‘Fantasia’: Fearsome beauty of horseback martial art | CNN

Fearsome beauty of ‘Fantasia’: Ancient martial art on horseback

By Sheena McKenzie, CNN
1 minute read
Published 6:50 AM EDT, Thu March 31, 2016
Nadjib Rahmani's photo exhibition documents the ancient equestrian art of "Fantasia."
Nadjib Rahmani's photo exhibition documents the ancient equestrian art of "Fantasia."
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
He traveled across Algeria, capturing images of hundreds of riders.
He traveled across Algeria, capturing images of hundreds of riders.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"Fantasia is an old equestrian art that has existed since the first wars in the Maghreb (a region of north Africa)," Rahmani says.<br />
"Fantasia is an old equestrian art that has existed since the first wars in the Maghreb (a region of north Africa)," Rahmani says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"We witness the reproduction of various war charges -- called the 'Game of Gunpowder,'" he adds.<br />
"We witness the reproduction of various war charges -- called the 'Game of Gunpowder,'" he adds.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"The role of women is very important, insofar as people who travel with their horses and tents to stay for a week at an event move as a family," Rahmani says. "It is an event where everyone is cordially invited. Nevertheless, the woman doesn't participate in equestrian games as much as a rider, but she does as far as logistics go."<br />
"The role of women is very important, insofar as people who travel with their horses and tents to stay for a week at an event move as a family," Rahmani says. "It is an event where everyone is cordially invited. Nevertheless, the woman doesn't participate in equestrian games as much as a rider, but she does as far as logistics go."
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"Algeria and the Maghreb in particular have a strong equestrian culture -- the tradition is passed from father to son for generations," the 38-year-old photographer says.
"Algeria and the Maghreb in particular have a strong equestrian culture -- the tradition is passed from father to son for generations," the 38-year-old photographer says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"There is a feeling of brotherhood, welcoming, and sharing at these events," he adds.
"There is a feeling of brotherhood, welcoming, and sharing at these events," he adds.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
Rahmani captured the drama of Fantasia, traveling to events across Algeria from spring to summer.
Rahmani captured the drama of Fantasia, traveling to events across Algeria from spring to summer.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
Each event might have anywhere between 50 and 400 riders taking part.
Each event might have anywhere between 50 and 400 riders taking part.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"My greatest happiness would be to show these photos around the world and discover our equestrian traditions," Rahmani says.
"My greatest happiness would be to show these photos around the world and discover our equestrian traditions," Rahmani says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"Fantasia exists all over Algeria -- the difference of suits is used to identify each region," he says.
"Fantasia exists all over Algeria -- the difference of suits is used to identify each region," he says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
Fearsome beauty of 'Fantasia': Ancient martial art on horseback

Story highlights

Ancient equestrian art still performed across north Africa

Algerian photographer captures spectacular "war charge"

CNN  — 

For many people, the word “Fantasia” is likely to evoke images of Disney’s adorable multicolored pegasuses leaping through the air. But across northern Africa, “Fantasia” has an ancient – and fearsome – heritage.

Here, skilled horse riders recreate centuries-old war charges – including galloping at top speed in a line, before a spectacular finale.

Photographer Nadjib Rahmani captured hundreds of riders taking part in this ancient equestrian art at events across Algeria, with his spectacular images exhibited at the Sofitel, Algiers.

The exhibition "Horse, Men and Traditions" features 50 photographs.
The exhibition "Horse, Men and Traditions" features 50 photographs.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani

“When I see a horse rider at full gallop, brandishing their shotgun, and shooting all at the same time, while sometimes I’m 10 meters away – it is most impressive,” the 38-year-old says.

“I wanted to highlight the discipline, and show the importance of the relationship of men with their horses and the land.”

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