In the breeding season 2020, the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" registered as the manager of traditional horse breeds shagya-arab, Hucul horse, Lipizzaner and Arabian thoroughbred, at the request of the owners of mares 32 born foals (Table 1). Of this:
(a) 6 Shagya Arabian foals
(b) 19 Arabian thoroughbred foals
(c) 1 Lipizzaner foal
(d) 6 foals of the Hucul horse breed
The number of registered foals in 2020 decreased significantly compared to 2019. In 2019, 78 foals were registered. The number of newly registered breeding mares recorded a slight increase compared to 2019.
24 horses were imported to Slovakia:
- 15 Arabian thoroughbred horses
- 4 horses of the Hucul horse breed
- 1 Lipizzaner horse
- 2 Shagya-arabian horses
- 2 Arabian horses
Tab. 1:
Numbers of registered foals by a breed in individual years
Breed/year
Number of registered foals
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Hucul
29
27
6
10
18
12
14
15
6
Lipizzaner
33
14
31
34
11
7
37
33
1
Arab
(shagya-arab, + or 1/1)
39
28
14
24
37
36
28
29
25
Together
101
69
51
68
66
55
79
77
32
Tab. 2: Numbers of breeding mares registered in stud books in the private sector
Breed
Year
2018
2019
2020
Lipizzaner
11
0
4
Hucul
7
6
5
Shagya-arab, arab
1
4
5
Arab thoroughbred
3
6
7
Together
22
16
21
Tab. 3: Numbers of imported Arabian thoroughbred horses in 2016 – 2020
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Number of imported horses
56
10
7
17
15
Tab.4: Newly registered horses of gene resources in studbooks in 2020
Breed
Horses of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky
Private Breeding
together
Newly registered foals
Newly registered mares
Newly registered stallions
Newly registered foals
Newly registered mares
Newly registered stallions
Year
2020
Year
2020
Year
2020
Year
2020
Year
2020
Year
2020
Lipizzaner
20
6
2
1
4
0
33
Hucul
15
2
0
6
5
1
29
Shagya-arab (arab)
24
2
2
6
5
4
43
Arab thoroughbred
1
1
0
16
7
3
28
Together
60
11
4
29
21
8
133
PERFORMANCE TESTS ON HORSES
We must continue to state that the performance tests of mares are largely absent in private breeding. Due to the pandemic situation, tests of stallions owned by private breeders were not performed.
Mares in private breeding were classified only on the basis of type, exterior and mechanics of movement. In 2020, we recorded an increase in the number of newly registered breeding mares in studbooks (21 mares).
On 2.7. 2020, tests of the performance of horses from genetic resources were held at the National Stud Farm. 8 stallions successfully passed the tests. The autumn performance tests took place on November 5, 2020 and were successfully passed by 5 horses, 2 mares and 3 stallions owned by the National Stud Farm.
In connection with the support of horse breeding through the "Rural Development Plan", breeders of traditional breeds asked the National Stud Farm to issue a certificate of registration of horses in the PK on the basis of meeting the requirements of the valid statutes of PK for individual breeds. The National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", a state-owned company, complied with all requests and in 2020 73 certificates were issued for breeders involved in the project.
In 2020, the Studbook Office confirmed 67 changes of owners, issued 88 certificates of the origin of horses, issued 89 passports and, together with the Chairman of the Selection Committee, confirmed the selection for breeding by 36 breeding stallions in private breeding.
As of 31 December 2020, the Studbook Office registered in its database 764 breeders and owners of horses and 2502 actively living horses from the breeds whose studbooks it maintains (Table 5).
Tab. 5: Numbers of registered horses, breeders - breeds and acts of the National Stud
Lipizzaner
Shagya-arab
Hucul
Arab thoroughbred
Together
Total number of horses in the database
2820
2480
1739
3421
10460
Number of horses in the database living within 1.12.2020
901
750
639
569
2859
Number of registered breeds (owners) until 31.12.2020
227
248
197
219
891
Number of issued certificates of origin (POP) in 2020
24
29
16
19
88
Number of issued passports in 2020
23
31
15
20
89
Number of issued confirmations PPA in 2020
73
Number of owner changes in 2020
67
BREEDING STALLIONS
In 2020, there were 36 breeding stallions licenced and included in breeding:
12 shagya-arab breeding stallions
16 arab thoroughbred breeding stallions
2 Lipizzaner breeding stallions
6 Hucul breeding stallions
The situation in the number of breeding stallions in individual breeds is still favourable in terms of quality, age structure, geographical distribution of stallions and their tribal, respectively line representation. The number of stallions included in the 2020 season remained at the level of the previous year 2019 (35 breeding stallions).
In conclusion, it can be stated that the interest of breeders in traditional breeds and gene reserves is stable.The level of breeding material is balanced.The percentage of mares admitted from the breeding population continues to be affected by the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which is reflected in particular in the sale of horses.The goal of breeders remains the production of quality and healthy breeding, sports, respectively recreational and "hobby" horses for everyday use, development of agrotourism, development of tourism in the region and building a positive attitude of young people to nature.
The breeding season in horse breeding begins on 1st February 2021. Even this year, the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", š.p. as a guarantor of breeds Lipizzaner, Hucul horse, Shagya-Arab and Arabian Thoroughbred and offers to the breeders a wide selection of insemination doses of fresh and deep-frozen sperm from stallions of these breeds, as well as Slovak warmblood breeds through the Insemination and Reproduction Centre Krásny Majer with European number ISŽ-001.
Siglava XVIII Torysa will be the new main breeding stallion for Lipizzaner. The stallion is a representative of the Piber branch of Siglava IV Bona. Mother 588 Torysa comes from Theodorost's family. The stallion passed performance tests in the ELITA class (8.8 points, 2006). He was tested in sports dressage, where he reached the grade "S". He won a bronze medal three times at the Slovak Championships. He has also been tested at the Classical School of Topoľčianky, quadrille and classical movements above the ground.
From the Hucul stallions, a representative of the Slovak tribe Gurgul was newly included. The breeding stallion Gurgul XVI passed the performance tests in the Elite class. He comes from the stallion Gurgul XIII from mother 729 Oušor III-49. Among others, there will also be benefits from shagya-arab stallions Gazal X and Shagya XXXV. Of the Arabian thoroughbred stallions, we draw attention to the breed stallion Tobrok IV (Uzaar), which is a representative of the pure Egyptian branch from the side of the father (Tobrok), but also the mother (Unia po Al Sachra Kaythoom).
Based on the long-term and successful cooperation of the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm with the international organization ESSA (European Association of State Stud Farms), which unites 30 state stud farms from various countries throughout Europe, Slovak Warmblood owners will be offered insemination benefits from three excellent stallions from the State Stud Farm Marbach. Marbach is the oldest German stud farm with a tradition of breeding since the 17th century. Producers of fresh insemination doses will be stallions DAVOS, DOCTOR BLUE and UNO I.
