After a two-year break, when the Open Doors Day was held only symbolically due to pandemic measures in connection with Covid-19, this year the gates of the National Stud opened again to the general public. Attendance broke all previous records. The pleasant spring weather in connection with the prospect of a day full of experiences attracted more than 15,000 visitors to Topoľčianky.
On March 25-27, 2022, the JK vaulting department at the Topoľčianky National Stud under the leadership of Boris Kodak organized a vaulting training session for the clubs of the West Slovak region of SJF. The event was attended by almost 20 trainees from three clubs - JK Slávia SOUP Šaľa led by assistant head coach Beata Tóthová, JK Farao led by Vladimíra Lenčéšová and domestic trainees led by Boris Kodak.
On February 19, 2022, the Slovak Farrier's Guild organized a seminar called Natural balance focused on the adjustment of the bare hoof. The National Stud in Topoľčianky covered this event by providing its premises. Daniel Anz, a recognized expert in the subject in Europe, who specializes in the so-called barefoot trim, accepted the invitation as the trainer. The seminar served to increase the expertise of members of the Slovak Farrier's Guild. At the end, the participants received a certificate of completion.
In the past few days, former successful horse racing driver and trainer Ing. Samuel Sokol celebrated his life anniversary. He currently works at the Topoľčianky National Stud in the position of "head of horse breeding and trainer of racehorses". As it happens, his path to the National Stud was not straightforward, so we were curious as to what preceded it.
On January 18, in the morning at the Hostie breeding facility, the first foal of the year was born, the Lipizzaner stallion Favory XX-1 after the newly registered stallion 113 Favory XX Sofija. With this, little Favory opened not only the breeding season at the National Stud, but also the breeding career of his father, as he is his first offspring.
Topoľčianky is a real "Mecca of horse breeding" in Slovakia. In addition to noble and rare horses, the National Stud Farm can also boast a unique hippological exposition. We talked about its history, but also the present, with its administrator - Ing. Andrej Magáth.
On November 9, 2021, a meeting between the State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic (MPRV SR) Milan Kysel and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture for Forests and Land of the Republic of Hungary Péter Zambó took place in Topoľčianky.
The central topic of the meeting was the development of methodologies for quantifying damage caused by wild animals in forests, agricultural areas, as well as in the field of aquaculture.
On this occasion, government officials visited the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" š.p. In the afternoon, they were welcomed by the director Michal Horný, who introduced the activities and direction of the company. Subsequently, the delegation moved to the hippological exposition, where rare artifacts from the history of the stud farm can be seen.
Horse breeding in the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" š.p. is well known. In addition to horse breeding, one of the production activities was also a special plant production focused on fruit growing.
President of the committee:
Ing. Péter GÖRÖZDI
Members:
Ing. Michaela Horná, PhD.
Ing. Eugen Feherváry
Ing. Kamil Šulko
Cooperators:
Ing. Samuel Sokol, vedúci chovu koní
Ing. Emil Kovalčík, PhD., vedúci PK a marketingu
Miroslav Matúška, vedúci výcviku koní
For ŠVPS:
MVDr. Oto Naď
The invated:
MVDr. Dušan Solár
Programme:
0800 hod. |
Measurement of the horses, collecting the passports, passing on the evaluation of the head of the training process. |
0900 hod. |
Opening. |
0910 hod. |
Evaluation of the type, exterior, ridability (dressage), movement in freedom. |
1200 hod. |
Marathon, dressage, connes. |
1400 hod. |
Assessment report. |
Report:
On October 28, 2021, the performance tests of genetic reserves (stallions) owned by the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" š.p and private owners Darina Bartalová (Skarr) and Lucia Rovná - SHR (Siglavy Bagdady Bánát BI) took place. The stallion Siglavy Baghdady Bánát will complete the C3 discipline next year 2022.
