Equestrian Tradition of Hungary: Exploring Its Ancient Eastern Roots and Rich Historic Legacy in Paintings and Current Practice
PRESENTATION NOTE:
“This illustrated PPT presentation on the proud tradition of Hungarian equestrianism sets the scene with the early domestication of horses in the Kazakhstan region of the Eurasian steppeland. We follow with the later development of horse breeding at the famous site of Pazyryk, in the Altai Mountains of Southern Siberia. Next, we trace the mounted lifestyle of herders and mobile pastoralists that ranged from west China to the stomping grounds of the Royal Scythians in the Black Sea area. As we will see, each of these areas resonates with the distant pulse of ancient Hungarian (Ősi Magyar, Hun, and Avar) mounted, nomadic culture. We are on surer ground in our discussion regarding the arrival of the Huns in the Carpathian Basin, the introduction of the stirrup into Europe by the Avars, and the spread of the csabrak/csábrák (saddlecloth) out of the Hungarian Hussar culture into the military schools of Western Europe in the 19th century. The talk concludes with an examination of the equestrian-themed paintings exhibited in OMHC, which vividly document the legacy of Hungarian “csikós” culture still on vibrant display in Hortobágy, Hungary's puszta region.”
From the Eurasian Steppes to the Streets of Kecskemét: A Journey into Hungary’s Equestrian Soul
Join us for a captivating visual and cultural exploration of Hungary’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage — one that bridges ancient nomadic traditions with present-day practices.
Dr. Mrea Csorba, a U.S.-based art and architectural historian born in Kecskemét, brings a uniquely personal and scholarly lens to this topic. Growing up with horse-drawn wagons rolling past her childhood gate, and tracing her academic journey from the art of Scythian burial sites to Hunnic relics beyond the Great Wall of China, she offers rich insight into the visual and material culture of Hungary’s horse-centered identity.
This illustrated presentation brings together:
– Archaeological art of early steppe peoples
– The pastoral and military legacy of Hungary’s horse culture
– Contemporary representations in painting and practice