Mailbox

In this edition of Mailbox: The Kladruby Stud, new broadcast on fm frequency, Holiday World. Listeners quoted: Henry Taylor, Robert Kubik.

Mailbox

We have a question from Henry Taylor from NY, who listens to Radio Prague on the Internet. He writes:

"Ever since my childhood I have had a fascination for horses. In spite of this fascination, I never had the opportunity to own a horse because I live in the city and find it difficult to make the time to go to the countryside. When I visited Prague last year, I was amazed at how easy it is to get on a train and leave the city. I understand there is a famous horse breeding farm in Bohemia. Are people allowed to visit it? How long has it been there?"

Photo: National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem

You must be referring to the National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem, that is located about 25km west of Pardubice and was established in the second half of the sixteenth century - the oldest in the world. It came to being thanks to Emperor Rudolf II, who in 1579, promoted it to an Imperial Stud, having it supply horses to the Imperial Courts in Prague and Vienna until 1918. Horse breeding focused on imported horses from Spain and Italy that were crossed with other horses. Today, the famous Kladruber is a large, warm blooded horse. It is described as a carrossier as it used to draw large carriages. It is bred in two colours - Black and Grey. Despite being of Spanish and Italian origin, it has acclimated to Central European climate.

This year, the Kladruby stud celebrates its 425th anniversary. People are allowed to visit it every day except on Mondays. In fact, the stud offers guided tours, horse riding lessons and even carriage driving lessons.

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Robert Kubik has been tuning into Radio Prague regularly in the Moravian capital Brno and writes:

"I must be the only one in the city who does not know how to surf the Internet. You have stopped broadcasting on medium wave here in the Czech Republic, so I have not been able to tune into you. When will you resume your local broadcast? Also, could you tell me when Holiday World will be held in Prague this month?"

I've sent Mr Kubik a reply but think some of you may also be interested in the answer. As of March 1, Radio Prague's English section can be heard on Czech Radio Regina (92.6 FM in Prague) from 7:08pm to 7:30pm. Every Monday to Thursday.

Regarding the second question, I asked Mr Libor Patocka from the Triumf agency that organises Holiday World to give us a few words on it:

"Holiday World is the most important evening in the travel industry branch in Central Europe. This year, the Triumf agency organisers welcome about six hundred exhibiters from over fifty countries in the world. For the first time, exhibitors from Indonesia, Ukraine, Latvia, and Central Macedonia will be in Prague. The trade fair will take place in Prague from February 15-17. The first two days are dedicated to trade exhibitors and specialists. They will discuss new trends and possibilities in the branch. During both week-end days, the exhibitors will offer the public their products, trips, and information for the coming summer season. The public can also enjoy a rich accompanying programme, which includes interesting programmes of the famous Czech travellers like Miroslav Zikmund, Steve Lichtag, and Miroslav Stingl. They will also see beautiful pictures and photographs from around the world made by Czech photographers. So, let's visit the travel trade fair Holiday World 2004 in Prague."

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And finally on Mailbox, a quick reminder of this month's competition question:

What Janacek opera will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its world premiere? Our hint: it was premiered at the Czech National Theatre in Brno on January 21st, 1904.

Please send your answers to the Radio Prague English Section, 120 99 Prague 2, the Czech Republic or by e-mail to [email protected] They should get to us by February 29.