Horses, ranches, and equestrian statues: Horseback adventures in the Czech Republic

The Chinese New Year brings in the reign of the Fire Horse, known for being one of the most dynamic signs in the Eastern zodiac. The Fire Horse symbolizes movement, freedom, openness, and a strong inner energy. It dislikes stagnation and hesitation. A year ruled by the Fire Horse typically signifies action, determination, unexpected changes, and bold new beginnings. It’s a time when things start to move. Relationships spring to life, new acquaintances form quickly and intensely. Stable partnerships might require more space and spontaneity. Careers favor those who are willing to take risks and embrace their own authenticity.

Now is the perfect time to get out with the series “Fourteen Regions & Fourteen Tips” in the footsteps of horses or even right in the saddle. Horses have belonged to the Czech landscape forever. We can’t imagine historical parades, grape harvests, knightly tournaments, or events at riding arenas without them. Equestrian statues adorn many cities, and you can find horses on ranches, at studs, on racecourses, and along riding trails and hippological paths. They heal, connect people with nature, and teach respect and patience.

And because we just love horses, we set out with Kudy z nudy to explore all the regions with horses, with them, and sometimes even in horse saddles.

1. Prague: a city where horses changed history

Everyone knows Prague is the city of a hundred towers, but if you look closely, you’ll realize it is also a horse city. It stands on hills, runs through history, and used to even pull trams. At Vítkov by the National Monument, a huge bronze equestrian statue soars. Jan Žižka sits on his horse so resolutely that it makes you want to straighten your back alongside him. Strength, movement, and history all captured in one image. In Prague Zoo, a true freedom story unfolds – the Przewalski horse, a species successfully reintroduced into the wild. Here, the horse isn’t just a symbol; it’s a miracle.

Prague is the city of imperial carriages as well as modern races. At Prague Castle, you can see ceremonial riding units, while historical events revive the knightly tournaments. If you want to ride, you’ll also find riding clubs and schools in the metropolis that can take you out on a ride.

At Václav Square, you’ll discover the equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas, and just a short distance away, in the Lucerna passage, hangs an upside-down horse with Saint Wenceslas – an irony and a reminder that even tradition can be approached with lightness.

Entering the Riding School of Prague Castle or the Valdštejn Riding School, you’re stepping into spaces where the sound of hooves once echoed. If you’re looking for the thrill of grandstands and the sound of thousands of hooves, head to the racetrack in Velká Chuchle. In the capital, you will encounter horses that symbolized power and elegance, war horses, provocateurs, and workers. And this is exactly how the Year of the Fire Horse feels – energetic, untamed, and full of movement.

2. Central Bohemia: where Šemík and Friesian horses galloped

In Central Bohemia, horses hold a special status. They are present in the landscape, legends, and the memory of the nation. The Central Bohemian countryside is perfect for long, peaceful rides. The woods of Křivoklátsko and the vicinity of Brdy offer marked riding paths, and you can try out various stables and ranches. Above the Koněpruské Caves, a nature trail known as the Golden Horse winds through. In the Český Krumlov area, the landscape opens up with views where you can easily imagine the sound of hooves and old tales. One of the most famous stories happened right here nearby: Horymír and his faithful Šemík, the horse that, according to legend, jumped over the Vyšehrad walls to save his master. In Neumětely, a stone marked as Šemík’s grave still stands. Maybe it’s a legend, perhaps a belief, but undoubtedly a place where you should stop.

If you head to Poděbrady, you’ll find the equestrian monument to Jiří z Poděbrad. This king of diplomacy sits firmly in the saddle, reminding us that the horse has been a symbol of power, movement, and statehood for centuries. Similarly dignified is Masaryk’s equestrian statue in Lány – a president who had a personal relationship with horses and could appear just as naturally in the saddle as in his state role.

