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Omar Chinibekov continues a family dynasty of Cossack Riding, learned from Batyrbek Kunguzhinov while growing up in the plains of Kazakhstan. As a dzhigit (daring rider) he performs death-defying stunts over and under horses while racing at full gallop around the ring. His circus career began in a group called Azamat, with which Omar traveled worldwide, performing for audiences of thousands. In 2000, Omar was personally recognized for mastery of Cossack Riding during the Animal Festival in Shanghai, China. During the last eight years, Omar has performed as the leading character of several theatrical shows in Chicago’s Noble Horse Theater, and has represented the group at the Midwest Horse Fair, the Equine Fair in Ohio and the Kentucky Horse Park. In his first season with Circus Flora, Omar is joined by two former students, Sergey Latokhin and Elexey Bashaev, with their equine partners Corporal and Lester.