Source: Jacqueline Zimmermann / Jessica Christoph at www.hippoevent.at

On the weekend of 16 – 18 February 2007, the FEI Clinic for “International Candidate Judges and International Judges” was held at the Slovak national stud farm, Topo??ianky, managed by the German O-Judge Dr. Franz-Josef Vetter. There were eight participants from various backgrounds that took part on the clinic, namely from Belgium, Norway, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. It was noted that the enthusiastic outlook of all the participants led to a very constructive and fruitful session.

The international regulations were discussed in theory, and practised in several exercises. Drivers and riders gave some impressions of their competence and the participants had the possibility to evaluate the performances.

Course director Dr. Franz-Josef Vetter: “a great compliment to the organiser of this FEI course – the stud Topo??ianky! They did a great job, perfect organisation and a cheerful hospitality. All the participants were dedicated to learn the essential functions of an international judge. All of them did a good job within their teams, and it was an effective course for all participants. This clinic hopefully gives an impulse to equestrian driving in Slovakia as well. Another warm “thank you” to the stud Topo??ianky.”

After the three-day-course filled with intense theoretical and practical studies of the regulations, the director of the national stud farm – Mr. Ing. Michal Horny, invited all the participants to visit the premises.

Founded in 1918, it is one of the most prominent stud farms in Europe. Lipizzaners, Huzulen, Arabs and Slovakian Warmbloods; Topo??ianky currently counts about 550 horses.

Next to the breeding, the training of the horses constitutes the basis for successful marketing of the horses. One point is the participation in big international Jumping and Dressage events, as well as Endurance, Vaulting and, of course, Driving events.

At the end of the tour, the participants were shown the stud-owned museum, presented by the well known Frantisek Hruzik. Aside from all the beautiful carriages and harnesses, the visitors were particularly impressed with Mr. Hruzik, who is nearing 81years and still takes part in the traditional “Hubertus chase” on horseback every year.

He also participated in the Olympic Games 1960 in Eventing – held in Rome. He was a successful jockey at the highest level of steeplechase, international driver and achieved multiple championship titles in Dressage and Jumping.

Topo??ianky Director, Ing. Michal Horny: “A special compliment to the expertise of Mr. Franz-Josef Vetter and his great and cooperative collaboration in all respects. Thanks again to the National Federation of Slovakia for backing the course. I am quite sure that the FEI Clinic for International Candidate Judges and International Judges had a positive effect on equestrian driving in Slovakia, while also having an impact on Driving at the stud Topo??ianky.