Then there is the beauty of the Friesian horse. The Friesian Horse Stud in Pecínov is one of the oldest Friesian horse breeds in the country. These black horses with long manes and a proud, calm stride look as though they’ve stepped out of a historical movie. Here, you’ll realize how much elegance is found in their strength.

Central Bohemia offers everything: rocky viewpoints, royal riders, legendary heroes from Czech tales, and even a reservation for large hooved animals in Milovice, where wild horses have returned to the landscape.

3. South Bohemia: where it clicks on tracks and forest paths

The South Bohemian ponds, meadows, and avenues are made for a slow, calm pace. The state stud in Písek is among the oldest in Central Europe. As you stroll past the paddocks, you’ll understand why horses have so inspired painters and poets. South Bohemia also knows another horse story: a tale of steam, tracks, and the sound of hooves. The route of the former horse-drawn railway from České Budějovice to Linz reminds us of a time when carriages were pulled not by locomotives but by horses. At Dolní Dvořiště, a nature trail called Horse Railway will take you along the paths of the horse-drawn railway – quiet, forested, and perfect for an outing where you can envision the rhythm of ancient transport.

If you want a real-life horse experience, just head out to the riding trails. In South Bohemia, there are hundreds of kilometers of marked trails and stations where you can come with your horse or even rent one with guidance. The forests, meadows, and ponds create a landscape that is perfect for equestrian journeys.

And finally, a touch of nobility: the castle riding school in Český Krumlov evokes a time when riding was an integral part of noble life. Today, instead of the sound of hooves, you hear the footsteps of visitors, but the atmosphere of elegance remains. South Bohemia truly trots slowly, with grace – and anyone who gives it time will be rewarded with a long, beautiful ride.

4. Plzeň Region: princely elegance in Světec

Sometimes, it only takes one place to stand out among horse attractions. The Windischgrätz Riding School is the second largest riding school in Central Europe. This monumental building from the 19th century was created for Prince Alfred I. Windischgrätz and his horses – and it shows. When you step inside, you’re greeted by a space, light, and elegance that breathes from every detail.

Today, in this castle for horses, the sound of hooves is no longer heard; instead, it hosts exhibitions and cultural events. But stop for a moment and imagine the nobility in riding coats, stallions in full strength, and an audience watching equestrian skills. In Světec near Tachov, remember that the horse has always been a symbol of prestige, elegance, and power.

5. Karlovy Vary Region: Tsar on a rock and a horse that survived centuries

The West Bohemian spa towns of Karlovy Vary, Františkovy Lázně, and Mariánské Lázně remember horses as part of the noble spa atmosphere. A slow carriage ride along the colonnade carries a hint of bygone elegance. At the same time, the Karlovy Vary Region also offers a different view of horses.

At the Height of Peter the Great in Karlovy Vary, there’s a story that sounds almost like an adventure novel. In November 1712, Russian Tsar Peter I. made a bet that he would ride up a then-impassable rock above the city. There was no road, just a stony slope above the springs. Yet he allegedly rode up with his horse and carved his initials into a wooden cross. Regardless of how it really happened, the legend remains.

Another symbol of pride and determination is the equestrian statue of Charles IV. The founder of the city sits dignified and calm on his horse, like a ruler who knows that his spa will have a bright future. The statue is among the most photographed sites in Karlovy Vary and serves as a reminder that without horses, medieval history would have been quite different.

Then there’s Cheb and an almost unbelievable tale. In the local museum, you can see the stuffed horse of Albrecht von Wallenstein – reportedly the second oldest preserved stuffed horse in Europe. This horse, which once carried one of the most powerful men of the Thirty Years’ War, has thus outlived its master and centuries of turbulent history. The Karlovy Vary Region offers horses as witnesses to grand stories—from dramatic exploits by tsars to wartime campaigns. That alone is worth a visit.