DAVOS
Davos is a Westphalian warmblood born in 2010, a bay of a massive body with a stick height at the withers of 170 cm.
During the stallion performance tests, he convinced by his excellent rideability and talent for dressage, as well as for show jumping. He was awarded a grade of 9 for overall impression, gallop and jump. He gives spirited offspring of a large frame, well-muscled, with strong gaits and cadence.
His father Danone I is one of the most important sons of the world-famous dressage horse producer De Niro. Combined with Weltmeyer blood, it's a guarantee of dressage quality. In all three basic gaits, he shows good expression, high action of the front legs and fantastic activity of the hind limbs. The amazing ability for collection is visible in his every move. He has won several GP-level competitions in his sports career. He is the producer of many successful horses in dressage - Damaschino, Dolton, Danönchen, Dante Weltino and many others.
The mother of the stallion Fantasie (a state-awarded Westphalian mare) and the grandmother have already given several licensed stallions who have been successful in sports at the Grand Prix level. Rosenquarz, Florentianer, Licosto and several sport horses and winning premium mares also came from the mentioned family.
The mother's father, Fidermark, is considered the best son of the world-famous dressage horse producer Florestan. In 1995 he won the performance tests with a total score of 141.74 points and a year later he won the category of 4-year-old stallions at the Bundeschampionate. In 2000, he qualified for the finals of the Nürnberger Burgpokal and reached the level of the Grand Prix. He became the father of 39 licensed sons, including Fürst Piccolo, Feinsinn, Falsterbo, Fiano, Farewell I to IV and Fidertanz.
UNO I
Uno I is a Holstein warmblood born in 2015. A dark bay horse with a height of 172 cm at the withers.
He won convincingly in the foal category in 2015 and became the reserve champion of the Holstein pre-selection in 2017. As a 4-year-old, he won the jumping horses, convincing with his appearance, abilities and rideability. For the jump in freedom, he received a high mark of 9. He was also highly rated for interior and character with marks of 9. He transmits his type, modern jumping expression, dynamic and elastic gaits to his highly acclaimed descendants.
His father Uriko comes from the most important line of stallions after Almé Z. The representative of this line was also the successful Topoľčianky stallion Rubín (after Ascot, 1982; from mother 576 Robinson-29), a member of the winning German team at the 2010 European Youth Riders Championship in French Marnes la Coquette. Its rider was the talented, 20-year-old Patrick Stühlmeyer.
Uriko passed a 70-day stallion test in the fall of 2011. He received a grade of 9.25 for gallop and 8.83 for a jump. His overall rating was 130 points. Uriko embodies the type of modern jumper, whose exterior meets the requirements of the Holstein breeding stallion. He had an impressive sports career with the rider Maximilian Gräf. He has scored six victories and several valuable S-level placements. He is extremely successful in breeding. He gave several licensed sons, including the winner of the pre-selection in 2016.
The father of mother, Colman, is one of the biggest stars among stallions. He is the father of 145 successful sport horses at the S level. He has given more than 40 licensed sons; a number of premium mares and his offspring is often a blockbuster auction. One of the most successful sports offspring is certainly the mare Zapria, which took part in the World Equestrian Games in Tryon with Bronislav Chudyb in 2018. The Holstein line has recently been in the spotlight thanks to the phenomenal Casall and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE).
DOCTOR BLUE
Doctor Blue is a Westphalian warmblood, a grey, born in 2016, with a height at the withers of 168 cm.
This "Jumping Specialist", as they call him, excels in a distinctive and correct body structure. He has excellent movement mechanics (he gained 9.5 points for a gallop) and a jumping technique. In the 50-day test, he was awarded as the best three-year-old stallion with high marks, especially for his riding (9 points), which convinced the evaluators and foreign riders.
His origins are excellent: his father Durango VDL after Zirocco Blue or Lux Z and the legendary thoroughbred Lucky Boy XX predestine him for high jumping. He was successful at the international level 3 * with various riders. Durango VDL, was one of the first licensed sons after Zirocco Blue. He has an excellent spacious gallop and is very attentive in the jump. He received a mark of 8.5 for gallop, rideability and character. He was the reserve champion of the autumn performance tests of stallions. Its own sports performance is 150 cm.
The sire of dam Donna, stallion Veron VDL (KWPN), is an elegant stallion with a good jumping expression and a noble head. Father of Veron VDL, stallion Quite Easy I is the son of stallion Quidam de Revel, who is known from international arenas with proven offspring.
Based on cooperation with representatives of German breeders' associations and the company GALMBACHER SPORT PFERDE ZUCHT, the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm can offer Slovak breeders the absolute world leader this season. Frozen insemination doses of the phenomenal Hanoverian stallion EMBASSY II.
EMBASSY II
Embassy II - Hanoverian stallion born in 2001 is a black bay with a massive body structure, with a height of 170 cm.
In 2012, he was not only the most successful licensed stallion from German breeding, but also one of the most successful jumping horses born in Germany. In the saddle with successful Hans Dieter Dreher, who was his rider from 2011 to 2019, he recorded a dizzying sports career at the international level of world jumping sport. Together they gained many victories and placements at the level of 160 cm.
In 2012, they won the Nations Cup in Calgary CSIO5 * (CAN) and Embassy II won a special prize as the best horse of the Hanoverian breeding event. They also won other valuable championships in the Grand Prix at CSI4 * in Braunschweig (GER) and at CSI3 * in Munich (GER). In the following season in 2013, they were again part of the winning team in the Nations Cup in Rotterdam CSIO5 * (NED). He also confirmed his qualities by winning the World Cup at CSI4 * in Stuttgart (GER) and the Grand Prix at CSIO5 * in Aachen (GER). Other triumphs of their careers certainly include the first place in the World Cup at CSI5 * in Leipzig (GER) in 2014, at CSI3 * in Mannheim (GER) in 2017, as well as victories in the 2018 Grand Prix at CSIO5 * in Rotterdam (NED) and at CSI3 * in Donaueschingen (GER). He also has countless placements up to the third place at the world-class sport events.
Embassy II attracts attention with its hardness, speed, jumping power and ambitious diligence. As great as he was in sports, he is also great in breeding. The offspring have its energetic expression and strong movement in their blood. They are often placed in the top places at breeding exhibitions, in various categories, as winning, rewarded and "golden foals". Several times his offspring has become the winner of the "GALMBACHER SPZ" foal championship. In 2014, his descendants won foal shows in the Netherlands and Belgium. There is great interest in them and they attract attention at international auctions. The oldest representatives of its genes gradually grow into a higher jumping sport and high hopes are placed in them. The first international representative at the international level is the daughter Emely, who was extremely successful in the categories of young horses in the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Embassy II is the most successful descendant of his father Escudo I, who worked in the Celle stud farm. Escudo I was named Hanoverian Stallion of the Year in 2009. He won the performance tests in Adelheidsdorf in 1994 with a total mark for the jump of 144.9 points. He was also awarded the Freiherr von Stenglin Prize as the best stallion in his age category. Since then, he has been included in the Hanoverian breeding program for jumping horses. Escudo I has a successful sports career. In 1996 he became the winner of the Hanoverian Championships in jumping and won a silver medal at the Bundeschampion in Warendorf. He has 65 S-level victories. According to the Hanoverian Studbook 2020, Escudo I gave 760 horses that are actively in sports. There are 693 jumpers - 129 at the S level, 178 dressage horses, 5 of them reached the S level and 37 horses competing in eventing.
