Chortitza island was once a center for the ruling Cossacks, and they put on a show laced
with humor, dancing, and spectacular horsemanship.
One of the stunts, shown below, was for the Cossack leader to snap branches off with a
bullwhip, sometimes asking members of the group to hold the branches. After having a
couple others out, they had great fun with Ron Toews. The plan was to take a cap off
with the whip -- frightening enough. Then they blind-folded the Cossack and told Ron
to use his hands to protect his private parts. After that they decided to blindfold
Ron as well.
While Ron could not see, they removed the blindfold from the Cossack, and when he snapped
the whip, another knocked the cap off. (It can be seen flying just above the white
horses tail.) When Ron learned that he was never in danger, I do not know.
As for all participants, a shot of vodka was placed on a saber blade for him to lift,
holding the ends of the saber.
Vodka was shared with everyone (for educational purposes only), and we left having greatly
enjoyed the hour.
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