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Andrei Arkhangelsky is a hermit who lives a solitary life on the Pacific coast of Kunashir Island in the Greater Kuril Ridge.
Andrei Shapran
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He works as a fish inspector, but in his spare time indulges in an unusual hobby: horse breeding.
Andrei Shapran
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In Soviet times, the Kuril Islands were home to many horses. Farmers and border guards simply had no other means of transportation.
Andrei Shapran
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After the collapse of the USSR, the horses were left ownerless. In the space of just one year, all the animals were slaughtered by people arriving in helicopters and shooting horses for pleasure. Andrei was the only person who decided to bring horses back to the island.
Andrei Shapran
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He got some of the horses from other people, and some he brought over himself. He initially planned to shoe the horses and collected many horseshoes, but later changed his mind. Horses' hooves harden naturally over time.
Andrei Shapran
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A typical herd consists of 30 adult horses and 10 foals. About five horses a year are lost for various reasons. They all live out in the elements, since Andrei has no stable large enough to accommodate them.
Andrei Shapran
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Andrei does not give names to his horses. There would be too many to remember. But they can all expect to receive a treat now and then — a lump of sugar.
Andrei Shapran
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Andrei uses a quad bike to get to the nearest villages. The 30-50 kilometer (20-30 mile) trip is too much for a horse.
Andrei Shapran
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Andrei Arkhangelsky was born in the suburbs of Moscow, but never took to city life. He visits his birthplace once a year, but is always glad to get back to his island.
Andrei Shapran
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When he gets back, it usually takes two weeks to recover from the urban stress and strain. Only after that does Andrei feel human again.
Andrei Shapran
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In the vast expanse of territory under his control, Andrei has only one neighbor — a bear. The latter also lays claim to the land, refusing to admit other bears.
Andrei Shapran
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Andrei knows that he will leave the island before he reaches old age. The horses will be of no use to anyone. Some of them will not survive the first winter; the rest will go to the slaughter-house.
Andrei Shapran
