The Orlov Trotter was the horse of the Russian aristocracy. From the year 1775 onwards, systematically bred by Count Alexei Orlow-Tschesmenski, this breed still characterizes Russian horse breeding today. The oldest stud farm in the country,"Chrenovskoi" in Voronezh in central Russia, has a proud history, but the demand for trotters has reached a historic low point. There is no state support to maintain the huge facility. Nevertheless, the breeding and training centre is popular. The 23-year-old Nastia Kafidow finishes her training as a horse landlady with a focus on sulky riding. Soon she wants to try her luck in one of the few remaining stables...
The southern Russian steppes are home to the Don Cossacks. For almost five hundred years, the legendary, gold-shimmering Don horses were their closest partners in times of war and peace. Today the breed is threatened with extinction. The Cossacks themselves have always played an eventful role in history. Today they are in the process of finding a new place in Russian society. Cossack traditions and virtues are conveyed by our own schools, while mounted Cossack associations ensure safety on the streets. Anton Ortchinsky represents this new era like no other. Not only is he committed to preserving the Don horses and organizing Cossack associations, he is also one of the best trick riders in the country.
Thorolf Lipp and his team have traveled to southern Russia for an autumn in search of 500 years of Russian horse history.
D 2016.43 minutes, commissioned by ZDF/ arte
Idea, script and direction - THOROLF LIPP
Co-Director - ANASTASIA VINOKUROVA
Dramaturgy - MARTINA KLEINERT
Camera - THOMAS KULIK & THOROLF LIPP
Sound & translations - ARTEM FUNK
Editing & Color Correction - THOMAS KULIK
Graphics - SASCHA WERNER
Mixture - JAN DEJOZÉ
Music - ILJA CORIC
Research - ERIK LEMKE
Production management - ANKE MEYER
Producer - MARTINA SPRENGEL
Editorial assistance - ULLI LEINER (ZDF)
Editorial Office - MARITA HÜBINGER (ZDF)