GuideGuide

Czech RepublicsipkaActivitiessipkaSportssipkaHorse Riding

Horse riding is one of the most popular sports. Both cold-blooded and warm-blooded breeds of horse are kept in the Czech Republic. Of the latter breed, for example, the Czech warm-blooded horse is used for riding, as are some imported breeds. One of the most famous breeds is the stare Kladruby horse, the only original Czech horse. This breed is kept in two colour variants - black and white - in Kladruby and Slatinany. A visit the local stables, as well as to the hippological museum in Slatinany is a real treat.
There are many horse riding clubs in the Czech Republic from which you can hire a horse for a fee either for a ride in a riding school or for open-air rides (according to the ability of the rider), most frequently with an instructor. Some of these clubs also provide courses in riding. You can also enjoy horse riding as part of the agro-tourism schemes at some farms that specialise in horse-breeding.
The Czech horse riding federation organises classical riding disciplines (jumping, dressage, multi-discipline, team riding) in 500 clubs. Some of these also arrange recreational and hippo-therapy, horse-riding in the countryside and summer horse-riding courses. There are many horse riding centres and clubs in the Czech Republic, some of them we cover in our regional guide.

The Velka pardubicka cross-country steeplechase is the oldest socially oriented sports event in the Czech Republic. Organisation of so called parforse hunts used to be a very fashionable liking of the aristocracy during the 19th century. Groups of riders in colour jackets on horse's backs together with a pack of dogs chased the game and jumped over various natural obstacles at the same time.
A race course which regularly hosted the races had been built in Pardubice in 1856. In 1874 a decision to organise a big hurdle race was taken. The earl Max Ugarte, prince Emil Fuerstenberg and Oktavian Kinsky gave birth to this race.
The first Pardubice steeple-chase took place on November 5, 1874. Fourteen horses and riders were participating in this race and the total grant was 8 000 goldens. The course of the race and its results caused a significant response in Europe.
The first one, who entered his name onto the list of winners was FANTOMEM, who was an English thoroughbred with the English jockey, Sayers in the saddle. The following three races in 1875, 1877 and 1878 were taken by BRIGAND who became the most successful horse for the next twenty years. Triple victory had also been gained by LADY ANNE and the russian horse EPIGRAF. All the records were beaten by the phenomenal sorrel ZELEZNIK who gained four victories in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991.
The Velka pardubicka has been run in today's manner since 1952 when the race course was rebuilt. Before that the race took place also in the area behind the tribunes, that is in the area you would find an airport today.
In total, horses have to overcome 31 obstacles on the 6 900 metre long track which is lead both through grass and ploughed fields. The most famous obstacle is the Big water-jump ditch which is the fourth obstacle after the start. It consists of 140 cm high and wide hedge followed by 5 metre wide and 1 metre deep ditch. Other difficult obstacles are the Snake ditch, which consists of 4,5 metre wide water ditch with elevated spring off platform, and the Big water ditch which are in the last quarter of the race followed by feared obstacles such as the Big English jump and Havel's jump which consist of hedges combined with beams and smaller ditches.

Photo gallery

logo
white
logo
logo
 
point   Czech Republic
point   History CZ
point   Useful information
point   Tourist attractions
point   Region by region
point   Activities
point   Sports
point   Skiing
point   Fishing
point   Cycling
point   Tennis
point   Golf
point   Water Sports
point   Extreme Sports
point   Hiking, rambling & trekking
point   Hunting
point   Ice Hockey
point   Soccer
point   Horse Riding
point   Culture
point   Czech Folklore Tradition
point   Camping
point   Food & Drink
home  Back to homepage
summary  My cart (0 item(s))



Dovolená Egypt | Dovolená Řecko | Dovolená Turecko | Dovolená Tunisko

Last minute Egypt | Last minute Řecko | Last minute Turecko | Last minute Tunisko

Prague Apartments for rent

Prague apartments

Prague apartments for rent and hotels - Accommodation in Prague and the Czech Republic - Travel.cz

Need immediate help or consultation? Go to the on-line discussion with our operators or contact us on:
CZ - Prague - phone +420-224 990 990-7, fax +420-224 990 999, toll free numbers: 800 800 722 (CZ),
e-mail reservations@travel.cz or ICQ 267010033.
Accommodation in Prague & Czech Republic |  Prague Tours |  Theatre Tickets |  Rent a Car |  Transfers | Site Map

Secure online payments are provided by globalpayments Europe.