Valerii Popov
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Valerii Popov |
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Valerii Popov has made the most disgraceful ride of modern times. In a 2008 journey from the Ural mountains of his native Russia, towards Paris, Popov inflicted so much damage on his two horses that one veterinarian warned that the rogue was riding the horses to death. It was agony, the vet declared, for the horses to be moved, much less ridden, any further.
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One of the injured Russian horses. |
This is in stark contrast to the legendary Cossack Long Rider, Lieutenant Mikhaïl Vassilievitch Asseyev, who made a ride in 1889 of nearly 2,000 non-stop kilometres from Kiev to Paris. Upon reaching the newly constructed Eiffel Tower, Asseyev’s horses were in such wonderful condition that the French Society for the Protection of Animals awarded this Russian Long Rider a gold medal in appreciation of his brilliant horsemanship.
Popov's scandalous trip, however, inspired unprecedented international outrage.
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When they learned of the calculated cruelty of the man, the original Russian sponsors of the journey revoked all ties to Popov, while the German-Russian Friendship Association, which initially supported the ride, vehemently denounced Popov. |
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When they learned of the calculated cruelty of the man, the original Russian sponsors of the journey revoked all ties to Popov, while the German-Russian Friendship Association, which initially supported the ride, vehemently denounced Popov.
Though international equestrian relief agencies had failed to halt Popov, Long Riders, veterinarians and equine rescue officials in Russia, Poland, Germany, France, England and the United States, worked together to halt the cruel journey in Germany.
After narrowly avoiding arrest in that country, Popov’s onward journey was agreed to be terminated, after Russian diplomats and German veterinarians decided to release the rider, and return his horses, if he would drive them back to Russia in a trailer.
In a stunning act of personal betrayal to his country’s diplomats who trusted him, Popov spirited the horses into France instead. Unlike the glorious Asseyev, who rode into Paris like the hero that he was, Popov secretly off-loaded the suffering animals in a parking lot, then posed with them in front of the Eiffel Tower.
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Unlike the glorious Asseyev, who rode into Paris like the hero that he was, Popov secretly off-loaded the suffering animals in a parking lot, then posed with them in front of the Eiffel Tower. |
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Given the calculated cruelty and deliberate deception involved in this ghastly mockery of a journey, The Long Riders’ Guild is declaring Valerii Popov an international equestrian travel outlaw.
Though often depicted bedecked with a chest full of medals, no glittering awards can hide the shame attached to this repugnant villain who has disgraced Russia’s otherwise glorious equestrian traditions.