The mother of the stallion, Sammy Jo, is an interesting combination of Holstein, Oldenburg and Hanoverian breeding. The mother's father, Silvio, best known for his son Shutterfly, is the grandson of the thoroughbred Sacramento Song. Even in the mother's origin, the blood of the rare Arabian stallion Amurath (1881) also appears through the Hanoverian stallion Wohlklang.
Embassy II is the product of one of the most successful Hanoverian jumping studs, which belongs to Dr. Jacobs GbR. Along with Embassy II, Dr. Karl-Otto Jacobs and his daughter Bonny-Jasmin Jacobs, also bred the stallion Firth of Clyde (For Pleasure / Caletto) and the stallion of the State Stud Farm Celle - Perigueux (Perpignon / Stakkato). The breeding program of this family gave rise to more licensed stallions: El Bundy (Escudo / Rebel Z), champion of performance tests; Cassillias (Contendro / Stakkato); Sampras (Stakkato / Achill-Libero H) and Stakko (Stakkato / Embassy).
Embassy I, the older brother of Embassy II, is a successful stallion of the Celle stud farm. While Embassy II was the star of the Grand Prix and World Cups, Embassy I ended his sports career at the 130 cm level and began to be active in breeding. He is the producer of 306 horses active in sports, of which 2 horses competing in dressage at the S level and 29 jumpers. However, his most successful offspring is the mare FRH Escada, competing in eventing. She was a member of the winning German team with Ingrid Klimke at the European Championships in Malmö in 2013 and in the teams at the World Equestrian Games in Caen in 2014. Embassy I has 11 licensed sons.
There is another licensed brother, Embassy III, who also worked at Celle Stud Farm from 2007 to 2010 before being exported to Canada. So far, he has fathered 24 offspring who are active in sports.
In the case of mares inseminated at the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky by the above stated stallions operating in the Slovak Warmblood breeding, the price of the insemination dose also includes the fee for the examination of the mare with a sonograph and the insemination operation itself.
At the time of significant imports of Oriental horses in the first half of the 19th century, a significant number of Arabian stallions were imported into Europe. The Bábolna stud farm played an important role in this area. But not only this important stud farm was engaged in the breeding of Arabian horses at the time. The Royal Weil Stud Farm, founded by King Wilhem I of Württemberg, was also aware of their importance. Baron von Fechtig was commissioned to purchase stallions for the stud farm. He acquired two stallions through his mediator in the Oriente for the royal stables in May 1817. They were the stallions TAJAR (1805) and BAIRACTAR (1813).
Tajar was immediately included in the breeding. Bairactars did not find his job in breeding until 1918. However, he still stood in the shadow of Tajara, who was assigned twice the number of mares. From 1920 to 1824, Bairactar was in the service of the king as an excellent riding horse. In 1825 he was included as the main breeding stallion and bred mostly imported Arabian mares. He was very prolific and left more than 200 descendants. He died from a colic on February 17, 1839. He was so special that the king himself mentioned him in his memoirs. Its skeleton was dedicated to the veterinary school in Stuttgart and in the 1980s it was transported to the Offenhausen stud farm (near Marbach), where it is still on display today.
Bairactar (Saklawi line) has left a large genetic footprint in the world's population of Shagya-Arab horses.
An important representative from the Bairactar line is the successor - the stallion AMURATH, born in 1881 in Weil after the stallion Tajar (1873) from the mother Koheila III (1876). The stallion Amurath was moved to the stud farm Radovec (Romania), where he left behind considerable offspring. His blood still appears today in the origins of shagya-arab horses in the world.
After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, 22 breeding mares were imported to the stud farm in Topoľčianky, in whose origins he figured from the sire's side, and also from the dam’s side stallion Amurath (1881). The mares came from the Radovec stud farm (Romania) - 15 mares, from the Piber stud farm - 1 mare, from the Dolná Arma stud farm (Slovakia) - 2 mares and from the Pohořeliche Provincial Stud Farm (Czech Republic) - 1 mare.
The Amurath stallion was so popular that most imported mares also have their father and mother origins.
The blood of this line was not built into the new breeding herd of Shagya-Arabian mares in Topoľčianky not only through the dams, but also through the imported stallions in whose origins of the Amurath blood was found.
They were the following imported - founding stallions:
From the Radovec stud farm (Romania):
• Shagya II (1914) from mother 168 Amurath
• Shagya III (1916) from mother 162 Amurath
• Amurath Shagya (1916) from mother 360 Shagya X
• Dahoman I (1917) from mother 38 Gidran XXXI
From the Bábolna stud farm (Hungary)
• Siglava Baghdad (1956) from mother 95 Shagya XXVII
• Shagya VII (1930) from mother 74 Shagya XVI
• Gazal (1940) from mother 143 Shagya XXV-16
• Siglava (1941) from his mother 167 Shagya XXVI
• Koheilan (1936) from mother 98 Kadi-14
From the Houstoň na Šumave stud farm (Czech Republic)
• Siglava VIII (1924) from his mother 107 Amurath
• Dahoman IV (1935) from his mother 75 Shagya
According to the records in the studbooks, the offspring of these stallions were very harmonious, with correct exterior and excellent gaits.
To this day, this rare blood is preserved in the origins of horses from the National Stud Farm, but also in the origins of horses of private breeders in Slovakia.
National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", š.p. was authorized on 10 December 1997 by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic pursuant to the provisions of § 4 of the Act of the Slovak National Council no. 110/1972 Coll. as amended by Act SNR no. 256/1991 Coll. "On the breeding of livestock" by leading a studbook of purebred Arabian horses under authorization number 48/1997.
Since that year, the National Stud Farm, as the guarantor of the mentioned horse breed in Slovakia and its representative to foreign countries, performs all the functions that result from its position, both within the Slovak Republic and abroad, through its membership in the international organization WAHO. He registers Arabian thoroughbred horses and also represents Slovak private breeders in this organization, for which he pays an annual membership fee, which is set by WAHO based on the number of born and duly registered Arabian thoroughbred foals born in Slovakia.
