Kontakty

Horse tradition

...Nadpis

Pardubice is known as the city of gingerbread – but also as the city of horses. The horse tradition here is deeply rooted and has shaped the region for centuries. It is therefore no coincidence that one of the world’s most famous steeplechase races was created here and that important stud farms still operate in the surrounding countryside.

The horse is even part of the city’s symbol. The Pardubice coat of arms refers to an old legend about the knight Ješek, whose horse was mortally wounded during a campaign. Despite this, the knight carried the horse back to the camp – and in memory of this event the horse became part of the city’s emblem.

The importance of horses in the region was further strengthened by aristocratic traditions. In the 19th century, popular parforce hunts were held in the Pardubice area – grand deer hunts where nobles from across Europe gathered on horseback. From this tradition gradually developed one of the most famous horse races in the world – the Velká pardubická steeplechase.

The first race took place in 1874 and quickly became legendary. The nearly seven-kilometre course is still considered one of the most challenging steeplechase tracks in the world. Horses and riders must overcome dozens of obstacles, the most famous of which is the Taxis Ditch – one of the most feared jumps in horse racing.

...Nadpis
...Nadpis

The region’s horse tradition is not connected only with racing. Near Pardubice lies the National Stud Farm Kladruby nad Labem, one of the oldest stud farms in the world. It was founded in the 16th century by Emperor Maximilian II and remains the home of the unique Old Kladruber horse breed. These majestic horses were historically bred for ceremonial purposes at royal courts and are still considered a symbol of Czech horse breeding.

Today, Pardubice and its surroundings remain one of the most important centres of horse tradition in Central Europe. The combination of history, aristocratic breeding and horse racing has created a heritage that is just as characteristic of the region as its famous gingerbread.