Zagreb's Hippodrome

Zagreb's racetrack - Hippodrome, although medium sized, is very specific. In the sense that it is designed so that it unites all equestrian sports, which is a rarity in the world. Today, the Hippodrome has an active riding school open to all visitors and with a program for all ages.

Image credit: Upravljanje sportskim objektima, PJ Hipodrom Zagreb

History

Created as a part of the Croatian Olympic Center Project initiated back in 1947, it takes up the current space in Kajzerica which occupies 160 acres of land, and it is surrounded by the Sava river in the north, the Zagreb Fair, Freedom Bridge, and Bundek in the east and the village Kajzerica in the west. Back in those years, many sports grounds were lined by the inmates of the former prison camp in Kajzerica.

The interesting thing is that it was built to the Longchamp in Paris, where the first race was seen by the French emperor Napoleon III, the nephew of the famous Emperor Napoleon I, from his yacht. And, as if it was destined to be, in 1950, a hundred years after Paris, Zagreb's racetrack spread across Kajzerica, the settlement which was named after the kaiser ''emperor'' because there were imperial military training grounds. 

     Image credit: Upravljanje sportskim objektima, PJ Hipodrom Zagreb

The longest street in Kajzerica which passes near the main entrance to the track was named after Radoslav Cimmerman, the legend of Croatian equestrian sport who fell from his horse and died in 1974. In 1952, the racetrack was given to the Zagreb Equestrian Club, which was founded in 1948, to use and manage. After the Universiade in 1987, the construction of the indoor riding arena began and it was completed in 1989. Unfortunately, the construction of the hall ruined the old 2,400-meters-long gallop track, and hedges which surrounded the existing tracks were removed during the visit of the pope John Paul II in 1994.

The tracks of the Hippodrome were built well. They had drainage, birch fences, and large stands carved in the sand mound that surrounds the racetrack as well as other sports facilities. Zagreb's Hippodrome is designed with a grass track for 2,400-meters-long gallop races, a track that a few racetracks in the world can be proud of, one 1,600-meters-long grass gallop track, and the 1,000-meters-long trotting track patched with clay. All three tracks were officially opened in 1950. In the middle of the trotting track is the arena for show jumping competitions.

The horse area consists of 7 stables housing 175 horses. There are also several prefabricated stables which are suitable for visiting horses. The oldest brick barn was built in 1952. The unfortunate news is that some of these stables are still housing horses even though they are no longer suitable for such a thing. The plan for the reconstruction of the racetrack exists for 20 years but far too little has been done. The plan comprises the full renewal of the tracks and the adaptation for modern racing needs.

Image credit: Upravljanje sportskim objektima, PJ Hipodrom Zagreb

Equestrian competitions

The most traditional equestrian event at the Hippodrome is the International June Tournament that has been held since 1975 where the most successful horse riders fight for the prestigious award - the Cup of the City of Zagreb. There is also the Croatian Championship in Show Jumping where the best local horse riders compete for the title of the national champion in all categories.

Since 1992, there are also competitions of Croatia Cup Jumping. The Winter and Summer Cup are also held on Zagreb's Hippodrome along with the traditional Christmas Tournament but there are even numerous lesser competitions in show jumping and dressage which can be organised by individual equestrian clubs. The Hippodrome hosts several tournaments in dressage each year, including the competition for the World Dressage Challenge.

Unfortunately, we can't see the famous Gallop Derby at the Zagreb Hippodrome, a race in which full-blooded English horses are competing on the 2,400-meters-long course only once in their third year of life, because of poor gallop paths. That derby usually takes place in Sinj.

However, Zagreb trotting track allows Croatian Trotting Derby (the first was in 1998) - a 2,600-meters-long race - to be held. With much effort, gallopers and trotters occasionally manage to organise a few racing days per year (each day can have seven or eight races) but that really means that there lies a huge potential for more events and competitions that we are all hoping for.

Image credit: Upravljanje sportskim objektima, PJ Hipodrom Zagreb

Wanna try some?

Riding school Hippodrome Zagreb was founded in 2005 with the aim of training the horse rider and familiarising the public with the magic of the equestrian world. This is a place where you can gain a lot of knowledge about horses, horse riding and equestrian sports in general. Horses are divided into two groups, one is  for basic training rider and others are used for sports training.

This is a place with intimate and friendly atmosphere, a place where you can have all your wishes come true. Also, if you like animals like horses, this is a perfect place for you. It brings a sense of peace and harmony because horses are famous for their therapeutic effects. Who knows? Maybe you will find your perfect weekend hobby or decide to show some sports skills ;)

Header image credit: Pixabay

                                                                                                                                             Author: Josipa Žižić