The horses were well prepared for the performance tests and the tests ran according to the time schedule
RESULTS:
č./ Name of the horse |
Class /Points |
|
1. O´BAJAN V-32 |
ELITA (8,75 b.) |
|
2. O´BAJAN V-13 |
ELITA (8,48 b.) |
|
3. Gazal VIII-21 |
ELITA (8,40 b.) |
|
4. Conversano XIII-68 |
ELITA (8,56 b.) |
|
5. Pluto XXI-14 |
ELITA (8,72 b.) |
|
6. Siglavy XIII-26 |
ELITA (8,54 b.) |
|
7. Siglavy Bagady Bánát |
have not finished |
|
8. SkaRR |
ELITA (8,10 b.) |
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProIdbb8e62ec06
SELECTION COMMITTEE
- Ing. Péter Görözdi – acting president
- MVDr. Štefan Karahuta
- Ing. Michaela Horná, PhD.
- Ing. Kamil Šulko
EVALUATION AND BREEDING COMMITTEE
- Ing. Péter Görözdi – acting president
- MVDr. Štefan Karahuta
- Ing. Michaela Horná, PhD.
- Ing. Kamil Šulko
- Ing. Michal Horný, PhD.
- Ing. Samuel Sokol
- Ing. Emil Kovalčík, PhD.
- Ing. Juraj Kovalčík
- Pavol Gašpar
FOR REGIONAL VETERINARYAND FOOD ADMINISTRATION
- MVDr. Oto Naď
THE INVITATED:
- MVDr. Dušan Solár
- Ing. Lenka Capeková, PhD. MP a RV SR
FOR PI SR:
- Ing. Klára Tokovská (PI SR NR)
- Ing. Pavla Tušková (PI SR NR)
Selection commission for horse breeding MP and RV SR on 13. - 14.10. 2021 carried out Autumn evaluation of breeding of horses in NŽ "Topoľčianky" š.p. 7 Lipizzaner stallions, 44 Lipizzaner breeding mares, 7 Shagya-Arabian stallions, 34 Shagya-Arabian mares, 7 Hucul horse stallions, 26 Hucul horse mares, 1 stallion in breeding of Slovak warmblood, 4 English thoroughbred mares, 2 breeding stallions of the Arabian thoroughbred breed, 2 mares of the Arabian thoroughbred breed, young horses of all breeds up to 3 years, 38 horses in training, 35 sport horses and 5 racehorses owned by NŽ "Topoľčianky" š.p.
The commission positively assessed the readiness of all facilities and horses for the autumn evaluation. All breeding facilities and the surrounding environment were well prepared. The Commission positively assesses the good fitness and health status of horses and hoof trimming, the hoof shoeing and overall appearance of the horses shown, as well as the condition of reproductive performance in all herds, given the introduction of nationwide insemination in the 2021 season (76% fertility).
The Commission positively assessed the zoological measures taken with regard to the herpes virus, internal parasites, disinfection and remediation of stables and pastures for horses, as well as the renovation of the breeding facility Breziny.
The Commission recommends the usage of breeding stallion Siglavy Bagdady VIII in the next breeding season due to his advanced age and the rarity of the line in the herd of Shagya-Arabian mares, as far as possible in view of his age and state of health.
The Commission positively assesses the cooperation with the Marbach State Stud Farm in securing top stallions for the Slovak warm-blooded herd at the National Stud Farm and for private horse breeding.
Employees of NŽ “Topoľčianky“ š.p. ensured the run of the autumn evaluation at a high level. The Commission highlights the correct dressing and professional presentation of the horses, as well as the complete breeding records submitted. During the Autumn evaluation, stallions and young mares were pre-selected for breeding training.
The selection committee appreciates the long-term breeding work in preserving valuable genetic material in the 100-year history of horse breeding, dignified celebrations associated with the international breeding championship of 4 horse breeds with 160 horses from 11 European countries, ending with a gala program.
During the evaluation, there were horses suggested for sale and castration.
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProIde801e8ccce
On the occasion of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" š.p. a book was published documenting all the important periods and milestones in its existence. It is based on available archival records and maps the events and development of the institution from its inception to the present.