In cooperation with international member countries and WAHO rules, it issues export certificates and registers all duly reported imported Arabian thoroughbred horses imported into Slovak Republic. In accordance with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262, Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 of the European Parliament and of the Council and in cooperation with the Decree of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Slovak Republic on identification and registration of equidae, identifies, registers horses and issues passports and certificates of origin for all Arabian horses born in Slovakia. At the same time, the National Stud Farm maintains a database of Arabian thoroughbred horses, which is widely available to breeders and published online on the official website of the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", š.p. www.nztopolcianky.sk
In the breeding of Arabian thoroughbreds in Slovakia, we have seen an increase in the interest of breeders in this breed in recent years, as evidenced by the fact that 16 Arabian thoroughbred breeding stallions were licensed this year, and only 10 Shagya-arab stallions in land breeding. Twelve Arabian thoroughbred stallions were imported to Slovakia from various countries such as Syria, Italy, Poland, Russia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Four stallions come from Slovak breeding. Overall, the number of imported Arabian thoroughbred horses also increased. In the last 5 years, 104 Arabian horses were imported, while only 37 horses were exported from Slovakia.
As of 31 December 2020, the National Stud Farm registered 219 breeders and 569 Arabian thoroughbred horses in its database. The number of born and properly registered Arabian thoroughbred foals is also growing every year. This increase is a pleasing fact for the development of this breed.
Organized breeding of Arabian thoroughbreds in Slovakia began with the import of Arabian stallions and mares to the National Stud Farm in 1973 from the Egyptian stud farm El Zahra and later, after 1989 it successfully spread to the private sector.
The basis of breeding in Slovakia were imported original Egyptian stallions and mares. Due to imports and diverse variability of origins, the original Egyptian origin of horses is currently a rarity and a sought-after item. At present, the owners focus more on fashion trends, such as the colour of blackbirds, but there are breeders who know how to appreciate the homogeneity of origin and the genetic contribution of original Egyptian horses.
For the second year in a row, the National Stud Farm has also offered an exceptional Arabian stallion of Egyptian origin, the UZAAR stallion.
UZAAR (Tobrok IV) is a 6-year-old stallion, born from insemination after the legendary stallion Tobrok. The stallion TOBROK (Anter - Tanta, 1966) from the line Gamil El Kebir, left 140 offspring in the stud farm. After him, there were several stallions and breeding Shagya-arabian mares, which became the elite of the breeding core. His son Hamadan (Tobrok - Felfela, 1980) became the father of excellent breeding mares awarded at international championships, but also the father of the breeding stallion Unikát (Hamadan - El Hamza, 1989), which acted in the breeding of stud farms.
The stallion's dam is the mare Unia after Al Sachra Kytho (from the line El Deree, 1920) from the Ukrainian mother (after Hamadan).
The pedigree of this stallion is crossed by the stallion Hamadan (1980) through the stallion Tobrok, the bearer of constitutional hardness and endurance. It is these origins that are valued today mainly by breeders focusing on the production of horses for endurance riding.
The UZAAR stallion passed the performance tests at the National Stud Farm in 2018, in the Elite class. He was highly rated for type and exterior and received a mark of 8.55 points. In 2020 he was included in the breeding program of the National Stud Farm under the tribal designation TOBROK IV. The stallion has excellent fertility and this year there will be 11 shagya-arab foals born after him.
The Uzaar stallion, based on its origin and exterior, won the WAHO TROPHY award last year for the best Arabian thoroughbred breeding stallion in Slovakia.
In this breeding season, the stallion will act in the Insemination and Reproduction Centre of the National Stud Farm Krásny Majer and its insemination doses are available to breeders of Arabian thoroughbreds, but also Shagya-arab mares.
A global pandemic caused by Covid-19 has marked the lives of most people on the planet. Significant changes in the way of life as a result of the imposed restrictions have largely crippled everything that has so far been taken for granted. The loss of social contacts, closed schools, companies, shops, a significant reduction in sports and cultural activities ... all this has led to a fundamental slowdown in our lives. Despite this difficult period, the breeding activity of the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" did not feel any slowdown.
Horses are live animals and need daily care regardless of the existence of a pandemic. The Jazdiareň training centre has 78 horses of various ages, genders, breeds, training levels and sports specializations. In addition to routine care, such as feeding, cleaning and mucking out, each animal is given individual care.
The main priority is to work with young horses, which includes breaking under the saddle, basic schooling under the saddle and also in a carriage, in order to prepare for the prescribed performance tests. Currently, four Lipizzaner stallions, four Lipizzaner mares, two Hucul mares and three Shagya-Arab stallions are included in this training. After successfully passing the tests, the mares will rejuvenate and strengthen the breeding herds and the stallions become reserve breeding stallions. Based on the physical talent of individuals, they are included in sports testing. Lipizzan breed in driving or dressage, and also in the Classical school of Topoľčianky. Shagya-arab finds its application in endurance disciplines.
Thirteen horses of the Slovak warmblood breed which are currently included in the basic training - eight mares, three geldings and two stallions. Six of them will strengthen the sports dressage or show jumping department in the spring. In addition to sports testing, mares born in 2017 are getting preparing for performance tests of warm-blooded mares for future inclusion in the breeding herd of the Slovak warmblood horses.
The most numerous sport department is dressage. It consists of thirteen horses - nine Lipizzans and four Slovak warmbloods. In the season 2021, their ranks will be expanded by another four horses of the Slovak Warmblood breed. Talented stallion Loretto (2017) after Royal Dance from mother after Lapaz, a mare Lotty (2017) after Caesar van de Helle from mother after Lapaz, a mare Bonnavi (2017) after Dorman du Puy from mother after Boris du Melnire and a mare Pet (2014) after Quirado from mother after Papillon. Two Lipizzaner stallions after the performance tests, Favory XVIII-19 (2014) and Pluto XXI-9 (2016), will be included in the sports testing of the dressage department.
The driving department registers a total of 12 horses, eight Lipizzaner horses in sports testing in the Jazdiareň training centre and three others in the Hostie breeding facility. Sled testing currently focuses mainly on mares. This season, the new mare Asinta (2014) will be among them.
Also, the show jumping department, which currently registers three sport mares, will be expanded by a young mare named Ambra (2017) after Dorman du Puy from mother after Alexander der Grosse.
The vaulting department has three horses. Among the most experienced ones in sports are the gelding Leon (2012) after Dorman du Puy from mother after Lord Inci Tatus and his sister Lea (2012). Last year, the mare Betty after Quirado, from mother after Boris du Melnire, entered the vaulting testing.
In endurance, the gelding Syglam (Dahoman XI-78) 2009 and two mares Gazal V-12 (2008) and Kuhailan Urkub I-33 (2016) are included in the sports testing.
There are currently eighteen stallions of the Lipizzaner breed of various ages and specializations in the Classical School of Topoľčianky. Some work in a quadrille, others focus on training challenging exercises above the ground, such as capriola, curbete, levade or pesade. Three more stallions are preparing for the performances, Pluto XX-27, Conversano XIII-60 and Neapolitano XIV-16. Very popular are the five unique blackbirds after the Croatian stallion operating in Topoľčianky, Conversano XIII Toplica. During the Open Day, visitors could watch them in a festive gala program while performing the exercises of the Classical School of Topoľčianky.
