The Horsemen of the Putszta

After we left Kalocsa, we took a short drive through the countryside to the Bakodputszta Equestrian Center.  The Horsemen of the Putszta carry on the tradition from the 19th century, when peasants were employed to control vast herds of horses on the great Hungarian plains.  They still dress in flowing blue and black costumes, and have become romanticized heroes of folk songs and literature.  They are the Csikos, Hungarian cowboys.

As we approached the center we were greeted by this horseman who escorted us to their home.

The center is also a traditional farm, with domestic animals grazing and working on the land.

They train their horses to lie down (they would be in the grasses) to be less visible to approaching intruders.

They test their skill in contests.  This one involves riding with a full tankard.  The one who comes back with the most liquid still left is the winner.

Beautiful day in the Hungarian countryside.  Next stop:  Croatia.