6. Ústí Region: in the saddle among vineyards and rocks

Nature reigns here. Sandstone rocks, deep forests, and marked riding trails make the Ústí Region a paradise for lovers of long excursions. You won’t find famous imperial studs or enormous equestrian statues here, but the sound of hooves among vineyards, the volcanic cones of the České Středohoří, and the rocks of Českému Švýcarsku have a completely different rhythm – wilder, freer.

You can head out on a ride from the Ježkův Mlýn Ranch, which offers excursions around the Elbe, or from the Horse Farm Třebušín – Zababeč, just a stone’s throw away from the hills of the České Středohoří. Western enthusiasts will find their heaven at the Eco Farm Babiny II., where you can try riding in the style of the Wild West – just that instead of a prairie, you’ll be surrounded by the rolling northern Bohemian landscape.

Nestled near rocks and deep forests is JV Ranch Českému Švýcarsku. Here, there are trails where riding feels almost like a fairy tale – between sandstone walls and quiet forests. If you’re interested in agrotourism, check out the eco-horse farm Špičák near Kadaň or some of the smaller ranches around Třebívlice.

In the Ústí Region, horses are not just a romantic backdrop. They are part of life on farms, at guesthouses, and in rustic courtyards, connecting tradition with simple joy of movement. Northern Bohemia offers not so much famous stories but rather the chance to mount up – and experience your own ride, all stylishly with a hat and firmly in the saddle.

7. Liberec Region: romance in the saddle, at the castle, and peace with donkeys

Under the rocky towers and pine forests of the Lusatian Mountains, you’ll find a place where time slows down. Pilgrim Ranch offers rides for beginners and experienced riders – short, full-day, and multi-day. Rides begin from a historical wooden cottage over three centuries old, underneath rocky castles and into a landscape filled with forests, sandstone rocks, and lakes. You can even stay overnight, saddle up in the morning, and embark on an adventure. This is romance from another century.

If you love landmarks, stop by Zákupy Castle and take a tour of the baroque stables. It’s a truly vivid experience and a joy: just a few years ago, the stables topped the list of the most endangered monuments in the Czech Republic, and part of the walls even collapsed. Now you can see it after reconstruction and in its full glory. There’s also a smaller exhibition that shows the terrible condition the building was in before the renovation.

And then, there’s a little curiosity that might touch your heart even more: the Donkey Trail and experiential donkey farm. Here you may not mount a thoroughbred but will get to know a creature that’s a therapeutic partner with hooves. Donkeys are calm, aware, and surprisingly intelligent. Before you take them on a walk or an obstacle course trail, you must earn their trust. And this may be the biggest experience – to slow down, tune in, and be a respectful partner. The Liberec Region thus offers two facets of the equestrian world: one adventurous, with the wind in your hair and landscape beneath your hooves, and the other quiet, where you learn patience and being present. Both experiences are worthwhile.

8. Hradec Králové Region: the last great equestrian battle and noble breeding

In the Hradec Králové Region, the story of horses is told not only romantically but also with a heavy historical undertone. The monument of the cavalry clash at Střezetic commemorates one of the last great cavalry battles in Europe. During the battle of Hradec Králové on July 3, 1866, around two thousand horses perished in just half an hour. The monument captures the moment when an injured horse falls, and a soldier helps it get back up. It’s a powerful image of mutual dependence – without the horse, the rider couldn’t escape the battlefield, and without the human, the horse wouldn’t rise again. The monument pays tribute not just to the fallen soldiers but also to the thousands of horses that died here.

A much brighter chapter is penned at the Kinsky Riding School in Chlumec nad Cidlinou. Here, you’ll meet the Noble breed Kinsky Horse, bred by the Kinsky family for elegance, performance, and temperament. In the historical riding school, you can learn more about the breeding tradition that unites beauty, strength, and a long family heritage. The Hradec Králové Region reminds us that the horse has been a partner to humans for centuries – in war and peace, on the battlefield and in the castle courtyard.