Life did not stop even on breeding facilities, on the contrary. The first foals of this year are starting to be born. On January 5, a stallion of the Hucul breed Hroby XVI-24 from the mother 729 Oušor III-49 was born at the Hostie breeding facility. Two days after that, 7th January the Lipizzan mare Conversano XIII-75 from mother 745 Madeira was born. At the breeding facility Rybník, on 18th January they welcomed a thoroughbred Arabian stallion after Tobrok III from mother Unia. All foals and their mothers are in good health. The national stud farm expects more than 70 foals this year.
Breeding facilities are ready for the new breeding season, which begins on February 1 with the mating and insemination of breeding mares and lasts until 30th September this year.
October 23, 1955, certainly was a day that is written in gold letters in the history of the Slovak turf and especially in the chronicle, at that time, of the Topoľčianky State Stud Farm. 65 years have passed since the Czechoslovak national anthem was played at the Pardubice racecourse to the first Slovak rider to become the winner of the most difficult continental race, the 66th year of the Great Pardubice Racecourse. The Slovak legend is united by three names: Jozef Čajda, Furioso XIV and Emil Šulgan. But let's start from the beginning.
FURIOSO XIV
Furioso XIV was born on 16.10.1948. From the Pohořelice stud farm, this chestnut was assigned to the war destroyed Military Stud Farm Hostouň in Šumava. Along with him, the Ministry of Agriculture included stallions Star Of Hannover III from 30 Gidran XXXIII, Przedswit III from 16 Toborzo and English thoroughbred stallions Derüs by Balbinus from Derüre Born and his son Tulak from mother Toulka, as well as breeding English thoroughbred stallions Horymír, Holweg and Portius. Since 1949, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken over the management of the stud farm from the army in order to produce exceptionally high-quality riding horses for land breeding and the army on the basis of proven Austro-Hungarian horse tribes such as Furioso and Przedswit.
In the fifties, Furioso XIV is assigned to the Topoľčianky State Stud Farm for the purpose of his racing testing. Emil Šulgan takes over as coach.
EMIL ŠULGAN
Emil Šulgan was born on April 3, 1903 in Nitra. The horse public recognized him as one of the most important hippological experts and was called "Mr. Counselor". After graduating from high school, he became the head of training at the Hostouň military stud farm through the military academy in Hranice 1923-25 and completing a higher riding course in Pardubice. He participated in the evacuation of the stud farm to Horné Motešice.
After leaving for the reserve, he worked in Nitra, Topoľčianky and since 1963 in Nový Tekov. The period of his work in Topoľčianky can be considered as very important. He joined the Topoľčianky State Stud Farm on January 7, 1946 as the head of horse training. During his time, the Topoľčiansky riders and their horses achieved a number of sporting successes. Under his leadership, riders such as Pružinský, Hrúzik, Ďuran, Alakša, Haspra, Gregor, Kováč, Kelemen, but also Jozef Čajda grew up. František Hrúzik, our only Olympian and his trainee, remembers him as follows: “He had a huge enthusiasm for racing and sports. Thus began the sports testing and the foundations of sports riding were laid in Topoľčianky”.
Emil Šulgan excelled in pedagogical tact and rich coaching experience. He brought military drill, order and systemism to the training. He trained horses and riders for almost all disciplines of equestrian sport (dressage, parkour, versatility and racing). He and his favourite Lipizzaner stallion Pluto performed the exercises of a Spanish classical riding school. He also worked as the founder of a classic riding school in the stud farm Lipica. Despite the fact that from 1948 to 1951 he worked as the director of the Topoľčianky State Stud Farm, he did not betray his coaching activities. Furioso XIV fell into his eye.
JOZEF ČAJDA
Šulgan entrusted the stallion to the rider Pavel Kováč. He started his racing career. In 1952 he started with him in 7 races, flat and steeplechase. The career looked promising. He won six times and finished second once. From 1953, in addition to Kováč, he also began to nominate the rider Jozef Čajda (March 29, 1919) for the Furioso’s saddle. He joined the Topoľčianky State Stud Farm on January 7, 1951 and worked there until May 31, 1960 as a rider in the Jazdiareň resort. The year 1953 was marked by obstacle races. Out of seven, he won six times and in the last race of the season in Pardubice (Kladrubská cena, steeplechase at 3200 m) he finished with Jozef Čajda in 6th place.
Since 1954, Jozef Čajda has become the only rider of Furioso. At Breziny breeding centre, where replicas of the Great Pardubice jumps are built, systematic preparation for the most difficult test begins. This year Furioso and Jozef Čajda did not find a conqueror.
YEAR 1955 AND THE DAY „D“
The season was opened in Bratislava on Spring steeplechase (4000 m). Here, the pair ended in the second place after a fight for the neck behind a stable colleague Corsican with the rider Absolon. Even at the Grand Autumn Prize in Svätý Jur at 6000 m, Furioso did not win. He finished second behind the thoroughbred Korteš. Coach Emil Šulgan entered the stallion Furioso XIV with Jozef Čajda for the International Racing Meeting in Pardubice. It took place for the next two Sundays. The main race and the highlight of the meeting was the Great Pardubice Steeplechase on October 23, 1955.
Twenty horses entered the start. Nine horses fell on Taxis, one refused to jump (Salvator). Furioso also had a collision in the Great Gardens, but he lost almost nothing. After Havel's jump, he disengaged from his opponents and with a lead of thirteen lengths, he crossed the finish line triumphantly as the winner in the time of 11: 32.1 min. The statement of the race committee was: "detained by thirteen lengths - far - far ....". Furioso appeared on the track in Hubice and Trenčín in 1958, this time in the saddle with Karol Uhrecký, when he finally ended his racing career.
BREEDING CARREER
Furioso XIV was included in the breeding on the basis of a successful racing career. The correct name from the zootechnical point of view is for Furioso XIV - Furioso XIV-52, because this stallion was born as the son of the stallion Furioso XIV, in the order as the 52nd descendant, out of the thoroughbred mother Selekta.
He was in Žrebčín Motešice in 1955 as a stallion under the number 422 Furioso XXVII. From his offspring, the mare 661 Furioso XXVII (1957) was included in the breeding of this stud farm. From Motešice he was transferred to the State Stud Farm in Topoľčianky, where he stayed from 1958 to 1965 as a pepinier (tribal stallion) for a warm-blooded herd of mares. He was entered in the studbook in Topoľčianky under the number 104 Furioso XXVII. In Topoľčianky, 6 breeding mares were included in the breeding after this stallion: 51 Palma (1959), 68 Ontario (1961), 82 Jelka (1960), 118 Furioso XXVII-13 (1964), 152 Furioso XXVII-15 (1964) and a mare 164 Furioso-24 (1965). The offspring were used not only in breeding but also in sports. It is interesting that many, despite the political time in which the stallion worked, were sold for foreign exchange, e.g. to Germany.
