Hubert's ride at the Topoľčianky National Stud

It is already a tradition that the National Stud and the Slovak Equestrian Federation, with the participation of many equestrian clubs, end the sports season with a ceremonial Hubert ride. This year's participants were accompanied by wonderful weather with unusually high temperatures and the romantic autumn colours of surrounded woods.

Hubert's ride belongs to the traditions of the National Stud. Every third Saturday in October, many personalities from equestrian and cultural life gather in Topoľčianky. The hosts are the director of the National Stud, Michal Horný, and the president of the Slovak Equestrian Federation, Vladimír Chovan. The guests of honour who accepted the invitation this year included the ex-president of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič and the general director of the agriculture section of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic Juraj Penzeš.

At the ceremonial opening of Hubert's ride in front of the Castle in Topoľčianky, 10 carriages and 23 riders from various riding clubs took part. After the ceremonial opening with speeches by the hosts and guests of honour, all participants were familiarized with the strict rules of the hunt. Subsequently, the herd went towards the ruins of Hrušov Castle, passing the breeding facilities of the National Stud Farm with herds of horses. Under the castle, refreshments were prepared for all participants. After gaining new strength, the group went back to the Castle in Topoľčianky. During the journey, the riders overcame natural obstacles in constant pursuit of the symbolic "fox" all the way to the meadow in front of the Topoľčianky castle. Here followed the long-awaited culmination of the hunt - halali. Riders looked for foxtail in bushes, under stumps, in grass and on branches. Finally, the fox was found quite quickly. The home winner of Hubert's ride, Boris Kodak, was congratulated by the director of NŽ Topoľčianky, Michal Horný, and everyone present rewarded him with applause.

Tired but satisfied riders returned to the courtyard of the stud farm. After taking care of the horses, they were waiting for a meeting in the decorated historical equestrian hall. There was also "Hubert goulash" and traditional gourmet specialties.

On this occasion, a new publication entitled "Lipizzans from Topolcianky in UNESCO" was officially launched. The authors are the Topoľčianky National Stud and Dalibor Gregor. The act of symbolic christening - flogging the book with a riding whip - was performed by ex-president of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič. The book can currently be purchased at the information stand directly at the National Stud in Topoľčianky or via the website www.nztopolcianky.sk  

We have another breeding and sports season behind us...

We wish all riders and their four-legged partners enough rest to gain new strength for the following season of 2024 and, of course, many breeding and sporting successes.

Reportáže o Hubertovej jazde:

TV Markíza:

Hubertova jazda | TV Markíza (markiza.sk)

RTVS:

Správy RTVS - Televízny archív – pôvodná tvorba i športové relácie online