Always on horseback
The horse has always been man's friend, a battle companion in wars, a helper in peacetime. Horses occupy a special place in the life of the Hungarian people. It was on horseback that, during the era of the Great Migration of Peoples, Hungarian tribes arrived in today's territory from the Cis-Urals. In later times, mounted hussars and light cavalry carried Hungary's glory throughout the world. Empress Theresa of the Habsburg dynasty created the first regular hussar regiment. And then hussar regiments in dress uniforms, distinguished by particular daring, bravery, and aristocratic manner, became an integral part of many world armies.
In Hungary, the traditions of those times are preserved. Equestrian sport is one of the most beloved and honored in the country. There are great opportunities for its development. Every year, on the first Sunday of July, the most important race of the year is held - the Derby of Hungary, a competition of the best three-year-olds. Besides professional races, various programs attract tourists: equestrian festivals, cross-country routes, horse hunting, travel in a gypsy wagon, riding schools for adults and children. There is a wonderful program 'Healing Horses' for disabled children.
One of the most interesting events held by Hungarian horsemen is the Kiskunsag Horse Days in July. What attracts people here are songs and dances of regions with shepherd traditions; a demonstration of a herd of horses, a herd of gray cows of the Hungarian breed, a flock of sheep of the relict Racka breed; performances by horse herdsmen, shepherds, and riders; competitions of horse carriages and pony carriages; horse racing; a rider show 'steppe five' (one rider standing controls five horses); a meeting of riders; agility competitions for horse herdsmen; a contest for preparing goulash and lamb pörkölt; a riders' ball and much more.
In addition, equestrian parks are now being created in Hungary. In the eastern steppes of Hungary there is the Epona horse village, and 40 km from Budapest the Lázár brothers' horse park opened, the five-time world champions in two-horse harness racing. The park's entertainment program includes a horse show, rider races ('csikós'), horse games, rides in wagons and carriages, folklore programs and other equestrian amusements. Also built here are a fine national restaurant ('csárda') for 300 people, wonderful stables, a farmyard with indigenous Hungarian animals, and a cozy house for service personnel. Talking with the Lázár brothers - Vilmos and Zoltán - one wants to discern in them that daring, bravado, and audacity with which they repeatedly became world champions. But both brothers are not at all like mustachioed and desperate hussars. Nice, likable guys. They grew up in Budapest, became interested in horses from the age of ten, and have now achieved heights that many athletes dream of. After all, two-horse harness racing competitions are held in many countries of the world, and such contests involve up to 60 athletes from different countries. Vilmos and Zoltán are members of the Hungarian national team. The brothers became famous athletes, but that was not enough for them. They wanted not only a select circle of equestrian fans but also the general public to enjoy horse competitions, vivid spectacles, and communication with these noble animals. They had a dream to show many the beauty and capabilities of horses, recreate the atmosphere of folk life, and give both domestic and foreign tourists the opportunity to connect with nature.
The Lázár brothers' horse park has become a family enterprise involving both brothers with their families, father, mother, and grandparents. In addition, it was necessary to find people who love horses and the work of caring for them with all their souls. After all, this is not just a hobby but a way of life. The enterprise employs first-class riders. But this does not mean they participate only in shows. Here all employees, about 20 people, do any work that is needed in such a large farm: mow grass, clean the stables, feed and shoe the horses, deliver foals from mares, repair equipment, help in the restaurant and on the estate. That is a collective farm!
It is pleasant to be on the estate. Groomed animals, cleanliness and order all around, cheerful smiling people. In addition to the show, such services attract as the opportunity to go horseback riding; one can also arrange a romantic wedding with a ride in a white carriage. You can have a pleasant time in a small restaurant with national color and excellent wine.
The training of riders and horses is handled by Gábor Szegedi, a well-known master in the world of equestrian sport. His record in racing on eleven horses (on two he stands and controls with one rein and voice) entered the Guinness Book of Records and has not been broken to this day. He prepares the horse shows and is responsible for them. Gábor Szegedi is known not only in Hungary; he is also honored at the court of the British Queen, as he prepares various equestrian programs there as well.
Horses here enjoy great love and honor. Competition participants have a special regime, but the rest are also well-groomed and cheerful. The oldest world champion, Bella, retired this year and will live in love and care at this stable. All other horses are busy either training in horse shows or on other farm work. Foals and kids are also growing up here. There are small ponies, donkeys, and longhorn oxen, which also take part in performances.
We became spectators of one of such shows. A dress rehearsal was underway before the park's opening tomorrow. To the charming melodies of Liszt and Bartók, horses and riders demonstrated miracles of unity between man and animal, a fireworks display of trick riding and equestrian stunts. The horses, controlled by riders, moved at various gaits, obediently lay on their sides, sat on their hind legs, and raced in an eight-horse team.
