As summer approaches, one of the region’s largest tradition-preserving events, the Hortobágy Equestrian Days—held this year for the 57th time—awaits visitors at the Mátai Stud Farm. Over the past decades, one of the country’s most significant equestrian festivals has become a well-known and recognised event not only nationally but also internationally.

The event, with a history spanning more than half a century, aims to present the past and present of Hortobágy’s pastoral culture, the horse-breeding work of the Mátai Stud Farm, as well as the carriage-driving traditions that are still practised today. The unique environment of the Hortobágy plains, which is part of the World Heritage, provides an authentic backdrop for this experience. This year’s event is particularly timely, as 2026 is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, meaning the Equestrian Days place special emphasis on pastoral traditions and the cultural, economic and natural significance of grazing lands.

The Hortobágy Equestrian Days is a comprehensive celebration of Hungarian equestrian life, where professional and amateur riders alike, as well as families interested in horses, can find exciting programmes. The programme includes, among others, the National Csikós Championship, show jumping competitions, rounds of the National Carriage Driving League, and spectacular equestrian displays.

Families are welcomed with a Children’s Equestrian Village, a craft fair and craft demonstrations, while the highlight of the evening programmes is a special fire-themed equestrian show. The event uniquely combines the preservation of traditions with a modern festival experience, while offering an authentic insight into the living culture of the Hungarian puszta and the contemporary relevance of pastoral traditions.

Source: Főnix Rendezvényszervező | Photo credit: dehir.hu