The Ancient Hungarians lived in the Euro-Asian nomadic pastoral region, where the keeping and use of horses played an important role in their lives. Therefore it is not surprising that the horse and horse riding has a central place in Hungarian History, leading to Hungarians being regarded as the nation of horsemen.
The most recognised historical Hungarian equestrian character is the hussar, or light horse cavalryman, whose development dates back to our ancestors from the period of the great migrations. The Hussar was typical of the equestrian nomadic peoples of the Euro-Asian Steppes from antiquity stretching to the nineteenth century. Their horses and weaponry were light in weight and their main battle tool was the bow and arrow. Sly trickery was characteristic in their battle tactics such as turning on the enemy from a pretend retreat. This type of battle behaviour became a central part of the Hungarians' pillaging raids.
The Hungarians spread the Hussar fighting techniques, together with their decorative uniforms and saddling techniques, throughout the world. Maria Teresa the Habsburg Queen founded the first regular light cavalry regiment in 1741.
The most valuable of the Hungarian equestrian inventions was perhaps the invention of the coach (Hungarian: kocsi). According to historians the coach was named after a small Hungarian village - Kocs - which made a livelihood from cart building and transport between Vienna and Budapest. Hungarians also had a large influence in the development of horse harness equipment, the halter, the decorative reins and the use of the bridle, as well as in horse fixing methods and drawing techniques (in groups of two, four or five).
Horse riding shows and equestrian tourism
Many visitors to Hungary visit the Puszta or Great Hungarian Plain to see one of the spectacular Hungarian special horse riding shows. At these horse riding shows tourists can observe, in their original environment, the Magyar cowboys, called the Csikós (pronounced: Tchikaush); or watch demonstrations of the traditions preserved from the time of the Hungarian conquest. The Csikós display begins with a horse parade and salute, which is followed by displays of equestrian skills and various expert exercises such as making the horse lay down, sit and creep. The Hungarian five-horse driving, better known as the "Puszta-fiver" or ?Koch-fiver", is a unique wonder.
The nomadic traditions, objects, tools and structures are preserved and cared for in many places on perhaps Europe's most majestic plain the Hortobágy and Bugacpuszta. Unique native Hungarian animals also live here such as the Hungarian Grey Cattle, the Hungarian Buffalo and long-wool sheep. Only in this region of Europe can we find the characteristic saddle without a belt strap called the ?patrac". The characteristic csikós coat and the ringed whip all unique to the csikós.
In the varied Hungarian landscapes horse lovers can find more than two hundred stables, and farms with provision for accommodating horses. In numerous riding schools they accept both beginner and advanced riders. You can try your hand at coach driving, go on horseback or cart tours, even choose to go hunting on horseback or perhaps ride on a Gypsy cart. Many institutions undertake high standard dressage, show jumping and military training.
Horse riding locations and general information about Hungarian equestrian sports can be found on the Hungarian Horse Riding Tourism Organisation's webpage.
Hungarian Horse Breeding
Hungarian Horse breeding is in a renaissance once again. The elegant appearance and attractive carriage of the Kisbéri hybrid as well as its intelligence, strong frame and easy movement and easy riding calls to mind the military influences of the last century. The famous Lipica grey (say Lipitzah) breed, intelligent, tough and baroque body enjoys a worthy recognition within the competitive sporting world. The breeding of the Lipica dates back 400 years and is the most widespread breed in the northern Hungarian Bükk Mountains region in the area around Szilvásvárad.
The Nóniusz has been bred for 160 years in the Mezőhegyesi Herds. The appearance of this Hungarian horse is unique in the world. Its high neck joint and slighted curved profile lines give this preferred show-horse a baroque appearance. The Shagya Arab breed, jointly bred by the Bábona and Radautz stables, will surely impress the lovers of Arabian horses. This breed is suitable for both drawing and riding. The breeding mare family of the Furioso-North Star breed is more than 200 years old. They are solid, strong and stable.
Kincsem, meaning Treasure, the unbeatable mare, and the all-time most famous Hungarian competition horse shows the successes of Hungarian horse breeding. In the years between 1876 and 1879 it ran fifty-four times on Europe's most prestigious track and was never beaten. Also worthy of mention are, the Kisbér breed, winner of the Epson Derby, the Bábolna breed Imperial, and the trotting European record holders Baka and Elly.
Equestrian Sports
The most successful of Hungarian equestrian sports is coach driving. World champions in this sport include the illustrious names of Imre Abonyi, György Bárdos, Sándor Fülöp, József Bozsik, László Juhász, László Kecskeméti and Lázár Zoltán. Due our recent international successes the sport of show jumping is becoming more popular and successful. The most important events in the show jumping calendar in Hungary is the CSIO show jumping world cup qualifiers held on the Hortobágy and in Budapest each year. In 1998 the Hungarian team won the Nations' Prize in Budapest and also won in the same year at another world cup qualifier. József Turi won at the Rome World Championships in one of the events, and in total he placed sixth. Thanks to the efforts of Gyula Dallos we have been in the lead in dressage for many years.