'Fantasia': Fearsome beauty of horseback martial art - CNN

    Fearsome beauty of 'Fantasia': Ancient martial art on horseback

    By Sheena McKenzie, CNN

    Updated 1050 GMT (1850 HKT) March 31, 2016

    Nadjib Rahmani's photo exhibition documents the ancient equestrian art of "Fantasia."
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    Nadjib Rahmani's photo exhibition documents the ancient equestrian art of "Fantasia."
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    He traveled across Algeria, capturing images of hundreds of riders.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    He traveled across Algeria, capturing images of hundreds of riders.
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    "Fantasia is an old equestrian art that has existed since the first wars in the Maghreb (a region of north Africa)," Rahmani says.<br />
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "Fantasia is an old equestrian art that has existed since the first wars in the Maghreb (a region of north Africa)," Rahmani says.
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    "We witness the reproduction of various war charges -- called the 'Game of Gunpowder,'" he adds.<br />
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "We witness the reproduction of various war charges -- called the 'Game of Gunpowder,'" he adds.
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    "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 />
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "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."
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    "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.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "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.
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    "There is a feeling of brotherhood, welcoming, and sharing at these events," he adds.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "There is a feeling of brotherhood, welcoming, and sharing at these events," he adds.
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    Rahmani captured the drama of Fantasia, traveling to events across Algeria from spring to summer.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    Rahmani captured the drama of Fantasia, traveling to events across Algeria from spring to summer.
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    Each event might have anywhere between 50 and 400 riders taking part.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    Each event might have anywhere between 50 and 400 riders taking part.
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    "My greatest happiness would be to show these photos around the world and discover our equestrian traditions," Rahmani says.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "My greatest happiness would be to show these photos around the world and discover our equestrian traditions," Rahmani says.
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    "Fantasia exists all over Algeria -- the difference of suits is used to identify each region," he says.
    Photos: The Maghreb's traditional equestrian showpiece
    "Fantasia exists all over Algeria -- the difference of suits is used to identify each region," he says.
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    fantasia horse festival guard fantasia horse festival fiercefantasia horse festival kneel fantasia horse festival color fantasia horse festival guns fantasia horse festival fantasia horse festival horsesfantasia horse festival cloak fantasia horse festival arch fantasia horse festival leap fantasia horse festival pose

    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.
        "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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