The authors are Michal Horný, Emil Kovalčík, Martina Nittnaus and Dalibor Gregor. The symbolic release took place on September 28, 2021. The oldest rider of the National Stud Farm, Mr. Jozef Haspra, baptized her by sprinkling oats.
Those interested can order the book at the e-mail address
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
for the price of EUR 12.
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProId79df077a96
This year, the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky celebrated one hundred years of its foundation. During its existence, it experienced the most difficult moments, especially during the two world wars. A number of exceptional horses were born in its premises and at the same time a number of exceptional riders and hippological experts emerged from there. At present, it is unique among all European breeding organizations, mainly due to the breeding of up to five breeds of horses - Lipizzaner, Shagya-Arab, Thoroughbred Arab, Hucul horse and Slovak Warmblood.
On July 16-18, 2021, the Slovak Open Dressage Championships took place in the premises of the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm. After the young horses, this time it was the categories of seniors and pony riders.
More than fifty riding pairs from all over Slovakia came to measure their riding ability. Riders from Hungary also supported the event with their participation. During the three competition days, there were open competitions as well as competitions for young horses. Detailed results can be found at www.nztopolcianky.sk , www.sjf.sk , www.drezura.wbl.sk.
The first of the three planned dressage events took place on the premises of the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky on June 12-13, 2021. There were dressage tests from "A" to "S", including classes for young horses.
The selection committee for horse breeding MPRV SR on the 12th-13th May 2021 carried out the spring breeding evaluation in NŽ "Topoľčianky" š.p. 8 Lipizzaner breeding stallions, 39 Lipizzaner breeding mares, 8 Shagya-Arabian breeding stallions, 35 Shagya-Arabian breeding mares, 7 Hucul horse breeding stallions, 24 Hucul horse breeding mares, 15 Slovak warmblood breeding mares, 4 mares of the Arabian Thoroughbred breed, 2 breeding stallions of the Arabian Thoroughbred breed, young horses of all breeds up to 3 years, 41 horses in training, 45 sport horses and 5 racehorses owned by NŽ “Topoľčianky“ š.p.
Due to the situation regarding COVID-19, the commission worked in compliance with the prescribed hygiene measures.
The commission positively assessed the readiness of all facilities and horses for the spring evaluation. All breeding facilities and the surrounding environment were well prepared. The Commission assesses in particular the good condition and health of the horses and the hoof trimming and shoeing and the overall appearance of the horses shown, as well as the condition of the reproductive performance in all herds at 100% insemination. The Commission approved the mating plans for the 2021 season.
In the herd of the Slovak Warmblood breed, imported insemination doses from the state stud farm Marbach, Germany (stallions Uno I and Doctor Blue), insemination doses of the breeding stallion EMBASY II (owner: Galmabacher - Sport Pferde Zucht, Germany) and fresh ID from the hired stallion DAVOS (owner: State Stud Farm Marbach) are used in the reproduction. These stallions are also offered by the Insemination and Reproduction Centre for owners of mares of the Slovak Warmblood breed in the private breeding.
Horses were selected for the list of sale due to exterior, health and reproductive indicators. Horses included in the list of sale are attached to the minutes.
Employees of NŽ “Topoľčianky“š.p. provided the spring evaluation at a high level. The Commission highlighted the correct staffing and professional presentation of the horses, as well as the complete breeding records submitted.
During the breeding evaluation, stallions and young mares were pre-selected for breeding training. As well as the inclusion of horses on the list of sale.
The horses included in the breeding training:
Conversano XIII-51, kobyla
Siglavy XIII-23, mare
Favory XVIII-3, mare
Favory XVIII-12, mare
O´Bajan V-13, stallion (pre-selected)
Siglavy XIII-26, stallion (pre-selected)
Gazal VIII-21, stallion (pre-selected)
O´Bajan V-32, stallion (pre-selected)
Pluto XXI-14, stallion (pre-selected)
Pluto XXI-20, stallion (pre-selected)
Conversano XIII-68, stallion (pre-selected)
Goral XX-16, mare
Goral XX-17, mare
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProId34fcacfa35
Head of the Committee:
Ing. Péter Görözdy
Members of VK:
Ing. Micaela Horná, PhD.
