight, the column moved further - to Ashgabat.
Girls from the western regions of Turkmenistan were not alone in the campaign. In Kaahka, a few other ladies joined the detachment, inspired by the example of their peers.
The girls from Kara-Kala also supported the initiative. On 10th of February they marched out and the next day they were in Bacharden. In total, they traveled 130 kilometers, 50 of them along mountain trails.
Precisely at the appointed time all participants of the run arrived in Ashgabat.
The capital met the tired but happy Amazons festively. For the courage and endurance shown, all the participants and organizers of the difficult journey - about forty people - were awarded with honorary diplomas of the government of Turkmenistan and valuable gifts.
In addition, valuable gifts were given to all mothers of all girls - for the excellent education of their daughters!
... However, the dream of fearless horsemen - to repeat the run made by their fellow countrymen - was not destined to come true.
The Great Patriotic War began, which buried all their plans.
If there is no war, who knows, maybe the Turkmen girls would pass a solemn column through the streets and squares of Moscow.
... This story surprises many who heard it. All but the Turkmen.
The love of the Turkmen for horses is in the blood. It manifests itself at the genetic level. And as the aksakals say, a horse of Akhal-Teke breed, zealous and unapproachable for others, after hearing Turkmen speech, becomes affectionate and meek.
In the historical chronicles there is information that the children of Turkmens learn to control the horse before they begin to walk. If there is an exaggeration in this statement, it is not very big. This is confirmed by the popularity among modern children of classes in equestrian sections. And not only among boys.
Skillful successor of ancient traditions is the equestrian group "Galkynysh" - the winner of a number of international competitions, well-known for the whole world. Their contribution to their laurel wreath of glory was, among others, brought by young girls who famously run during a frenzied horse ride to the unspeakable surprise of those who see them for the first time.
However, let us return to our history ... Participants in an unprecedented equestrian crossing with the outbreak of war returned home. They survived the war, although many of them lost their husbands and brothers during the Great Patriotic War. But the character, obtained during the most difficult journey, helped them to withstand the hard years of conflict.
And still (as I really want to believe), they knew that the time would come when their dream to glorify the incomparable Turkmen horses for the whole world is realized by the same young girls as they were when they came out in an unprecedented campaign.
