Clubs of Russian Military History
Several years ago groups of young and ro mantic members of Russian intelligentsia got an idea to resurrect Russian military traditions of the 19th century. They organized clubs of Russian Military History. Just for fun. It was a fairly motley crowd — among them you'll find historians, engineers, artists, computer programmers, and so on.
After much delving and digging in libraries and museums they became experts on all the aspects of Russian military life of the last century. They learned the history and traditions of Russian regiments, their uniforms, weapons, decorations, down to a minute detail. They also learned the fighting methods of the time.
Then they produced replicas of uniforms and weapons of various Russian regiments. When it soon became clear that most of those traditions are concerned with The Horse, they set out to master riding, mounted fighting, etc. They bought horses, constructed stables, invited skilled trainers and worked hard to become not only novice riders who can only stay aboard at parades and ceremonies. Most of them went on to become expert stunt riders and saber fighters.
Most of their activities in Moscow are concentrated around the Borodino field, the place of the famous battle at Moscow in 1812.
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Mock battles staged at Borodino and at the Entrance Hill in Moscow (uniforms of various Russian |
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Members of the clubs are invited to stage battle scenes from that and other battles. They are also invited to other places in Russia and other CIS countries.
Russian cavalry at Sebastopol
Russian–style hunting to dogs & falconry
In winter members of the clubs go out hunting to Borzois. Also they are resurrencting hunting with falcons and eagles.
19th–century society life
Because the military, especially Guards, officer was a respected member of the aristocratic Russian society, it was only natural that the members of the clubs began to master and practice 19th century dancing, and even to hold balls. Again they, at least some of them, went on to become aficionados of that important aspect of Russian society life and culture of the last century.
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The clubs published several books on prominent figures of Russian history, ball traditions, and other spheres of interest.
Foreign relations
The clubs receive foreign guests from all over the world. They are interested in contacts with similar groups in the world.
