Speaking on the eve of the opening, Farm Minister István Nagy referred to the project as “the largest investment in the history of Hungary’s equestrian sports” aimed at promoting “the love of horses and riding” as well as building a broad popular base for horse riding.

The minister said that Szilvásvárad, in the north, was a symbol for Hungary’s horse breeding, while “Lipizzans are a unique breed worldwide”.

He noted that Hungary owed most of its trophies to Lipizzaner horses and said they “deserve being granted appropriate infrastructure that will serve future victories”.

The new centre was built at a cost of 6.8 billion forints (EUR 21m).

MTI Photo: Komka Péter