State Stud Bábolna

Babolna is the second oldest state stud in Hungary. It is approximately 15 kilometers south from Komarom.

'Babolna Puszta' was first named in 1268. It was the last stop for the famous "magyar szürkemarha" (Hungarian grey cows) where they got sorted and sold to butchers in Komarom and Györ or went to Regensburg a fact still commemorated to this day in the name of the main street in Babolna which is called "Mészáros út" or 'Butcher street'.

In 1662 the ownership went to the earls of Szapáry . In 1789 Emperor Joseph II bought the estates - on request from József Csekonics (Head of Mezõhegyes state stud) - to found a new stud. Stud work began in 1807 after an Imperial decree which promoted Babolna to an independent Stud.

During the war with Napoleon's troops, they burned the buildings. Alerted by an unmounted horse coming through the gate, the staff of the Stud were able to bring all the horses away. Therefore the Napoleonic troops left without any prey. Between 1810 and 1820 the stud was rebuilt anew.

After the Napoleonic war in 1816 they continued breeding in Babolna. Due to a demand for Arabian half bloods , they bought 4 stallions in from France, Thibon, Ulysso, Mustaphe and Tharax. Through connections via Baron Fechtig, the stallions Siglavy, Gidran and Ebchen came to Babolna, as well as the mare “Tiffle”. In 1836 the world famous stallion “Shagya” came to Babolna. During the 1920's and 30's Babolna was one of the most important Arabian studs worldwide. Kuhaylan Zaid, Sven Hedin , better known as Kemir, were famous stallions of this epoch. After some setbacks the value of Arabian horses made a resurgence during the the 1960's Gaza VII, black stallion O’Bajan XIII, Kemir II, Jussuf VII and Shagya XXXVI were the most important stallions of this time.

19 stallions and 51 broodmares are the foundation of the stud farm which houses around 268 horses.

In Dióspuszta which is part of Babolna National Stud, they have produced thoroughbreds for almost 40 years now. Not only in Hungary but also in other different locations, Hungarian racing horses are well known. For example the mare “Kinczem” which won 54 races.

In 2001“ Babolna AG” was founded due to economic changes which diversified from Horsebreeding to also include the responsibility for the castle and the buildings as well as poultry- and food production. The main purpose of this “company” is to preserve the castle and the surroundings, including the horses and to keep up the heritage of the Stud since 1789.

(04.09.2016)