9. Pardubice Region: half a horse in a coat of arms and a whole herd of legends

When horse comes to mind, most Czechs think of only one city – Pardubice. Their coat of arms features a silver front half of a horse with a golden bridle on a red field. According to legend, the knight Ješek of Pardubice fought at Milan and was already riding out of the city when the townsfolk treacherously dropped the grate, severing the horse beneath him. However, he fought back into Czech lines, half a horse and all. Hence, the horse became a symbol of courage and loyalty, and Pardubice is the most famous Czech city with a horse in its coat of arms – even if it’s just half of one.

In the Pardubice Region, horses thrive. The National Stud Farm in Kladruby nad Labem and the surrounding horse-breeding terrain are included on the UNESCO list of heritage sites. Here, for centuries, the old Kladruby horse has been bred – the oldest native Czech breed, developed for imperial courts and ceremonial coaches. The gray and black horses appear almost fairy-tale-like in the flat landscape of Polabí.

More horse stories can be found in the hippological exhibition at Slatiňany Castle, Slatiňany Stud Farm, and nearby Švýcárna – The Museum of the Old Kladrub horse, where you can learn more about the history and present of this breed. If you want to experience horses at full speed, head to the famous Velká pardubická – a race that tests the courage of riders and the endurance of horses every year. The atmosphere of race day is a mix of tension, elegance, and adrenaline. When riders and horses start, your breath will be taken away.

In front of the racing center in Zámrsk, stands a statue of the horse Peruána, another reminder that the horse here isn’t just an animal. It’s a legacy.

10. Vysočina: between the Black Horse and Žižka in the saddle

In Vysočina, you encounter horses at every turn – sometimes the rustle of leaves is beneath their hooves, sometimes they clatter over stone pavements, or they might just tuck you in at night. In Humpolec, you can stylishly spend the night at Hotel Černý kůň, where the very name suggests that without horses, it just wouldn’t be the same.

Not far away, in Hamrech nad Sázavou, you’ll encounter the monumental statue of the Horse by Michal Olšiak. The artist of these gigantic animal sculptures has imbued this horse with both power and calm – as if it were just about to gallop across the meadows and forests of the Žďárské vrchy.

And when it comes to riding through the countryside, stop by Přibyslav. You’ll find the equestrian statue of Jan Žižka of Trocnov, a copy of the famous monument from Vítkov in Prague. Here too, the horse bears its rider firmly and resolutely – reminding us that without horses, Czech history would have been written quite differently. Vysočina is not about grand racetracks or imperial studs. It’s about the landscape that suits horses and quiet encounters where you only hear your breath and the wind in the mane. Here, horses restore balance to both body and soul.

11. South Moravia: from grape harvest to margrave to heroes from Austerlitz

Without horses, life in South Moravia would be dull. Grape harvest, carriages, folk costumes, and historical pageants – we can’t imagine the South Moravian Region without horses. In Lednice stands a magnificent castle riding school. Originally, it served for training the horses of the Liechtenstein nobility, and today it hosts exhibitions, concerts, and social events – still maintaining the nobility of a place where the steps and body posture were once refined.

In Brno, you cannot miss the equestrian statue of Margrave Jošt of Moravia. The monument in Moravské náměstí evokes emotions and admiration – the slender, tall horse and rider looking into the distance. This modern work has become a symbol of the city, just like the Brno dragon. No matter how daring it may seem, one thing is certain – without the horse, Jošt wouldn’t be Jošt.

Then there’s Slavkov u Brna. The Battle of the Three Emperors ranks among the most famous chapters in European history – and hundreds of horses paid for it with their lives. The monument to the horses fallen at the Battle of Austerlitz at Stará Pošta shows that martial glory also has its quiet, animal sacrifice. It’s a poignant reminder of the deep bond between humans and horses – in the riding school, in a parade, and on the battlefield.