Ing. Kamil Šulko
Cooperation with the Committee:
Ing. Samuel Sokol, head of the breeding
Ing. Emil Kovalčík, PhD., head of the stud books and marketing
For RVPS
MVDr. Dušan Solár
On May 27, 2021, performance tests of equine gene sources were held at the National Stud Farm - Lipizzaner mares and Hucul horses, together with a pre - selection of stallions. The tests were organized by the National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky", š.p.
Stallion SKARR was preselected (after 1716 Milano from mother 4330 Sabaah El Khebir after Ursus, born 14.06.2015, basic body measurements: 157 / 147.5 / 172 / 19.5 cm) owned by Darina Bartalská, Borinka. The owner of the stallion Siglava Baghdad (HUN), Mr. Róbert Rovný (Nitrianske Pravno) asked for an individual pre-selection of the stallion.
The mares were very well presented and prepared for the tests.
The Committee recommends to the Boards of Hucul horses, Shagya-Arab, Lipizzaner and Arabian Thoroughbred stud books to present and evaluate the horses also in free movement during the performance tests.
Results:
1. Goral XX-16 |
8,31 b. (ELITA) |
2. Goral XX-17 |
8,42 b. (ELITA) |
3. Siglavy XIII-23 |
8,59 b. (ELITA) |
4. Favory XVIII-3 |
8,54 b. (ELITA) |
5. Favory XVIII-12 |
8,58 b. (ELITA) |
6. Conversano XIII-51 |
8,65 b. (ELITA) |
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProId527bb2c017
The first sporting event at the National Stud Farm after the release of pandemic measures in connection with Covid-19 was a show jumping event on May 22-23, 2021. More than 80 riding pairs were reported, resulting in 120 starts a day.
The cold and rainy May weekend checked the readiness not only of the organizing team, but also of the riders, horses and, last but not least, the jury. The author of the course was an experienced course designer from Czech Republic, Ján Kopiš.
The judging board, which ensured the smooth running of all competitions, was commanded by Anka Virágová, the technical delegate was Ing. Kamil Šulko and other members of the jury were Bibiána Zacharová and Patrik Mikulášik. Many thanks to the sponsors of the event, who presented the winners with interesting material and financial prizes. They were Cavalor, Gazoo, Heineken and the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm.
Five competitions were announced for each day - from 80 cm for young horses or novice riders, to grade M at an obstacle height of 130 cm. In the first competition, 14 starting pairs came together. Tereza Dolinayová and her horse Zidane from JK Poprad Švábovce managed to achieve the smallest deviation from the optimal time. The second place was taken by the home rider Stanislav Chrappa with a 4-year-old mare Ambra, for whom it was the premiere start. The third place was won by Tamara Dorková with her horse Michel from JK Poprad Švábovce.
The competition of the ZM degree continued, at a height of 90 cm. Tamara Dorková won again with her horse Michel from JK Poprad Švábovce in front of the riding pairs from the Czech Republic - Kristýna Lecová on a horse Nina Ricci VZ and Veronika Sloupská on a horse Galilee.
38 horses entered the two-phase jumping with a height of 100/110 cm. Representatives of JK Ranč Palomino Bohunice took the first places. Igor Šulek with Dorian won, Barbora Sokolová took the second place on Cleopatra and again Igor Šulek gained the third place, this time with the Camelot.
This was followed by a competition of grade "L" with a height of 120 cm. The starting list included 20 pairs. The fastest was Igor Šulek and Dorian from JK Ranč Palomino Bohunice. More than five seconds behind him, Maroš Kuchár on a horse Hawaii from JK TJ Slávia STU Bratislava. However, the same rider with the horse Hella Calida also took third place.
