about the author
About Russ Krachun
“Feel your partners soul and understand their mind” - Russ Krachun
I want to take a moment to share a little about my background and upbringing with you, as I firmly believe it is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of how these formative experiences have significantly shaped my ideas and the underlying philosophy in developing my comprehensive performance horsemanship program.
I grew up in Odessa, Ukraine, a vibrant city known for its rich history and stunning architectural buildings. Nestled along the coast by the Black Sea, it boasts a well-known seaport and lovely sandy beaches that attract both locals and tourists alike. I have many wonderful memories from my childhood and teenage years spent enjoying the sun and playing at this picturesque beach. The large ships in the bustling port brought with them various cultures, new experiences, and delightful flavors that filled the air, making every moment unforgettable.
The downtown area was full of historic buildings, theaters, museums, monuments, and parks. I recall walking on Derieasovsky Street, where people strolled without cars. I treasure the memories of my father holding my hand and sharing stories about our city's history. I wish I could close my eyes and remember the smells of the bazaar, the sounds of horse-drawn carriages, and the respectful conversations in different languages. I long to relive those moments, yet I know I cannot, and that the city has changed forever.
My parents were highly educated individuals, and they worked tirelessly and diligently to support our family while also being the most loving and caring couple you could ever imagine. My father, a true gentleman in every sense of the word, took the time to teach me not only how to love deeply but also how to genuinely understand animals and to always respect the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
As a child, I loved pretending to ride a horse even though I didn't know what a cowboy was. I made a pretend horse using a pillow as a saddle, my father's belt to hold it, and a rope for the bridle. I played games with my imaginary horse. Looking back, I see I had a natural instinct for horsemanship from an early age.
One memorable evening, my father invited me to the movies to see The Magnificent Seven. This film deeply moved me. In the dark theater, I could almost feel and smell the horses, gunpowder, and leather saddles as if I were part of the story. I was struck by the characters' pride in their identities and way of life. I believe this film significantly impacted my life. My parents noticed my passion for horses, and I am truly grateful to them for that!
During the summer months we visited my Uncle Collin who was a forest ranger who also raised and cared for horses. It was here where I experienced my first smell of the horse and also rode for the first time bareback. It was clear to me that I was horses were in my blood and I was born to love horses! My uncle also shared stories of how our ancestors rode their horses bravely in battle using swords.
These cherished childhood memories significantly influenced me to choose the sport of fencing during my teenage years. With a great deal of dedication and a strong focus on developing my athletic abilities over the course of nine years, I ultimately achieved the honor of being awarded the title of reserve junior champion of Ukraine. During these formative years, I acquired a multitude of valuable life lessons and practical skills. It was only later that I recognized the profound importance of these experiences as I seamlessly integrated these learnings into my methodology within my horsemanship program, understanding that horses, too, deserve recognition as remarkable athletes in their own right.
As an adult, I was fortunate to immigrate to Canada with my young family, allowing me to pursue the fulfilling dream of becoming a skilled horseman. Throughout this journey, I faced many struggles and encountered numerous obstacles, often making mistakes along the way. I explored and followed a variety of great horsemen’s methods, but over time I realized that to truly succeed, I had to be true to myself. This meant developing my own philosophy and designing training methods that resonated with both my instincts and the needs of the horse.
I also credit much of my knowledge to the horses who have patiently taught me about their unique behaviors and needs. They have been essential teachers, helping me use my experiences and background to shape my horsemanship philosophy and approach.
It was my primary mission in my horsemanship journey to foster a deeper understanding and a stronger connection between both horse and horseman. This enriching process involves not only enhancing the horse's mental capabilities but also building their confidence and ensuring that they develop and maintain a solid, focused mindset throughout their training. Additionally, I strive to meticulously develop the physical performance of each horse, allowing them to excel as athletes and reach their full potential across various equestrian disciplines. The first level of the foundation program, aptly named “Discover Horsemanship Philosophy & Methodology,” was thoughtfully designed with the intent that this program would serve as a guiding framework, leading and connecting to all other programs while addressing goals and problems that may be effectively prevented or resolved through its teachings.
In upcoming blog posts, I will explain each step of the training process and its importance for both horse and rider. I will emphasize why it's crucial for horses to read your feelings and body language during interactions. Likewise, I will highlight the need for riders to understand their horse's feelings and body language to strengthen our partnership. I will share the philosophy behind each method, which enhances the horse's physical performance and supports their well-being. Additionally, I will discuss my approach to horsemanship education, specifically why I choose not to use physical tools to get results, while also addressing misconceptions from traditional methods that can impede progress.
The Russ Krachun Performance Horsemanship program offers a wide range of teachings online, also performances and demonstrations at clinics and equine events, shares valuable insights through social media posts and instructional videos to enhance your knowledge. We provide Foundation and Performance training for your horse at our fully equipped facility and offer well-trained horses for sale. Additionally, our blog posts offer informative content to support your horsemanship journey.
I sincerely welcome your valuable feedback and your unwavering support, and I truly hope that your horsemanship journey is enriched and enhanced with the insights I share in my posts! Your engagement means a lot to me.