Rolling in Budapest Cultural information in English … Hear everything first hand

Saturday was a long day, but worthwhile to be where and when the major sporty event took place. The day was all about beautiful horses and their superb riders.

Not only in Hungary, but the interest  from abroad … may I say … worldwide had a major attention focusing to the ongoing 6th OTP Bank Equestrian World Cup here in Budapest.

Who didn’t make it to „ride over” to  the London’s Olympic Game 2012, may haven’t felt  they missed the highlights to be able to see the world’s best  riders throughout the coming 2 days.

The world’s top equestrian athletes, equestrian sportsman and celebrities all showed as to make one of  their best days of the year for the audience and of course for themsleves.

Saturday morning, began with the Driving the Junior World Cup featuring the pony coach riders. An enjoyable, excellently prepared show was out to see.  

Early afternoon,  continuing the day’s show with the prime time section, an exciting and awesome western  attractions rolling along with folks wearing costumes of Indianstyle, settlers and a superb show with  twenty line-dancers in a row tapping their feet on the dancefloor. Now if that wasn’t enough came the  “Hungarian Stunt Evolution”  along with the independent stunt team on-above-beside seven horses, giving the audience a to hold back their breath while watching the wild-west-end coming alive at the sport  arena.

The Ride & Drive – Audi Cup Tournament …  6 p.m.

A snap of the group of competitors after the drawling to their start race.

Could not have been missed of the one of the most exciting races of the day! The line of attending olympicchampions: Gábor Balogh, eight-time world champion, nine-time European champion, the Olympic silver medalist pentathlete, Leila Gyenes, modern pentathlon world champion and other well known persons as: László Juhász jr. stunt, Theodore Kunkl, Thai-boxing world champion, János Martinek, two-time Olympic, four times world and European champion pentathlete, Tibor Pinter, actor, director, producer, Artistic Director at the English Horse Theater, Györgyi Szöllősi, Hungarian Television, Channel M1 news announcer and “The Evening” editor, presenter, Miklós Ungvári, Olympic silver medalist and three-time European champion in Judo.

The Flying Frenchman, Lorenzo is the real example of  amazing horsemanship!  

His concept: “Live your Life with passion!

After the press meeting had a short talk with Lorenzo.  Asked him: “Knowing you have 30 horses,  how can you deal with them at a time?” Quote: Lorenzo: ” I was fascinated by the sight of horses when I was 6 yrs.old. I only started  performing when I reached my  teenager age. I realized, a man lives with his horse. It’s a unique experience of partnership. Obtaining by his instinct alone. It has to be a complete  relationship of understanding. Man and horse must have the  partnership between each other. The horse feels every single thought of  the rider, if they are together as one then the horse will do whatever the rider wish  to achieve. I train with them every single day of the year.” Don’t they get tired? “They never get tired, they have more energy than me myself.”  Having 30 horses in the stable, isn’t it hard to keep in mind all their names when it come you take them for training? “No not at all, I know each and every one of their names”  Can you tell me the names of the  wonders you will be coming out this evening?  Lorenzo putting on a wide smile said: “Yes, why not”.  So here  are  the names of the horses he brought along, with whom he will carry be doing the show on each dayof the event at the László Papp Sport Arena.  I think it is worthwhile to at least hear their names that aren’t probably heard too often, but  sure deserves to be known: “ROUBIA-RAIANA-RAIVA-RAIVOSA-XL-VIDO-ATLAS-ANTARES-SARA-ZAMRUCA-GINIA-XERINE”A couple of minutes before 8 p.m. the Sport Arena lights went off and the quiet was “so loud” in the  whole stadium awaiting for the Flying Frenchman, Lorenzo to enter the sandy ground with his eight horses, the white beauties. I can imagen many in the audience held their breath watching the sophisticated horses and the feeling the vibes in the air. It seemed the white beauties controlled Lorenzo! Unbelievable, knowing the horses don’t have the human’s brains, they absolutely behaved  the way a man-to-man talks to them. Breathtaking performance which I believe everyone there will cherish this evening’s memory  for a lifetime.

Watching Lorenzo with  his beautiful horses it was perfectly clear to see on both sides they all enjoy what they doing. The audience hearts just blew away. He brought the performance unique into our world. Suppose not just the full arena’s audience adrenaline grew higher-and-higher but most probably Lorenzo and the 8 beauty’s adrenaline heights beat the top as well.

