Summary of the Equestrian Experience in Hungary
Highlight of the Ranch Experience
The Hungarian horse show at a ranch near Kalocsa is a spectacular highlight of a Danube River cruise in eastern Europe. The Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, is filled with expansive ranches where Magyar cowboys showcase their remarkable equestrian skills. Notably, UNESCO recognized part of the Puszta, specifically the Hortobágy National Park, as a World Heritage Site in 1999.
History of the Magyar Cowboys
The term “Magyar” refers to the Hungarian people and originates from a region named after them. Historically, the Magyars were tribes that resided in the Tarim Basin of what is now China and began settling in the Ural Mountains of Russia, which marked a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Ultimately, these semi-nomadic tribes migrated to present-day Hungary around 895 A.D.
Exploring Kalocsa
Upon arrival in Kalocsa, known as the “paprika capital of the world,” visitors can quickly reach the Puszta ranch. Interestingly, while paprika originated in Mexico, it is predominantly associated with Hungary today. This spice, derived from ground dried chile peppers, enhances various dishes by adding both flavor and vibrant color. Imagine the traditional Hungarian goulash, potato salad, or even deviled eggs without the distinctive sprinkle of paprika!
Magyar Cowboy Horse Show
The entertainment begins with a captivating horse parade, leading into various demonstrations that date back to wartime practices, now purely for performance. Riders impress the audience by training their horses to sit or lie down—tactics intended to make them smaller targets during battle.
A humorous contrast is provided by a boy riding a small burro amidst the grandeur of the majestic steeds. An exhilarating moment is the climax of the show, where nine horses are involved in an intricate twist on the traditional five-horse racing, more commonly known as the “Puszta-fiver.”
Culinary Delights
Alongside the entertainment, guests enjoy tasting traditional paprika bread and sampling apricot brandy. A delightful ride around the ranch in a gypsy wagon perfectly concludes this experience on the vast prairie land of the Puszta. The ranch not only showcases the incredible horse show but also features adorable baby horses and cattle akin to Texas longhorns, showcasing the unique charm of this Hungarian ranch.
These cowboys could really crack their whips! River cruise ship passengers at the show also have an opportunity to crack the whip but found out it was a lot more difficult than it looks.
It’s hard enough to teach a dog to sit. Teaching a horse to sit must be very difficult. This skill and lying down are both important for horses during battle. If they sit or lie down, they will be a smaller target and can protect their rider.
This cowboy was able to get his horse to kneel and then lie down.
Lying down on command was important for horses during battles. Today, it’s just for show; but it is still very impressive.
These old buggies are going much faster than it looks like they would.
If you look beyond the carriage, you can see why this part of Hungary is considered the prairie.
This wagon could be loaded with many pounds of goods since three horses were pulling it.
Just standing on a bareback horse takes talent; the skill and training involved to stay up with nine of them is very impressive!
This small boy and his burro provide a comical contrast to the elegant Magyar cowboys and their magnificent horses.
At the conclusion of the horse show, all the river cruise ship guests enjoy a ride around the ranch in this traditional gypsy wagon. It is a great way to see more of the ranch on the puszta.
