Kladruby Naruby: A Glimpse into the Heart of the National Stud Kladruby nad Labem
The traditional open day Kladruby Naruby offers a unique look at Old Kladruber horses, equestrian arts, and the rich history of one of the world's oldest studs.
Celebrating Tradition and Elegance in Kladruby
The National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem is one of the most significant breeding facilities in the world. Its history dates back to the 16th century and is inextricably linked with the breeding of the unique Old Kladruber horse. One of the most popular events organized by the stud for the general public is the open day called "Kladruby Naruby" (Kladruby Inside Out). This event allows visitors to peek behind the scenes of breeding and training, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019.
The Kladruby Naruby event is designed as a family day full of equestrian demonstrations and a supporting program that celebrates not only the horses themselves but also the crafts and skills associated with their breeding. For readers of the koneastaje.cz portal, this look into the heart of the stud serves as inspiration and a showcase of the highest level of equestrian culture in the Czech Republic.
Old Kladruber Horses in the Lead Role
The stars of the whole day are, of course, the Old Kladruber horses. As seen in the video, these majestic grey and black horses represent the Baroque type of horse, originally bred for the ceremonial purposes of the imperial court. Their characteristic convex profile, high knee action, and calm, balanced temperament make them ideal partners for carriage driving and modern equestrian disciplines.
The video features demonstrations of work both from the ground and in the saddle, showcasing the rideability and elegance of these animals. The Old Kladruber is the only breed in the world developed specifically for ceremonial carriage driving, and it is in this role that it excels at the Kladruby Naruby event. Visitors have the chance to see various forms of hitches, from pairs to demanding multi-horse teams, requiring perfect harmony between the driver and their charges.
Vaulting: Acrobatics on Horseback
One of the dynamic points of the program, also captured in the attached video, is vaulting. This discipline combines gymnastic and acrobatic elements performed on a cantering horse. Vaulting demonstrations are very popular with spectators as they demonstrate not only the physical fitness of the riders but, above all, the absolute trust between human and horse.
During vaulting, the horse must maintain a constant pace on the lunge while the athletes perform various routines on its back. In the video, it is evident how calmly and focused the Old Kladruber horses approach this task, once again confirming their excellent character traits.
The Saint Hubert's Ride as a Symbol of Season Ending
The Kladruby Naruby program also includes a demonstration of the Saint Hubert's Ride. This tradition, named after Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, symbolically ends the equestrian and hunting season. Although it is no longer a real hunt today, the rituals associated with it remain preserved. Riders in historical and sporting attire follow the "master" and try to capture the "fox tail" attached to the shoulder of one of the riders representing the fox.
In the video, we can see the assembly of riders and the festive atmosphere accompanying this ride. It is a parade of equestrian etiquette, discipline, and the joy of movement in a landscape that has been shaped for centuries specifically for the needs of horses. The landscape around Kladruby nad Labem, with its vast pastures and alleys, creates a unique backdrop for this ride.
A Living Tradition
The Kladruby Naruby event is not just for experts but for everyone who admires the beauty of horses and history. The video from 2017 reminds us that values such as tradition, patience in training, and respect for history are still very much alive at the National Stud. For visitors, it is an opportunity to see not only the representative spaces but also the daily operations and care required by these unique animals.
If you missed this event, the attached video will provide at least a part of that amazing atmosphere, when the Kladruby complex opens to all horse lovers and shows its face in all its beauty. It is an invitation to visit a place where time has stood still in the best possible way – in the harmony between human and a noble animal.