Wild West heads East
Published 17 June, 2008, 08:26
It is the small Russian town that is in love with America’s Wild West. Once a year Mozhaysk in the Moscow Region is transformed as Russians saddle up for a unique celebration of American cowboy culture.
Hundreds of rhinestone cowboys and painted Indians rode into the ranch at first light to begin the only event of its kind in Russia, uniting enthusiasts from across the vast prairies.
Some Red Indians really got into the spirit of it. One man, known as ‘Bison’, said: “This culture has chosen us. We've been doing this for 20 years. It feels like remembering something I used to know. Although I don't believe in reincarnation, that's just how I feel.”
His friend and occasional foe, Johnny Bravo, tipped his hat in agreement. “People yearn for the Western lifestyle,” said the deputy sheriff.
Sporadic battles broke out between native tribes and frontiersmen, but fortunately no scalps were taken by either side.
Horse whisperers like Veronika Pchelnikova came for the rare opportunity to try out a different style of riding. “It feels so great to put on a cowboy hat and a chequered shirt after all the sport contests. I feel like a queen. It's easy and pleasant to ride with slack in the reins and trust the horse,” she said in a south-Moscow drawl.
The cowboys and Indians managed to put their differences aside at sundown to chew the cud and smoke the peace pipe.
They dismounted and hit the saloon for a lively set dancing session, before finally riding off into the sunset.
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