The Topoľčianky National Stud Prize was a "M" grade competition with the prizemoney of EUR 500. Only four pairs fought their way to the jump-off, and only two of them managed to keep a clean sheet. The first and second place was won by Igor Šulek with horses Lafibolus and Crack from JK Ranch Palomino Bohunice. The third place was won by the pair Maroš Kuchár and Hella Calida from JK TJ Slávia STU Bratislava.
It started at 90 cm on Sunday. Stanislav Chrappa and Ambra became the best pair. The second place was taken by Vanessa Sallai and the horse Reunion from KPKRJ Rimavská Sobota and the third place went to Veronika Sloupská and Galilea from Czech Republic.
The second competition on Sunday was jumping up to 100 cm at the optimal time. Laura Chmelíková and North Star X-8 from TJ Žrebčín Motešice won among 35 pairs with an excellent time difference of 0.4 s. Tamara Dobiášová and Ally from JK Trenčín Nozdrkovce finished in second place. The third place was taken by Barbora Sokolová with the horse Dragon Fly from JK Ranč Palomino Bohunice.
The obstacles rose to 110 cm and continued with the ZL level against the clock. The first prize went to Igor Šulek with his horse Camelot, followed by Laura Chmelíková and North Star X-8 from TJ Žrebčín Motešice. Dušan Miloslav Bucov and Quick van den Bosdai from JŠ Topoľčianky took the third place.
At the height of 120 cm, the fastest was Igor Šulek and Dorian from JK Ranch Palomino Bohunice. Simon Hlocký from JŠ Topoľčianky placed right behind him and Igor Šulek with horse Crack from JK Ranč Palomino Bohunice gained the third place.
The race culminated on a level M competition, where the obstacles rose to 130 cm. 14 riding pairs fought, six of them completed the course without penalty points and thus proceeded to the jump-off. Igor Šulek and Lafibolus from the Palomino Bohunice Ranch won with the fastest time and without penalty points. Second place went to team colleague Barbora Sokolová with horse Clifin and the third place went to Marián Sýkora with horse Andigo WPZ from JK ZCHKS Topoľčianky.
Congratulations to all of them once again and we wish you good health and good sports performances during the rest of the season.
Výsledky sobota (22.05.2021):
3. "100/110" dvojfázové skákanie
5. "S" CENA NÁRODNÉHO ŽREBČÍNA
Výsledky nedeľa (23.05.2021):
10. "S" CENA NÁRODNÉHO ŽREBČÍNA
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProIdcb22b0b93c
Autor textu a foto : NŽT
Catalog - INTERNATIONALES ZUCHTCHAMPIONAT
HUZULLENPFERDE - HUZULLENPFERDE
VOLLBLUTARABER - VOLLBLUTARABER
Horse races for jubilee od the National Stud Farm "Great Topoľčianska Steeplechase"
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProIdb7598d74f8
International Breeding Championship of Lipican, Shagya-Arab, Hucul Horse and Arabian Thoroughbred
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProId37f2099a66
GALAPROGRAM
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProId943e5bfb0c
On 1st May, National Stud Farm "Topoľčianky" š.p. has traditionally opened the breeding and sports season of 2021. Due to pandemic measures, as last year, the gala program, usually with a backdrop of 15,000 spectators, has turned into a symbolic program without the presence of visitors. However, all horse lovers had the opportunity to watch this opening online on the National Stud Farm website.
This season, the calendar includes a number of interesting sports and breeding events. We believe that the restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic will allow us to organize all planned events and that they will be available to the public.