Here the famous Hungarian Lipizzaner breed of white horses harnessed to a carriage was demonstrated. We also got a chance to ride in such a carriage and taste Hungarian dishes in a national restaurant. Interaction with friendly people, horses, nature, and immersion in the national flavor gave us true pleasure. Probably, all those who become visitors of the Lázár brothers' horse park will feel this too.
To our question about what money this park is maintained on, Vilmos replied that family capital and income from other enterprises belonging to the brothers are invested here. And the state supports tourism as well. And if you participate in various tenders and competitions, you can hope for help. Contracts have been concluded with various travel organizations for tourist groups to visit the park. The Lázár brothers' horse park has only just begun its activities. And we wish them prosperity and success. After all, where there is love for one's work, mutual understanding, and diligence, everything should work out.
New Life of an Old Fortress
Hungary is known as a country of ancient fortresses and castles, of which there are now about a thousand, and many of them are protected by law. Any tourist route includes visits to such historical monuments. Some of these witnesses to the history of the Hungarian people have a difficult fate. In their time they were warriors and defenders, participants in many battles. But inexorable time did not spare the once strong walls and bastions, and many of them need constant attention and care, restoration and reconstruction work.
So, one of such fortresses was Sümeg Castle, a significant defensive structure built back in the 12th century. The town of Sümeg is spread out in the valley, and the castle rises above it on the spurs of the Bakony, on top of a grass-covered hill. During its existence, Sümeg Castle saw kings, bishops, and Turkish conquerors, wartime and peacetime. Its walls crumbled and burned. It was rebuilt and modified many times, but at the beginning of the 18th century it suffered the greatest destruction. Now the Turning Tower and the Old Tower, and the Stone Bastion have been restored here. Knightly performances and equestrian games are arranged for visitors.
The history of the restoration and new life of Sümeg Castle is connected with the Imre Papp family. Several years ago, the Hungarian Society for the Protection of Monuments, with government support, announced a competition for the position of caretaker of Sümeg Castle with partial ownership rights. Many responded to this call, but after an additional condition was introduced for the winner of the competition, almost none remained. And the condition was not simple: to begin restoration work at Sümeg Castle. Imre Papp won the competition, but this victory promised hard labor and endless worries. Many friends and acquaintances were surprised, not understanding his attachment to the ruins.
This castle has always been in his life. He grew up in the town of Sümeg, where the castle was visible from any city alley. Within its walls, he and his boyhood friends played at war between Turks and Hungarians; it seemed to him that the ringing of knightly armor and the shouts of tournament victors could still be heard here. Dreaming of those times, he, already an adult, managed to bring them to life. Knightly battles go on here, war horses gallop, and victories are celebrated in the tavern. And anyone who wishes can see this spectacle. Imre Papp and his family managed to turn a fairy tale into reality, but it cost great labor, effort, and ingenuity. And when spectators in the ancient castle applaud the tournament participants, they also praise the organizers of this celebration, who deserve wonder and admiration.
Imre Papp and his family lived quite prosperously in Budapest. He was the technical director of a prestigious hotel. His wife Krisztina was a teacher. They had a three-story house and three children. Live and be happy. But Sümeg Castle called. His wife supported Imre, as she too was from Sümeg. Six of his brothers (builders by trade) helped with the restoration work. Imre Papp became the captain of the castle. No help was to be expected from outside; they relied on their own strength. In this difficult time, journalists rendered a good service. They told about the self-sacrifice of this family, and the public and authorities began to support them.
Funds were needed for restoration work, and the Papp family began to earn them by attracting tourists with equestrian knight tournaments and celebrations. Gradually, a tavern, an underground hall for tournaments in bad weather, stables, a museum of ancient carriages and knightly armor, and a hotel were built.
Time passed in labor and cares; the children grew up. The eldest daughter got married, and the couple together restores another castle. The son, having become an architect and receiving a second education at the Institute of Tourism, accepted from his father the right to become captain of Sümeg Castle, as Imre Papp was elected captain of the district. And the youngest daughter became interested in equestrian sports, achieving great success, being tempered in knightly tournaments, and entered the Institute of Physical Education. The young people, having moved from Budapest to the province, were not bored; they were busy with interesting work and received both education and life experience. And they also dream of building a large amphitheater where equestrian games, concerts, and performances could be held. And if they plan something, so it will be.
And how to call all this: a family dream or a family business? But no matter how it is called, the realization of their ideas brings benefit to the country and joy to people.