The Bábolna National Stud farm has been founded in 1789. There are just a few unique studs in the world, that operate for two hundred years, to preserve, promote and develop the values in breeding Arabian horses, created by the efforts of the predecessors.
The goal of Bábolna Stud is not only to preserve, but also to convey our equestrian heritage to the general public, which once was closely connected to warfare, now has become the vehicle for a noble sporting activity.
The history of Bábolna Stud, that is world famous today, looks back to the end of the 18th century.
József Csekonics, captain of a cuirassier regiment, had the idea that horse breeding in Hungary may flourish only under the professional hands of stud masters, who may create imperial-royal studs. As ordered by Joseph II, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, a stud was created first in Mezőhegyes in 1785, then in Bábolna in 1789 with the purpose to breed fast and strong horses for the use of the army and public.
From 1816 only Arabian horses are bred in Bábolna. This proves that the Bábolna Arabian breed came into being not too much after the Stud Book of the English through-bred horses, that was established in 1793.
1836 was a historically determining year in the life of the Stud, when Shagya Senior, a pure-blood Arabian stallion was brought to Bábolna by Eduard Herbert. This horse bred the first Shagya Arabian horses. Shagya Arabian breed was recognised in 1978 as being independent. Bábolna Stud preserved the values of this breed and even expanded it with other world famous families like Gazal, O'Bajan, Kemir, Mersuch, and Siglavy Bagdady.
The Stud survived both World Wars, although it suffered severe losses. After World War II., Bábolna lost its military role, and the control of it was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture as a State Farm. Adverse economical and social circumstances made many stallions to be transferred to western countries.
During the 60's Bábolna tried to find new ways to breed pure-blooded Arabian horses, the Shagya Arab breed has conquered the hart of horse-lovers all over the word.
From the past decades Bábolna stud is prospering again. The Shagya Arabian breed that was tested through the storms of history, is now became stronger and victoriously fights its reputation among its breeders, appreciating the loyalty and friendship between men and horse.
The State has bought the fields from József Szapáry 200 years ago for 450 thousand golden Forints for the use of the Stud. The fields immediately became the meadow of the horses, cows, sheep of the stud of Mezőhegyes and the army.
In autumn 2001, a state owned company was established under the name of Bábolna Nemzeti Ménesbirtok Kft in order to preserve the historical building complex, that is the part of the Hungarian cultural heritage. The priority responsibilities of the company are to be the forefront of horse breeding, the training of horsemen, and organisation of races, competitions and professional exhibitions as well as conferences.
The stud now is more than 260 years old, with 260 horses.