12. Zlín Region: Kings’ Ride and Stud Farms

In Komenského Square in Hluk, a life-size iron horse – a striking sculpture called The Pride of Our Ancestors – was ceremonially unveiled in winter 2025. This piece reminds us of the Kings’ Ride, one of the most impressive Moravian folk traditions. This tradition, protected as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, has ancient roots in Hluk and remains a part of the Dolňácké festivities. The sculpture’s creator is master blacksmith Vítězslav Bobčík from Podolí; the steel structure with metal fillings creates a three-dimensional effect of muscles and movement. This new landmark clearly indicates that without horses, there would be no Kings’ Ride.

For horse lovers, Napajedla is a household name. The former Napajedla stud was one of the most famous racing stables in Central Europe, breeding many champions who won victories at home and abroad. Although horse breeding here has since stopped, its name still resonates with respect among equestrians.

And the tradition continues today – for example, at the Zemský stud in Tlumačov, which has long focused on breeding warmblood horses. Here, it’s not about folklore or legend, but hard work, pedigrees, and elegance in movement. The Zlín Region connects festive rides, sporting ambitions, and breeding precision – and horses firmly hold a place in both its past and present. Various ranches offer rides and weekend stays in the saddle. And kids? They are taking home their first unforgettable horse experiences from the Valašsko meadows.

13. Olomouc Region: from antiquity to imperial carriages

Under the castle of Bouzov, a surprise awaits that you would expect to find more in ancient Greece than in Haná. The Giant Trojan Horse is the largest wooden horse in the world – a monumental structure you can enter and climb up to the top. The romantic Bouzov, like something out of a fairy tale, adds a piece of ancient legend. And let’s admit: who wouldn’t want to try hiding “inside” the famous horse?

Just a few dozen kilometers away, in the foothills of Jeseníky, unfolds an older, more genuine story. The Chrastice Stud focuses on breeding the old Kladruby horse – the oldest native Czech breed, developed for imperial courts and ceremonial coaches. The noble profile, calm nature, and proud stride remind us of a time when horses were not just means of transportation but symbols of power and elegance. You won’t go wrong stopping by the Museum of Historical Carriages in Čechy pod Kosířem. It is not only the largest coach museum in the Czech Republic but also provides insight into restoration workshops and hosts the largest carriage of all time. The Olomouc Region thus presents two completely different equestrian worlds: one fantastical and mythical, another aristocratic and noble. Both are worth exploring.

14. Moravian-Silesian Region: between prairie romance and stud tradition

Raw, mountainous, and surprisingly romantic: that’s how the Moravian-Silesian Region can be. And when it comes to horses, it offers more than just Western scenery. On the outskirts of Kopřivnice, Bubla City Ranch beckons with an American atmosphere, Paint Horse and Quarter Horse breeds, and a stylish restaurant in the spirit of the Wild West. If you want to savor freedom in the saddle followed by a Texas-style steak, this is the place to be.

Another, more traditional equestrian chapter is written at Hřebčín Františkův dvůr. This picturesque complex offers rides through the countryside and amenities for horse lovers who want to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside and a genuine connection with the animals.

Then there’s a prominent name among stud farms: Hřebčín Albertovec. This one of the major sports stud farms in the country is known for its breeding of warmblood horses and successes in show jumping and dressage. Elegant horses, top training, and competitive ambitions – here, it’s less about romance and more about precision and tradition, which has a European reach. The Moravian-Silesian Region stylishly concludes our grand ride: from Western experiences to nature rides and breeding horses for top sports. Horses here remain symbols of strength, freedom, and pride – and definitely don’t go unnoticed.

A Year When Everything Starts Moving

The Year of the Fire Horse teaches us that stagnation is not the way. Horses teach us trust, balance, and the courage to move forward.

Maybe in 2026 you won’t need to completely change your life. Perhaps all you need to do is saddle up – literally. Head out for a ride, watch a horse race, or participate in a historical festival where horses take center stage.

Because sometimes, you just need to hear the thunder of hooves… and you’ll know it’s time to get moving.