Calendar of the events for the year 2021
08.-09.05. |
|
Family trips to the National Stud Farm |
22.-23.05. |
National Stud Farm Award - show jumping competitions |
|
12.-13.06. |
National Stud Farm Award - dressage competitions |
|
26.-27.06. |
Slovak Championship of young horses in dressage |
|
16.-18.07. |
Dressage Championship of Slovak Republic in pony riders and seniors |
|
24.-25.07. |
CAN ** H1, H2; Golden horseshoe, driving competitions |
|
01.08. |
Horse racing |
|
01.-04.09. |
Celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Stud Farm |
|
02.-03.10. |
Endurance race |
|
16.10. |
Hubertus |
|
06.12. |
St. Nicholas in the National Stud Farm |
https://test3.nztopolcianky.sk/en/content?start=60#sigProIde6f33a8dd0
Vaulting is an equestrian discipline that consists of gymnastic and acrobatic exercises on an unsaddled horse. It provides an excellent basis for the later development of other riding disciplines. Children and young people are mainly involved in vaulting. It develops their movement talent, instils in them a responsibility in the form of caring for a living creature and opens up opportunities for them that can develop into a successful sports career of the individual.
The vaulting department in the Riding Club at the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm is one of the long-standing and stable entities in Slovakia. They started their activities in June 1993 under the leadership of coach Alena Matúšková. In 2005, after her departure, she was replaced by Boris Kodak, who still heads the vaulting department to this day. During this period, they raised many successful trainees and trained a large number of excellent vaulting horses. At the national level, they hold championship medals in various categories almost every year, and horses are steadily winning the title of "Horse of the Year". Their performances are also competitive in international competitions, where in the junior categories they gain a qualification for the European Championships and the World Championships, in which they have already participated several times successfully.
Behind every medal won is a hill of hard work. Trainings are not only about exercise on a horseback, but also about intensive fitness and gymnastic training. In addition to preparing children, trainer and lounger Boris Kodak is also in charge of preparing vaulting horses. He is currently working with three horses of the Slovak Warmblood breed - Leon, Lea and Betty.
We bring you an interview about how coach Boris Kodak perceives his work.
- • Boris, you have been leading the vaulting department at the Topoľčianky National Stud Farm for 16 years. What does work with youth mean to you?
To work with youth is very interesting, mainly because it is very diverse. Every child is different, everyone needs to be worked on individually and each one will bring something new to the section. Everyone has a different nature; everyone finds motivation elsewhere and everyone needs a different approach. We work with girls differently and boys differently. Unfortunately, over the years of my practice with children, I have seen a general decline in young people's interest in sports and any physical activity in general. High activity on social networks, nothing to do and boredom is a modern lifestyle of many teenagers. It is becoming increasingly difficult to arouse their interest in sports, to which the restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic situation also make a significant contribution. Last year, I had two recruits scheduled to join the department, one in the spring and the other in autumn. I was forced to cancel both due to the Covid-19 situation. I believe that this year the situation will improve and life will return to normal. I have had very good experience in the past with cooperation with primary schools. Personal meetings with students in the classroom worked for me. Many have no idea what vaulting is and that such a thing even exists. In a personal presentation, children are more easily motivated to come and see the training and get an idea of what it entails.
- • What awaits a newcomer who decides to try vaulting?
Each new member must go through the so-called familiarization process. They will get acquainted with the environment, we will show him where is what situated and explain how to move with the horses. They will gradually get acquainted with the training system and vaulting terminology. It's a lot of information to start with. Acquiring it is a time-consuming process. In addition to the physical training of the exerciser, taking care for the horse is an integral part. Children learn to clean horses and learn daily handling. The older ones know how to tack them, and later, after gaining sufficient experience and skills, many of them also ride in a saddle and go for walks in the woods with a coach.
- • How does a newcomer become a competitor?
