For the first time – “Pakruojis Manor Cup”
The main highlight of the day will be the show jumping competitions. Participants will compete in events of varying difficulty – from pole events for the youngest to 110 cm high show jumps, after which the best riders will move on to the 115 cm high event. It is here that the strongest rider of the year will be determined. The competitions will take place in a professional arena meeting show jumping standards, and the performances will be judged by qualified Lithuanian equestrian sport judges. The total prize fund for the competition will reach 2000 euros.
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According to the event organizer Karolina Griciuvienė, the aim of organizing the first Pakruojis Manor Cup was not only to create professional competitions for athletes but also to introduce equestrian sport to a wider audience up close.
“We want this to be not only a riders’ competition but a true equestrian sport celebration. Show jumping is very exciting and engaging even for those who have not encountered this sport before – a single knocked pole or a few seconds can change the result. Therefore, we want to invite people to come, see this sport up close, support the riders, and feel the atmosphere created by the horse, rider, and spectators,” says K. Griciuvienė.
“Hobby Horse” – from enthusiasts to first-timers
And for those who won’t be satisfied just watching others compete, the organizers are preparing a much more playful challenge – the “Hobby Horse” competition.
In the “Hobby Horse” competition, participants run a specially prepared course with wooden hobby horses, jump over obstacles, and try to complete the track as accurately as possible. Although it may look like a game from the outside, this activity requires speed, coordination, endurance, and a good jump.
According to Kamile Kaveckaite, a representative of the “Hobby Horse” competition, the main idea of this event is to provide an opportunity to participate, not just watch.
“We are eagerly awaiting those who already live the ‘Hobby Horse’ sport, train, and want to test themselves in competitions. But we also invite those who will take a wooden hobby horse in their hands for the first time. We want to show that you can come here without experience, try it out, compete, and just have a good time. Perhaps for someone, Pakruojis Manor will become the place where a new hobby begins,” says K. Kaveckaite.
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The bond between horse and human
A completely different side of the partnership between horse and human will be revealed that day by Katerina Agapova, who will come from Latvia to Pakruojis Manor. She will present a freestyle riding performance to the audience, where the most important thing is not strict rules or sports results, but trust, mutual connection, and the ability to understand the horse.
While speed, jumps, and sporting excitement captivate the audience in show jumping, here the most important thing is the bond between human and horse. Freestyle riding allows the horse and rider to act much more naturally, without the usual riding aids, relying on mutual trust, body language, and subtle signals.
A fulfilling day for the whole family
There will be no shortage of entertainment throughout the day at the manor – visitors will be able to taste manor flavors, and families with children will find a specially arranged play area. Those interested can also visit the Summer Flower Festival – with a ticket, it will be possible to walk among the flowers and enjoy the manor park.
Visitors themselves are also invited to contribute to the festive atmosphere – organizers encourage not to be afraid of hats, elegant dresses, classic riding style, or other manor-style clothing accents.
The “Pakruojis Manor Cup” will take place on September 5 from 10 a.m. at Pakruojis Manor. Entrance to the equestrian sport celebration is free. More information at www.pakruojo-dvaras.lt
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