Lipizzaner Smile Programme

State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad's Charitable Corporate Social Responsibility Programme

State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad believes that the world of horses embodies values capable of bringing joy, self-confidence and lasting experiences to people regardless of age or life circumstances. Being close to a horse inspires trust, teaches responsibility and develops empathy, while creating a special bond between people and nature.

Guided by this philosophy, we are launching our charitable initiative, the "Lipizzaner Smile Programme", with the aim of giving disadvantaged children and children living in state care free access to Hungary's equestrian culture and the unique world of the Szilvásvárad Lipizzaner stud.

Our initiative is not a one-off event, but a long-term corporate social responsibility programme centred on children's development through meaningful experiences, creating opportunities and introducing them to Hungary's national heritage.

Our Mission

We believe that a single day, a single experience or a first encounter with horses can become a memory that lasts a lifetime.

The programme aims to open up this world to children who, because of their family or social circumstances, would otherwise have few opportunities to experience it.

Through this initiative, State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad seeks to contribute to:

• children's emotional and personal development;
• building self-confidence and a sense of responsibility;
• fostering a love of nature;
• preserving and passing on the values of Hungarian equestrian culture;
• promoting equal opportunities.

Who Can Take Part?

The following organisations are eligible to participate:

• child protection institutions;
• children's homes;
• small group homes;
• foster care networks;
• educational institutions serving disadvantaged children;
• family support and child welfare services;
• after-school learning centres;
• non-governmental organisations supporting disadvantaged children;
• organisations supporting children with disabilities (subject to individual consultation).

The programme is primarily intended for the 6–18 age group.

The Programme's Opening Event

The initiative will begin at the annual Lipizzaner Equestrian Gala.

At the launch of the programme, State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad is offering 500 complimentary tickets to disadvantaged children, young people living in state care, and the institutions and organisations that support them.

The aim is to enable as many children as possible to take part in one of Hungary's most important equestrian cultural events, where they can encounter Lipizzaner horses, Hungarian equestrian traditions and the values of classical equestrian art at close quarters.

The Lipizzaner Equestrian Gala will also serve as the official opening event of the "Lipizzaner Smile Programme".

Our Other Programmes

The initiative comprises several programme elements that can be delivered independently or combined into a longer experience.

Participants can learn about the work of State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad free of charge on a horse-drawn carriage tour or, for larger groups, a bus tour of the stud.

The programme includes:

• a tour of the stud;
• a visit to the Stud Farm Courtyard;
• a visit to the Horse History Exhibition;
• a stable visit;
• a guided tour;
• an opportunity to meet the Lipizzaner horses.

One of the highlights of this entirely free programme is an equestrian show held in the Indoor Arena of the Szilvásvárad Lipizzaner Equestrian Centre.

With a capacity of nearly 800 people, the venue enables several hundred children at a time to enjoy a high-quality cultural experience.

During the shows, participants can learn about:

• the history of the Lipizzaner horse;
• elements of classical equestrian training;
• dressage and haute école performances;
• carriage-driving demonstrations;
• traditional equestrian performances;
• equestrian vaulting elements.

The shows can be complemented by meet-and-greet sessions and interactive activities upon request.

What Makes This Programme Special?

The "Lipizzaner Smile Programme" initiative simultaneously supports:

• strengthening State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad's social responsibility;
• creating opportunities for children;
• broader access to culture;
• promoting Hungarian equestrian culture;
• showcasing the heritage of the Lipizzaner horse.

The programme offers more than an enjoyable experience: it gives children an opportunity to gain positive experiences that can strengthen their self-confidence, sense of community and connection with nature over the long term.

Our Long-Term Goals

State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad aims for the "Lipizzaner Smile Programme" to become a nationally known and recognised model of corporate social responsibility within a few years.

We hope that more and more children, institutions and organisations will join the initiative year after year, allowing thousands of young people to discover the values of the world of horses through the programme.

The initiative is open to partnerships. We welcome applications from child protection institutions, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, local authorities and corporate partners wishing to work together to make this special experience accessible to as many children as possible.

What We Believe

We believe that the world of horses is not only a tradition, but also an opportunity: an opportunity to give hope, build self-confidence, create a sense of community and provide experiences that children will carry with them for a lifetime.

One Lipizzaner, one experience, one smile – sometimes that is all it takes to brighten a child's day, or even their entire childhood.