It can be stated that Furioso XXVII (Furioso XIV) became the father of excellent mothers, unfortunately not the father of stallions. Neither in Motešice nor in Topoľčianky did he leave behind a direct successor, despite the fact that he was a representative of the rare Radios branch of Furioso (the branch after Furioso VIII, 1887), which was used throughout the former Czechoslovakia.
To this day, an honorary panel in the Hall of Fame of the hippological exposition of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky is dedicated to this great turf victory.
Emil Šulgan remained faithful to horses even after his retirement and passed on his rich experience to riders in JO Hipológ and Žižka Bratislava. After the end of his racing career, Jozef Čajda moved to the Nový Tekov stud farm and later devoted himself to the breeding of warm-blooded horses at the SPTŠ in Zlaté Moravce (Čierna Dolina). On October 23, 1983, he succumbed to an incurable disease, 28 years after he became a racing legend. Unfortunately, he was no longer able to overcome the disease.
On 5th November 2020, performance tests of GR horses (mares and stallions) owned by the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", š.p. Due to the situation regarding COVID-19, the commission appointed by the chairman of the VK at the MPRV SR worked in a narrower composition - in compliance with strict hygienic measures.
The horses were well prepared for the performance tests and the tests were run according to the time schedule. The Commission proposes to include Shagya-Arab mares in the elite breeding herd of NŽ and to include them in the breeding program in the 2021 season.
In October, the dressage team of the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", š.p. was left by one of the most successful dressage horses, Lipizzaner stallion Conversano VI-47. Many also knew him under the sport name SAURON.
He was born in 2005 as a descendant of the stallion Conversano VI Gaetana from his mother Soreya (Neapolitano IX-3) at the Hostie breeding facility. At the age of four, he was transferred to the training centre, where, after a 100-day test, he passed the prescribed performance tests. He finished in the class ELITE.
The stallion was included in the dressage department with the aim of its further performance testing, not only in sports, but also in the Classical school in Topoľčianky. His balanced nature, excellent manoeuvrability and teachability enabled him to give stable performances on dressage competitions. He went through the individual levels of difficulty easily and quickly. With his lifelong rider Kristína Flaková, they reached the level "S".
For several sports seasons, they were regular participants in the highest competitions and together they achieved many valuable victories. They became the holders of six medals from the Slovak Dressage Championships in the senior category - gold in 2017, silver 2016, 2018, 2020 and bronze in 2014 and 2019. Conversano VI-47 won the title "Dressage Horse of the Year" four times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019). In 2018, he achieved first place in the international dressage series "Lipican Cup" at the "S" level.
All these successes are all the more valuable because, as a Lipizzaner stallion, he was able to assert himself in tough national and international competition. He was a master at the technical demonstration of difficult exercises. His strong point was mainly gallop pirouettes and series of flying changes.
He also worked in the representative performances of the Classical School in Topoľčianky and also held his place in the quadrille. He was reliable even during demanding costume performances for children at Mikuláš, an excellent partner during Hubert's rides. He liked walking in the woods and also liked to jump over minor obstacles. Occasional driving did not cause him any problems either.
Conversano VI-47 was a fighter, in the full sense of the word. However, despite the efforts of three renowned veterinarians, he lost his fight on October 26, 2020.
The second weekend of August, there was a show jumping competition at the premises of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky. 140 horses were entered which was about 200 starts per a day.
The weather was really hot which made it quite difficult for all the participants as well as for the organizing team. The course designer was Jan Kopiš from Czech Republic. The role of the Ground Jury President was accepted by Anna Virágová, the members were Kamil Šulko, Martina Kredatusová a Patrik Mikulášik. A big „thank you“ belongs to the sponsors of the event – Cavalor, Agro Tami, Heineken, Brimo and the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky.
There were five competitions every day, from 90 cm up to 130 cm.
The second weekend of September, there was a show jumping competition at the premises of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky. 60 horses were entered and there were five competitions every day, from 90 cm up to 130 cm.
The course designer was Jan Kopiš from Czech Republic. The role of the Ground Jury President was accepted by Anna Virágová, the members were Martina Kredatusová, Nikola Rýdza a Patrik Mikulášik. A big „thank you“ belongs to the sponsors of the event – Cavalor, Agro Tami, Heineken, Brimo and the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky.
On 24th – 26th July 2020 there was a national driving event taking place at the premises of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky and the race course of Topoľčianky. The event was also classified as the Championship of Slovak Republic for Singles and Pairs. The categories of pony single and four-in- hand were opened too. The results are considered as a qualification for the Czech driving serial called „Golden Horseshoe “. The final will take place in Humpolec in the middle of August.
The Ground Jury President and the Technical Delegate in one person was Robert Fekár (SVK), other members were Jiří Kunát (CZE) and Josef Trojanec (CZE). The role of steward accepted Blanka Trojancová (CZE). Pavol Gašpar (SVK) was the course designer. Due to a higher number of competitors the organizer had to change the event to three days instead of planned two. There were 35 drivers altogether from Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia and Slovakia.
CAN2* P1, H1, H2, H4
In the combined competition in the category of pony singles the winner became Vanessza Nagy from Hungary with the mare Fanni. The second place belonged to Ágnes Jambor Blanka with Benjamin and the third place gained Bertold Juhász and Fred, all from Hungary. In the category of horse singles, the best driver was Roosileht Pille Riin with Donald from Estonia, the second place belonged to Jan Minarčík from Czech Republic and the third place went to Hungary again for Gábor D´Ess. The highest number of the competitors was in the category of pairs. The first and the second place gained Miroslav Matúška from the home club. The third place belonged to Kiss Róbert from Hungary. In the category of four-in-hand, there was only one competitor entered - József Vida from Hungary.
Bronze badge of SJF for MVDr. Ivan Babík
The festive atmosphere of the prize giving ceremony enhanced the bronze badge of SJF submission to MVDr. Ivan Babík from TJ Žrebčín Motešice. The prize was given directly by the president of SJF Ing. Vladimír Chovan on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his life and for his lifelong contribution to equestrian sport. Good health and many other successes also wished him the director of the National Stud Farm Ing. Michal Horny, PhD. and the president of the Bratislava region of SJF and at the same time the main judge of the event RNDr. Robert Fekár.
The Championship H1, H2
In the category of singles, the new Champion of Slovak Republic is Ľudovít Kurkin with a horse Puškin from JZK Equs Poprad. Silver medal went to Ladislav Hána and bronze to Ivan Babík, both from TJ Žrebčín Motešice.
The category of pairs was opened after seven years. There were eight pairs to fight for the title. The new Champion became Miroslav Matúška from JK pri Národnom žrebčíne Topoľčianky, who also gained a silver medal with his second pair. Bronze also stayed in Topoľčianky, for Jozef Mašír. The fourth place belonged to András Gasparík from JK Czajlik ranch. The fifth place gained Szilárd Barta from JO Martin Záturčie. Milan Gajan from KPKL Bodrovec ended on the sixth place and Jozef Bučkuliak from JO Martin Záturčie on the seventh place. The newcomer Pavol Kemencei from JK pri NŽ Topoľčianky was unfortunately disqualified after a mistake in marathon.
