Hubert's ride at the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky

Every year, the third Saturday of October is dedicated to the conclusion of the sporting and breeding season at the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm with a festive Hubertus Ride. This year's participants were accompanied by sunny weather with the romantic hues of autumn colors.

The Hubertus Ride is part of the traditions of the National Stud Farm. On this occasion, many personalities from the equestrian and cultural world gather in Topoľčianky. The hosts are the director of the National Stud Farm, Ing. Samuel Sokol, and the chairman of the Slovak Equestrian Federation, Ing. Vladimír Chovan. Among the honorary guests who accepted the invitation this year were the director of the Animal Production Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic, Ing. Peter Juhász, and the chairman of the supervisory board of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky, Ing. Emil Košút.

During the ride, the riders overcame natural obstacles while being constantly chased by the symbolic 'fox' to a meadow in front of the Topoľčianky castle. Here followed the long-awaited climax of the hunt - the hounds' call. Riders searched for the fox's tail in the bushes, under stumps, in the grass, and on branches. The fox was eventually found quite quickly. The local winner of the Hubert Ride, Pavol Gašpar Jr., was congratulated by the director of NŽ Topoľčianky, Ing. Samuel Sokol, and all those present rewarded him with applause.

Tired but satisfied, the riders returned to the courtyard of the stud farm's riding hall. After taking care of the horses, they were welcomed in the decorated historic riding hall for a gathering. There was also the 'Hubert goulash' and traditional gourmet specialties.

FOTO: Pavol Čepček

TEXT: NŽT