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Szilvásvárad (North-Eastern Hungary) is set to host the FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-hand in 2024, marking the first time the event returns to the Hungarian village since 1984.
According to 24.hu, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports awarded Szilvásvárad the hosting rights due to significant investments, the strength of Hungarian carriage driving culture, and the country’s impressive results in the sport.
The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Championships, a historic event where Hungarian drivers dominated both team and individual podiums.
László Szaniszló, the mayor of Szilvásvárad, reminisces about the transformative impact of the 1984 event, which saw the town undergo substantial development, including the paving of almost all roads and the introduction of landline telephones, all while hosting notable figures like Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (a passionate equestrian sportsman himself) and the then British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke of Edinburgh (feeding the horse) during his visit to the Bábolna stud (Western Hungary) in 1973. Photo: Fortepan / Bojár Sándor
The upcoming event will be held at the Lipica Equestrian Center, inaugurated in 2018. Over recent years, the center has hosted thousands of horses from over 30 nations, competing across five disciplines. The center’s significance is further underscored by the inclusion of the Lipizzaner breed, bred in Szilvásvárad, on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, a first in the history of universal equestrian culture.
From September 4-8, the venue will welcome more than 250 horses and 50 carriages from all continents, with millions of spectators worldwide expected to follow the event.
Driving is the most popular equestrian sport in Hungary, and the marathon event on Saturday is anticipated to be the highlight of the competition.
The mayor also noted that recent developments over the past 10-20 years have adequately prepared the village to host an event of this magnitude, ensuring a warm welcome for visitors and participants alike. The 2024 Championships not only celebrate a milestone in equestrian sports but also highlight Szilvásvárad’s readiness and enthusiasm to once again play a central role in the global equestrian community.
Via 24.hu; Featured Image: Facebook / Állami Ménesgazdaság Szilvásvárad