The Czech equestrian series Golden Horseshoe is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. It concerns the equestrian disciplines such as eventing and driving. Many significant names of equestrian world in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are connected with the history of the origin of this unique activity. Since 1970, the series has found its background on the Humpolec farm of the secondary agricultural school and at the same time has received significant support from the town of Humpolec. During its development, it underwent many forms and modifications. In the form in which we know it today, it has been operating since 1980. After many years, cooperation with Slovakia was renewed again, when this year's national driving event in Topoľčianky was included as one of the qualifying rounds of the Golden Horseshoe. It was the jubilee 55th year that became an event where we will be able to watch the competitors from Slovakia again in the final.
During 17th – 19th July 2020, the top dressage event of the year took place at the premises of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky – Championship of Slovak Republic in Dressage. Based on the qualification of the riders and technical conditions of the championship, almost all categories were opened – children, younger juniors, older juniors and seniors.
At about fifty equestrian pairs from whole Slovakia came to compete. Apart from the championship competitions there were also open competitions and competitions for young horses. The detailed results can be found on these web pages: www.nztopolcianky.sk, www.sjf.sk, www.drezura.wbl.sk .
The Ground Jury President was Doc. RNDr. Iľja Vietor, PhD. The other members were Peter Juhász (SVK), Ing. Iva Schützová (CZE), Ing. Simona Fialová, PhD. (CZE) and Zoltán Prutkay (HUN).
The championship of all categories consisted of two rounds. The results were in many cases very close so there was a kind of tension between the riders as well as the spectators until the very end.
Children
The Champion and also the Vice-Champion in children´s category became Sofia Petranová with horses Alice im Wunderland and Piaf from TJ Žrebčín Motešice. Bronze medal belonged to Lara Dangl and Giovanni from JK Ivanka pri Dunaji. The fourth and fifth place gained Tamarka Polláková with Przedswit XIX-16 Chocolate and with Alja from JK Carmina Rimavská Sobota. Dianka Hunová and her beautiful pony Sans Gene from JK Ivanka pri Dunaji ended on the fifth place.
Younger Juniors
In the category of younger juniors, the gold medal won Ela Benediková and Hornett from JK Vida Bratislava. Silve rand bronze gained Diana Cingelová with horses Largo and Armín from JK Ivanka pri Dunaji. The fourth place belonged to Terezka Kučerková from MedGene Bratislava.
Older Juniors
Zoya Ledecká and her talented mare Si Belle 2 from JK Balunky Bratislava became the champions in the category of older juniors. Silver and bronze medal gained Michaela Balážová with horses Marengo and Gajlu from JO Martin-Záturčie. The fourth place belonged to Martina Výbohová and Enimo from JK Masarykov dvor. On the fifth place ex aequo ended Rebeca Némethová and Víťaz and Martina Rajecová with Esmeralda from JK Ivanka pri Dunaji. The riders were honoured to accept the congratulation by the minister of agriculture Ján Mičovský and director of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky Michal Horný.
Seniors
The category of seniors is on the highest level of the Championships. The second round is the freestyle to music on Intermediate I level. The winner of this category became Ádám Patócs with horse Laurin from TJ Žrebčín Motešice. The silver medal gained Kristína Flaková and Conversano VI-47 from JK pri NŽ Topoľčianky. The bronze medal also stayed in Topoľčianky, for Peter Vančo and Conversano XIII-47. The fourth place belonged to Michaela Pechová with horse Edgar from JK Ivanka pri Dunaji. Michaela Horná and Forever gained the fifth place.
Great Thank you belongs to companies Cavalor, Happy Horse Services, Spillers Levice, Brimo, Eques, Vínotéka Kubjack, Heineken and Národný žrebčín Topoľčianky, which provided valuable prizes in kind in the open competitions.
FARM REVUE
The Dressage Championship were made more interesting by the presence of TV crew of RTVS 2 and creative team of tv program called Farm Revue. Special live broadcast of this poplar show enhanced the festive atmosphere of the Dressage Championships. The content of this part was focused on the harmony between the riders and their horses in the dressage arena. The creators also prepared a look in the history and presence of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky. Apart from the horses breeding they also mentioned cattle and sheep farming. Reports from the interesting sightseeing of the region were also added.
The part of this episode also was the evaluation of the 9th year of competition for students of secondary agricultural schools – Top Agro Girl/Boy. 13 schools participated in the competition. The aim was to find and introduce young skilful communicative people who would like to connect their professional future with work in agriculture and life in the countryside.
In case you have missed the live broadcast on Saturday 18th July 2020, the episode can be found in the archive on the channel RTVS 2.
During 27th – 28th July 2020, two-day-dressage- event took place at the premises of the National Stud Farm Topolcianky. Apart from the opened competitions, the spectators could watch the Championship of Slovak Republic for 5 and 6 years old horses and also the Championship of West Slovakia in the category of young horses.
The ground jury consisted of many experienced Slovak, Czech and Hungarian judges. The invitation accepted Peter Juhász (SVK), Dagmar Kočiová (SVK), Iva Schützová (CZE), Ilona Kružíková (CZE) and Zoltán Prutkay (HUN). Approximately 50 equestrian pairs competed from the basic level „A“ up to „Intermediate I“ including the tests for young horses and ponies.
Unfortunately, from among the planned categories only one could be opened – 5-6 years old horses. The new holder of the title became Michaela Horná and Lorry from JK pri NŽ Topoľčianky. The silver medal went to Linda Kilíková and Rocky Diamond from Horse Club Nitra. Bronze medal stayed at the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky – Kristína Flaková and Bonnami.
The Championship of West Slovakia
The conditions of opening the categories were fulfilled again only in the category of young horses. The winner was Michaela Horná and Lorry from JK pri NŽ Topoľčianky. The silver medal went to Linda Kilíková and Rocky Diamond from Horse Club Nitra. Bronze medal stayed at the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky – Kristína Flaková and Bonnami.
The organizing committee would like to thank to the companies Heineken and the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky which provided the event with prizes in kind.
On 4th July 2020 JK pri NŽ Topoľčianky and ZSO SJF organized exams of basic schooling of a rider in driving. The head of examining committee was Pavol Gašpar, next examiners were Anna Virágová and Martina Kredatusová.
The examination consisted of theoretical and practical part. The theory was a test which included questions from general and driving rules. In the practical part the participant had to show how to harness the horses and he had to pass a track of cones.
Pavol Kemencei form JK pri NŽ Topoľčianky successfully passed both parts and joined the group of sport drivers not only at the home club but in Slovakia, too.
