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Summer in Hungary is traditionally rich in equestrian events, and the municipality of Iván in Győr-Moson-Sopron County continued this tradition on Saturday. For the fifth consecutive year, the village hosted a preliminary race for the prestigious National Gallop Race (Nemzeti Vágta). The event attracted numerous visitors to the Iván horse stud farm.
Photo: Hungary Today
Photo: Hungary Today
The ceremonial opening of the fifth Iván Gallop (Iváni Vágta) took place at 12 noon and heralded a day full of exciting performances and competitions. In addition to the thrilling preliminary races of the National Gallop Race, the program offered a variety of other attractions that thrilled the audience.
Photo: Hungary Today
Particularly popular were the preliminary rounds of the horse-drawn carriage pushing competition, which provided plenty of laughs. Traditional Hungarian horse culture was brought to life by an impressive Csikós demonstration, in which the horse herders showed off their skills. Actor Tibor Buch also provided entertainment before an obstacle driving tournament demonstrated the precision and skill of the teams.
Photo: Hungary Today
Photo: Hungary Today
A highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the breathtaking Puszta Five performance, in which a Csikós (Hungarian term for horse herder) maintains control while standing on the backs of five horses – a true spectacle of Hungarian horsemanship. The varied program was rounded off by a performance by the village choir, Iváni Dalárda, which invited the audience to linger and enjoy.
Photo: Hungary Today
The winners of the preliminary rounds of the Iváner Gallop qualify for the grand final.
This year’s National Gallop Race will take place from October 3 to 5 in Szilvásvárad. This event is the largest amateur horse race in Central and Eastern Europe and promises to be another highlight for horse lovers. The Iváner Gallop has once again proven that the Hungarian summer is inextricably linked to the fascinating world of equestrian sports and has both traditional elements and exciting competitions to offer.
Featured image: Hungary Today