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01
THE FILM
The History and Present of the Bohemian Parforce Society
Formerly common as fox/deer/hare hunting, drag hunting is a social gathering of horse enthusiasts who ride alongside hounds trained to follow a strong artificial scent.
This activity originated as a method of hunting foxes, which were once considered pests by farmers raising livestock such as chickens, lambs, and other small animals. Although foxes no longer pose a significant threat to modern farming, the tradition of drag hunting continues as a cherished European pastime, particularly within aristocratic circles.
FORMAT
EDUCATIONAL, INSPIRATIONAL, EMOTIONAL
LENTGH
15-20 minutes
Language
English, Czech, German
Target Audience
International crowd, lovers of history, students, horse enthusiasts, and travellers who look for European culture.
02
THE FACTS
Bohemia, the Land of Stories
Parforce hunts (from the French "par force de chiens," meaning with the force of dogs) arrived in the Czech lands in the mid-1830s. The first hunt of this kind was organized in 1836 by Count Oktavian Kinský. In 1841, the first hunt was held in Pardubice, which grew into a long-standing tradition lasting until 1914, when WWI broke out and horses and people were needed at the front.
These autumn hunts drew high society to Pardubice – in 1874, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth even attended. The influx of wealthy visitors allowed the town to build hotels and inns, boosting its prestige across Europe. Prominent figures like Prince Liechtenstein, Prince Auersperg of Slatiňany, and Prince Egon Thurn-Taxis (after whom the famous Velká pardubická ditch is named) were among the hunt organizers.
The first Velká pardubická took place in November 1874, with many successful racehorses having previous experience in parforce hunts.
LOCATIONS
Throughout the Bohemian Lands, hunting was traditionally an activity reserved for the European aristocracy. Today, several places still reflect this legacy, where hunting either once thrived or continues to be practiced.
03
THE MISSION
Let's help the next generation to fall in love with nature & horses
A strong social aspect underpins this vision, with support for horse riding with a young generation, which is supported by the National Stud of Kladruby nad Labem—a site of national importance. Central to this approach is storytelling that highlights the heritage and culture of the regions, offering visitors an extraordinary experience reminiscent of authentic aristocratic events, typically seen only in Western European society.
AIM & OUTCOME
1
Heritage & Culture
Incredible image of a real aristocratic event, which is otherwise only to be seen in Western society
2
Social Aspect
Support new people who want to start riding horses
3
Tourism
Unique Awareness of Hradec Králové and Pardubický kraj which is a unique place to be if one is a horse enthusiast.
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