"Equestrianism lessons will be made available in some 300 secondary schools from 1 September 2014 thanks to government funding", Gyula Budai said at a press conference. As a result of the Government's efforts, 600% more secondary schools will now be able to participate in the Programme, the Ministry of Rural Development's Parliamentary State Secretary said.

Mr. Budai reported on the fact that a working group has been formed in January, including representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry of Human Resources, the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice, the Klebelsberg Institute Maintenance Centre and the Hungarian Equestrian Association, to facilitate the wider introduction of equestrian education in schools. Following several months of expansive professional discussions, the working group prepared a plan according to which state financing will allow equestrianism lessons to begin this autumn with the participation of 279 secondary schools and 320 stables.

Download

According to the plan, equestrianism will initially be taught to children in years three, four and five of secondary school, and will be introduced gradually. Lessons will be held within the framework of everyday physical education classes and the curriculum will be made up of 70 percent practical and 30 percent theoretical coursework. The subject will be facultative.

Mr. Budai also mentioned the fact that the Klebelsberg Institute Maintenance Centre would be signing contract with stables that have been certified by the Hungarian Equestrian Association.

He pointed out that he had been travelling the country and participating in equestrian school lessons over recent weeks with Hungarian equestrian hall of famer Gyula Dallos.

The main objectives of the national equestrian education programme include providing children with knowledge of equestrian culture, Hungary's equestrian traditions and the practical basics of horse riding, as well as teaching them to lead an environmentally aware and healthy life.

Hungary's equestrian culture is world famous and we are one of the countries in Europe in which it is easiest to travel around on horseback. They country's natural features are excellent, which is compounded by a deep-rooted love of horses that the Hungarian Government is consciously nurturing. Horse riding is becoming increasingly popular way of spending leisure time among both domestic and foreign tourists. Hungary is on good track to become Europe's largest equestrian centre.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)