The National Stud Farm Topoľčianky has prepared a lot of interesting events for all the horse lovers even in the season 2020.
The most popular event of all is the Open Day. It takes place every year on 1st May. More than 16 000 people cross the gate of the stud. All the visitors can see the historical stables, five horse breeds bred at the stud, Hipological Exposition with the collection of precious carriages and harnesses. The part of this day is also presentation of handicraftsmen and for the youngest there will be carousels and other attractions. In the morning, the visitors can watch the public trainings of sport horses. The most attractive part is the gala program in the afternoon. The National Stud Farm and its guests are presenting their breeding and equestrian work there.
In the calendar, there are eight sport competitions in the equestrian’s disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, driving and endurance. Apart from that there will be two racing days. The peak of every sport season in all equestrian disciplines is the National Championship. This year the spectators will have opportunity to watch the championship in dressage and in driving. Show jumping competitions are also very attractive, they take place in three dates. After a short break, the stud returns to the organization of endurance competition. There will be races to 40, 60 and 80 km distances. All spectators have the entry free to the sport events at the National Stud Farm Topolcianky.
The tourist season officially starts on 1st May every year. The visitors can visit the stud with a guide every hour – first entry 9:00, the last entry 14:00 – from Tuesday until Friday. During the weekends, unless there is another event, the open hours are from 14:00 until 17:00 unlimitedly. For the public, there are also prepared so called „family trips “. They are organized during the Easter or bank holidays. By all occasions, there is a small souvenir shop where people can buy something to remember the National Stud Farm Topolcianky.
The youngest like the arrival of St. Nicolaus to the stud. It happens every year on 6th December. There is always an engaging fairy-tale played by the horses and riders in beautiful costumes. Ear-catching music emphasises the magic of the story. At the end of the event, St. Nicolaus comes and gives all children small presents.
During all the events, the parking is available near the stud. We gladly welcome you in our premises.
More information about the up-coming events will be published on the web page of the National Stud Farm Topolcianky www.nztopolcianky.sk.
The Calendar of the events at the National Stud Farm Topolcianky 2020
April
10.-13.4. Easter at the National Stud Farm Topolcianky
30.4. Rehearsal of the Open Day
May
1.5. The Open Day
8.5. Family Trips
16.-17.5. Show-jumping competitions
June
13.-14.6. Dressage competitions
21.6. Races
27.-28.6. Slovak Championship in Dressage – Young horses, ponies
July
12.7. Races
17.-19.7. Slovak Championship in Dressage – children, juniors, seniors
On 24th February 2020, the National Stud Farm Topolcianky in cooperation with the University of Veterinary, organized an expert seminar with the topic „Reproduction in horse breeding and management of the mare insemination “. The lecturer was MVDr. Vladimír Hura, PhD. from the Horse Clinic UVLF Košice.
Ing. Michal Horný, PhD., director of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky, opened the seminar. He also expressed a wish to organize such seminars for private breeders of horses that the studbooks are led by the National Stud Farm Topolcianky.
The seminar was attended by the employees of the stud and the private horse breeders.
Dressage Gala-evening evaluating the sport season 2019 took place on 8th February 2020 at Masarykov dvor Vígľaš. The dressage committee led by Ing. Michaela Horná, PhD. prepared beautiful event full of rich prizes for all the winners and placed riders in all dressage categories. Among the guests of honour belonged the head of the Slovak National Federation Ing. Vladimír Chovan, general secretary PhDr. Zuzana Bačiak-Masaryková, PhD. and the owner of Masarykov dvor Martin Malatinec. The moderator of the evening was already famous Helga Kovalovská, who also enriched the event by her singing. On the violin played Martina Výbohová and Dianka Hunová performed the cheer dancing.
The riders and horses from the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky once again proved their qualities. They gained a lot of victories and placements in many categories. They were also given a „thank you letter“ by Slovak National Federation for representing Slovak Republic at international competitions.
Championship of Slovak Republic – cat. senior
Peter Vančo a Conversano XIII-47
Michaela Pechová a Edgar
Kristína Flaková a Conversano VI-47
Championship of Slovak republic – cat. 5-6-year-old horses
The arrival of St. Nicolaus is every year very popular especially among the youngest. By this occasion, the National Stud Farm Topolcianky prepared an impressive program for children.
The first visitors came at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. By the entrance, all the children were given a healthy snack sponsored by Agro Tami Nitra. The visitors could take a ride in a carriage driven by Lipizzaners and also see the historical stables.
The program started at 4 o’clock. The riders, vaulters and their parents told the story of Aladin, his magic lamp and three special wishes. The spectators watched the fairy tail accompanied by beautiful music and light effects. The riders wore historical costumes which made the atmosphere even more magical. At the end of the program, children called out St. Nicolaus. He came together with his helpers – an angel and an evil - in a carriage pulled by two white Lipizzaners. St. Nicolaus gave out at least two hundreds presents.
We believe that those who came went home happy and those who didn’t come will do it next year. It is worth it!
On behalf of the National Stud Farm Topolcianky we wish you merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Measurement of the horses, checking of the passports,
evaluation of the horses by the head of the training
0900
Opening of the Exams of the Performance
0910
The exams: evaluation of the type, exterior and readability
1200
Marathon, dressage, cones
1300
Evaluation of the exams, written record
On 6th November 2019, there were Autumn Exams of Performance at the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky. The horses of the gen sources – mares of Shagya-arab and Lipizzaner – were tested. All the mares were owned by the National Stud Farm Topolcianky.
The Commission notes that the exams were very well prepared. The Commission agrees that the mares Pluto XX-20 and Maestoso XV-6 will be tested in driving sport. The Commission suggests putting the rest of the mares in the breeding program of Shagya-arab and Lipizzaner.
Measurement of the horses, checking of the passports,
evaluation of the horses by the head of the training
0900
Opening of the Exams of the Performance
0910
The exams: evaluation of the type, exterior and readability
1200
Marathon, dressage, cones
1300
Evaluation of the exams, written record
On 24th October 2019, there were Autumn Exams of Performance at the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky. The horses of the gen sources – stallions of Shagya-arab and Hucul – were tested. The exams were organized by the National Stud Farm Topolcianky.
The stallion Favory XV-54 was excused from the exams and the stallion Achilles (Arabian Thoroughbred ) did not take part at the exams. The stallion Koheilan VIII-30 SK did not finish the exams and he can repeat the exam of driving disciplines in October 2020. The rest of the stallions were very well prepared for the exams.
Results:
Achilles did not take part
Hroby XVII-20 SK 8,45 points (ELITA)
Koheilan VIII-30 SK did not finished
Gazal VIII-12 SK 8,44 points (ELITA)
Gazal VIII-18 SK 8,32 points (ELITA)
Shagya XXXII-9 8,49 points (ELITA)
The part of the exams also was the pre-selection of Shagya-arab stallion Dahoman Bogár from Czech Republic and he was pre-selected by the Commission.
