The meeting of mounted police units was opened by the Mayor of Ostrava in a cavalry style
The international gathering of mounted police units, a long-standing fixture marking the end of summer in Ostrava, began somewhat unconventionally this year. At the very start of the event, the Mayor of Ostrava, Jan Dohnal, appeared before the audience astride a white stallion. Riding alongside him on a black horse was the Director of the Ostrava Municipal Police, Miroslav Plaček. Their unexpected entrance was met with enthusiastic applause and admiring glances from the crowd.
Ostrava’s Mayor, Jan Dohnal (centre), also mounted a horse during the opening of the event. Photo: Adolf Horsinka
Under the patronage of the Mayor of the Statutory City of Ostrava, Jan Dohnal, the 27th International Meeting of Mounted Police Units took place on Saturday, 30 August, in Komenský Park. The special police show jumping competition was dominated by the local riders, with Ostrava’s own Libor Zedníček claiming the title of Champion of Municipal Police Forces of the Czech Republic in horseback riding.
"I kept the promise I made last year and got back in the saddle – and I must say, the view from up there is truly worth it! I opened the 27th International Meeting of Mounted Police Units in a somewhat unorthodox, but undoubtedly stylish way – riding our white stallion, Sid," commented Mayor Jan Dohnal on his appearance. "I’m delighted by the success of Ostrava’s officers – especially with Libor Zedníček taking the championship title right here at home. Congratulations to all the participants! And as for horseback riding – I’ve genuinely taken a liking to it and I definitely plan to continue, perhaps at the newly renovated arena in Stará Bělá. I believe a few more photos and videos from the saddle are still to come."
A total of sixteen riders took part in the event, competing in three disciplines: show jumping, mirror jumping, and the most spectator-friendly category – the special police show jumping course.
The Czech Republic was represented by teams from the Ostrava and Prague Municipal Police forces, along with mounted units of the Police of the Czech Republic from Brno and Liberec. International delegations arrived from Poland and Slovakia.
Once again, officers from the Mounted Unit of the Ostrava Municipal Police demonstrated that they rank among the best in the country. Of the nine medals awarded, they claimed four. The most prestigious of these was won by Libor Zedníček in the special police course. With this performance, Libor Zedníček was also crowned Champion of the Municipal Police Forces of the Czech Republic for 2025.
Last year’s champion from the stables of the Ostrava Municipal Police, Daniel Orsag, also delivered a strong performance. He secured silver medals in both the mirror jumping and the special police show jumping disciplines, and added a bronze in the classic show jumping competition.
The special prize for the most likeable rider-and-horse pair was awarded to local competitor Ivana Missigová.
Favourable, sunny weather drew large crowds, and the arena remained filled with enthusiastic spectators from the opening ceremony to the final round of applause. The accompanying programme featured a display of a four-in-hand carriage team of Old Kladruber horses, enhanced by expert commentary from Magdalena Musilová and Ondřej Svatoň of the National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem.
The event’s organisers did not forget about the youngest visitors. The municipal police prevention team prepared a variety of games, quizzes, the ever-popular archery, and a new laser shooting range for children. Meanwhile, the Radio Čas promotion team offered numerous competitions and face painting.
This year’s gathering once again confirmed the high standard of both the competition and the accompanying programme. After a day filled with excitement, outstanding performances, and shared joy, spectators left with smiles on their faces – already looking forward to the 28th edition, to which the organisers warmly invite everyone.
Results of the Individual Competition Disciplines:
Show Jumping – “Director’s Cup of the Ostrava Municipal Police”
1st place – Barbora Procházková riding Twix, Prague Municipal Police
2nd place – Daniela Kryspinová riding Quentin, Police of the Czech Republic, Liberec
3rd place – Daniel Orsag riding Manta, Ostrava Municipal Police
Mirror Pair Jumping – “Mayor’s Cup of the Statutory City of Ostrava”
1st place – Marian Zgola riding Cortes Jumper, Slovakia, Košice
2nd place – Daniel Orsag riding Manta, Ostrava Municipal Police
3rd place – Daniela Kryspinová riding Quentin, Police of the Czech Republic, Liberec
Special Police Show Jumping – “Director’s Cup of the Ostrava Regional Police Headquarters”
1st place – Libor Zedníček riding Saki, Ostrava Municipal Police
2nd place – Daniel Orsag riding Balista, Ostrava Municipal Police
3rd place – Klára Černá riding Garant, Police of the Czech Republic, Brno