The National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem

The National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem, formally the state co-funded organisation of the Ministry of Agriculture, fulfils primarily the function of an animal breeding establishment keeping the Kladruber Horse that ensures the preservation of this horse breed in black and grey variants as cultural heritage and components of the national cultural heritage. The National Stud is a recognised breeder association for the Kladruber Horse and provides the conditions for preserving the genetic reserve of the Kladruber Horse while managing the land assigned, taking care of the cultural landscape and having structures and facilities enjoying the status of a national cultural monument at its disposal. The Studalso fulfils the function of a museum focusing on documentation, information and popularising activities in the field of breeding and keeping the Kladruber Horse as well as developing the landscape and providing services to both general public and experts.

The National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem is one of the oldest studsin the world while housing the oldest Czech indigenous horse breed - the Kladruber. The mission of the National Stud Farm is to manage the stud in Kladruby nad Labem as well as that located in Slatiňany with a view to maintaining the continuity in the tradition of breeding and keeping Kladruber horses in the region of Kladrubské Polabí and in the landscape of the Slatiňany and Slavice regions and to preserving the unique value of the stud and the mutual symbiosis of humans with the surrounding characteristic scenery for future generations. The landscape for the breeding and training of ceremonial carriage horses in Kladruby nad Labem is a perfect testimony to the development of hipological culture. Its uniqueness on a global scale is evidenced by its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. The aim of the National Stud is developing the local cultural heritage, establishing valuable collaboration with institutions and individuals, and presenting the stud to visitors from all over the world.

The National Stud keeps around 500 Kladruber horses in two colour variations. The Kladruby nad Labem farm houses 250 grey Kladrubers. The tradition of horse breeding in Kladruby nad Labem goes back at least to the middle of the 14th century. More than 300 years (1579-1918), the stud in Kladruby nad Labem was part of the emperor’s court providing horses for king’s/emperor’s court in Prague or Vienna. Black Kladrubers, which also number 250, are managed in what was formerly the stables of the Prince Auersperg family in Slatiňany near Chrudim.

Even currently, Kladrubers fulfil their initial role of ceremonial horses - chiefly at the royal courts in Denmark and Sweden. Kladruber horses are a perfect fit for race teams as well as for traditional dressage. Their peaceful and well-balanced nature makes them animals often used for equine-assisted therapy, and ideal partners for leisure rides. Kladrubers, however, can be encountered even in parks and in towns such as Pardubice, Ostrava and Prague where horses are used for working purposes as part of mounted police. In addition, the horse breed can be watched at all kinds of celebrations and cultural events throughout the Czech Republic.

Private breeders are found even abroad - chiefly in Poland, Slovakia, and German-speaking countries, but also in the USA and in Asia.