For every athlete, the greatest motivation is to go to a competition and compare own performance with others. This is also the direction of our activities. Vaulting has many age categories and 6–7-year-old children can also compete in walk. Regardless of the category, we train the technique of demonstrating individual exercises during training. Gymnastic and fitness training is very important. As for the freestyle of individuals, the children prepare their own so-called the skeleton of the set and then we fine-tune it together with regard to the sporting level and strength of the individual. Last but not least, costumes and music also play a role in the evaluation of the performance. We always try to reconcile them so that it is on one topic. I usually design the costumes by myself, we fine-tune the details together with the children and the tailor. Finding the right music is also a time- consuming process. Sometimes it happens that after a week of searching, during the training you find out that it simply does not fit, so the whole process starts again. When we have it all set together and the children know how to practice their sets to music and within the time limit in training, they become competitors. They go to national competitions and when they show their potential, they move to the international level and become representatives. It's a long and difficult process and not every child gets this far. In addition to the preparation of individuals, we also deal with the category of “pas de deux” and “squad”. It is more difficult, because there are already two or three exercisers on the horse at the same time.
- • What is the training of “pas de deux” and “squad” about?
The preparation process has basically the same principle as for individuals - to put together a choreography of a freestyle which must be appropriate to the abilities of the exercisers, to find a suitable theme, music, costumes... and of course the horse. For a squad, the horse must be specially prepared must be able to carry three exercisers that move all over his body is not easy, must be resistant to external disturbing, and must have a regular gallop. During some movements, the exercisers are up to 5-6 meters high, any sharper movement of the horse or irregularity in the gallop disturbs their balance and may threaten to fall. However, until we get with the choreography on the horse in the gallop, it is preceded by training on the ground, then on the horse simulator, followed by the horse in walk and only then we gradually start in gallop. For pas de deux and squad, I try to choose children, who are already more efficient and experienced and can hold each other and merge. Reconciling one group of six children is quite difficult. To decide who will be the "holder" and who will be the "flier" takes all year round.
- • What does the winter preparation look like?
Our sports season ends with the Championships of Slovak Republic, which always take place in September. In October we start with winter training. We begin with a kind of sport-camp that takes 4-5 days. Mostly I plan it somewhere in the Tatras, in a nice mountain environment, where we have a swimming pool, gym and also the possibility of recreational activities. In addition to fitness training, children will gain a lot of experiences and at the same time strengthen the team. Horses have more relaxation during this period, which they really deserve after a demanding sports season. They go for walks, give them massages and make full use of the horse solarium that we have at our disposal. We work with the children on changes in the line-ups, or on new themes and musical accompaniments for the next season. We focus more on fitness and gymnastics training. We use the covered space between the two stables as a gym. We can bring a horse simulator, trampoline, mats here and we can also use gymnastic rings here. The outdoor area provides plenty of opportunities and space for running, which develops the cardiovascular system, teaches children to breathe properly under load and, last but not least, has a positive effect on the psyche. We also focus on strengthening, of course, everything appropriate to the age and physical condition of children. In cooperation with a gymnastics trainer and also a fitness instructor, we focus on exercises that contribute to the overall physical development and at the same time help to improve performance on the horse.
- • An inseparable part of the vaulting is, of course, the horse. You have three horses available in training. Tell us what they are like, how do you find working with them?
I get young horses for vaulting training after basic training under the saddle. They have no experience on the lounge, neither with vaulting tack nor with children. They have to learn everything. Basically, I choose horses of bigger frame so they are able to carry a squad in the future and they must have a good character. Leon is a 9-year-old gelding after Dorman du Puy from his mother Lord Inci Tatus 16. I started working with him when he was 4 years old. After a year he completed the first national competition and after the next year he was able to gallop with the squad. Full of worries, I took him to the competition under the squad and he was immediately rated as the best horse of the event. It has been competing internationally since 2019. He is our darling, children love him. Lea is also 9 years old and she is Leon's half-sister - after Dorman du Puy from her mother Lord Inci Tatus 6. They came to the vaulting training at once. We train individuals and pas de deux on her and we started rehearsing a squad as well. She already has experience at the international level. The third mare is the youngest in the training, her name is Betty. She is 7 years old, after Quirado from her mother Boris du Melnire 19. She completed the first competition last year and I was very happy with her. She has an excellent character; she is obedient and hardworking. I would like her to gallop with the squad in the future.
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