Lorenzo’s concept of life: Live from the passion! What we have seen gave us the proof  and  absolutely convinced all of us of his concept! Here is a short video to taste  Lorenzo’s and his eight beauties awesome show at the 6th OTP Bank Equestrian World Cup of  December, 1. 2012 at the László Papp Sport Arena:

… The two mascots,

…  Muki, the big and Muki, the small,

… were out rolling along the sidewalks and paths in the arena,

… stopping by, greeting the kids with alittle cuddle here and a little cuddle  there,

… the kids simply loved them.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

XMAS MARKET AT THE  “ÚJLAK MARKET”

December, 6-23.  2012.

District III. Kolosy Square – Bécsi Street, Budapest

Open through  Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.   

“Újlak” Xmas Market takes place for the first time ever at the newly renovated promenade at Óbuda Quarter. Óbuda was a historical city in Hungary. Been united as one with Buda and Pest in 1873. The name itself means Old Buda.

The market will welcome visitors with traditional Xmas food, handicrafts traders, popular live concerts will fill the air and something special for the kids: the Mini Zoo.
Thoughout Budapest from the beginning of December until Xmas Eve the squares are transformed into enchanting Xmans markets. Gingerbread, roasted chestnut, mulled wine and hot punch awaken the special cosy feelings to the coming season. At the same time will be the opening event of the public square. Visitors will be among the first ones who can admire the brand new cobblestone, the benches and the lighting.

„Újlak’s Xmas Market opens for the first time this year at the beautifully renovated promenade close to Kolosy Square just a short walk from the Buda-side’s Margaret Bridge.

The market offers more than 40 stalls with various goods like Xmas gifts, Xmas tree ornaments, sweets and confectionaries, special meals and hot drinks.

The event is unique in food offerings by the  Symbol restaurant. Haven’t been there, so now is the time to have a visit…. I mean have a bite, they will be preparing yummy specialties only for this limited period.

The most exciting program of the market for the kids is probably the city’s biggest pet stable, the Mini Zoo. Kids can get close to the animals and stroke donkeys, rabbits, goats and sheep.

Popular Hungarian singers and musicians will be surely enhancing the Xmas atmosphere: Ms. Vera Tóth, Mr. Barna Pély, Ms. Fruzsina Kovácsovics, Mr. Károly Nyári, Mr.Imre Rakonczai, Nika, Stereotone, Pedrofon and many more.

The caravan from the famous Hungarian movie, „Üvegtigris” will be present throughout whole event. There will be charitable clothes collection and live Xmas tree  out on sale for the benefit of the Hungarian Red Cross.

All the programs and the entrance are free of charge. The Óbuda promenade is within easy reach from anywhere in Budapest. There are parking spots in the area, but the market is also accessible with public transport: Buses number: 86, 109, 160, 206, 260 … stop at Galagonya Street station, Tram number 17 stop at the Kolosy Square, also reachable by the “HÉV” – Suburban-train: H5 stop at Szépvölgyi Street station.

As far as the last note from Youlupukki, the real Finnish Santa Claus,  will be rolling along to see, greet  the little young ones of Óbuda.

WISH YOU A JOLLY-GOOD TIME ROCKING AROUND THE XMAS TREE!

Update by Aggie Reiter

The  OTP Equestrian World Cup  2012 – Budapest,  press and media conference was held in the late  morning hours of to-day by Mr. Sándor Lezsák, vice president of the National Assembly, Mr. László Horváth, appointed prime minister trustee, Mr. Vilmos Lázár, president of the Association of Hungarian Sport Horse at the László Papp Sport Arena‘s Press Hall. Mr. Károly Fehér, chief press agent.

Also to-day was the DayZero – Children’s Day throughout the whole day!

“In Hungary, it is visible again the Renaissance of the Equestrian Sport”, these were the opening words by Mr. Sándor Lezsák, Vice President of the National Assembly – one of the initiator of the program. Mr.Lezsák said: “At Lakitelek, operates the largest equestrian association in Hungary. Almost every day a couple of riders go out to the field. At this large farm field horses are getting in touch with the kids and the kids are building their relationship between horses. Many individuals are working hard in the background to make it happen to Hungary as to be a worthy, reach a place in the world of the equestrian culture.”

Mr. László Horváth, the ministerial commissioner initiated some horse sport related  current and distal possibilities. He told us: “Throughout the country this year the number of horse services increased in 60%. By the end of the year the number of registered rider’s figures will increase by 5-10%. Continued: “In the frame of the „Euro Horse” paths and routes to establish the landscapes for horse riders are being in progress by horse riders. The designation is nearly 10000 kilometers. This guideline will be available on the GPS network. The whole route map will be completed by May next year.

Talking about goals: “One of the highest goals is to bring the equestrian culture as a subject into the schools walls. The horse culture integration in the curriculum would touch many and by the gain knowledge the hidden love for the horses might awaken the kids to ride, continue the tradition of becoming the nation’s  horse riders or those who step out into the world of being an Equestrian champion.”

