The first equestrian games have taken place in the Crimea. This sports activity has been organized by the Crimean organization of the Ukrainian Registered Cossacks headed by ataman-in-chief of the Crimea Lieutenant-General Palochkin Aleksandr. The sports event has been visited by Hetman of the Ukrainian Registered Cossacks, Corresponding Member of the NAS of Ukraine, Ph. Doctor of Theology, Ph. Doctor of Technical Science Anatoli Shevchenko and Commander of Chernomorski ( Black Sea) Cossack district URC Colonel -General Anatoli Zhernovoi.

Representatives of different Cossack units took part in these sports events on that day. The Cossack games were opened by the URC Hetman Anatoli Shevchenko, calling God's blessing upon the participants and everybody who was present there.

During the games riders demonstrated their skills of riding, Cossack courage and adroitness. The spectators had an opportunity not only to enjoy the sports competition, but also to fellowship with Cossacks, to get familiar with the Cossack traditions, to receive blessing from a priest and to be inspired with the feeling of patriotism which prevailed in the atmosphere of the festival. At the end of the equestrian games the winners were awarded certificates of honor of the URC, cups and presents. Then all the participants and spectators of the games were invited to Cossack kulesh.

Before the competition began a solemn ritual of initiation young people to the Registered Cossacks was held. The young people took the oath of allegiance and swore to serve the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Registered Cossacks. Instruction of rewarding signs of honor of the URC, on conferring with the next following ranks were announced.