“In 2013, from the beginning on first day of the school year, starting here in September,  hopefully, it will be with the context of physical education, or as an optional educational opportunity incorporation to higher the standards of our equestrian culture.” The education will continue throughout three grades from the 3rd up till the 5th grade at the secondary schools.  Naturally, the gym teachers training should be incorporated into the system, just as well as the  riding courses. The ministerial commissioner was already happy to say: “Already, about 200 schools indicated that they are seriously thinking of introducing the horse culture as a plus subject within the physical education or to add it as a teaching faculty.” Another piece of  information said by him: “Plans are out now to create by January,2014 an existing „Rider Holding Network”, which would be uniformly in the vocational training through the breeding, culture, education, tourism and would handle the question of the functioning of the state studs.  Understood …  MUST is the great lord … as he continued: “The breeding, horse keeping and training an adequate number of skilled horse specialists must be available. It is as important for all sport parties, just as an example, in the swimming pools the breast, the back stroke or even in the freestyle… it is not enough to be trained in theory, without the appropriate practically knowledge!”  That’s right little can be achieved in the pools.”  Well said!

“Next week, the national equestrian program will be going on decisions on the level of  government negotiations.”

Yes indeed … The 185 year old history in the Hungarian horse racing and race horses traditions has to be brought back from the past. However, the whole sector can not function without the budget support for operation and most of all little can be achieved without the appropriate training.

Mr. László Német, spread two good news  that’s in  the air: ” The complete reconstruction of Szilvásvárad Equestrian Stadium will be supported by the government and also the National Horseback Riding.” unfortunately last year the Carpathian basin and the Children’s Horse Riding Archery meeting were cancelled, but it is necessary and  must be supported in the coming years.”

Mr. Vilmos Lázár started his talk by welcoming the present VIP’s, press, media, celebrities saying the following:  „Every year, we sit down and look back at the past year’s competitions, in a way it  holds up-and-downs but this is kinda natural with the equestrian sports people. So at least when I’m asked, no one have never heard me saying I am satisfied, but this is most probably the way the sportsmen  express themselves.  Being here and to see we have reached this grand day to open the OTP Equestrian World Cup seems to be worthwhile and not a wasted effort. Already soften reflections of pleased faces with the shining eyes. I still must admit that there are still many more tasks to be handled than there are behind us.

Most probably we are now at the biggest equestrian event. This in a way reflects, shows the face of our country. The entire national equestrian program is a window to our showcase!

Today, on the DayZero it  is the children’s day! It is important for us to show the children of to-day the ponies, horses and the horse-riders. Giving them a chance to enjoy their stay and  cherish sweet memories of their time spent, seeing, being close to the horses and hopefully in many will make a difference in their lives gain from these influences. The national equestrian culture is all about teaching the kids not only to meet the horses, but to visit any other events connected to the horses as well. We are aware the horse industry is not able to be financed by the state, but being among the member states of the EU, we have to turn our eyes to the West experiences. These countries are more advanced in financing in the competitor sport.  Being abroad, at many competitions, throughout my active sportlife and in the recent years, I have seen how the sponsors financially giving their helping hand to bring under the umbrella a grand equestrian event.  Yes, have to keep in mind those individuals, families, private companies, competitive industries, horse riders, horse keepers, professionals in this field, the lovers of  the horse sport supporting the equestrian event. Naturally,  it is not just a give and take  event. The sponsors awaits to be well served in every way. Of course, they are awaiting for their brand to appear and be recognized properly. Else what’s important for them is to feel good in the environment they sponsored. They are “theeeee” VIP’s, exactly those individuals who make the horses and the horse riders win the events. Back in the first year of the equestrian event the main goal was to make the show roll along. This was the main emphasis, but there were many people whilst the show took place who responded as highly enjoying the presence of jumping numbers, also how attractive, superb time they spent at the events. We are happy to be seen in the growing of the horse-related activities.” Within every good there is always a little sadness, Mr. Vilmos Lázár expressed his a bit down with to-day’s horse related situation  „I am a bit sad but  have high hopes that in the profession field which now-a-days it ain’t running so well, it is like still water, believe this won’t be holding back for long and  awaiting for many expansion in the world of Equestrian for the change to come.

Mr. Vilmos Lázár’s final words were:

“Our window  … is meant to be created as to show to the world our Equestrians”

As the press conference was coming to the end, an award ceremony took place to announce the winners of the “Horse  Nation – during the season of 2011-2012” competition by votes through the Facebook.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter