Hungarian Hussars at the CISM 25th World Military Equestrian Championship

Text: Bettina Sin | Photo: CISM and by the participants | 15:29 May 22, 2025

Four soldiers of the Count Ferenc Nádasdy Hussar Division, HDF “vitéz Szurmay Sándor Budapest” Garrison Brigade, also participated in the CISM 25th World Military Equestrian Championship in Cairo. In the high-ranking event, 60 competitors from 20 countries matched their skills.

202505_25. CISM Katonai Lovas Világbajnokság_Kairó (1)

This was the first time that the Hungarian Defence Forces had been officially represented in this worldwide event of the International Military Sports Council (Conseil International du Sport Militaire), which is among the most prestigious events of military equestrian sports. There were three competitors in the Hungarian team, led by Captain Zoltán Lajos Varga: Captain Attila Árpád Sós, Lieutenant Levente Pénzes and Private Second Class Soma Major.

The World Championship was hosted by the brand-new equestrian facility of the Egyptian Military Academy, and only qualified riders on military active duty were allowed to participate. Horses were chosen for the competitors by drawing lots; the showjumping event took place under the official regulations of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Based on the overall results of the first three days, the Hungarian team finished in 10th place, which is a really good one, especially for the first competition. Among the 60 individual athletes, Lieutenant Levente Pénzes came in 32nd, Private Second Class Soma Major 34th and Captain Attila Árpád Sós 38th place. “We performed well among Olympians and world-class international riders, and it was good to show the world that military equestrian culture is blooming in Hungary. It was good to share with others that there are again Hungarian hussars!”, said Captain Zoltán Varga.

202505_25. CISM Katonai Lovas Világbajnokság_Kairó (8)

“We had only 20 minutes to get on the same wavelength with the drawn horses, which is both the difficulty and the beauty of this sport. We had the opportunity to ride outstanding, qualified horses – said Lieutenant Levente Pénzes. – The organizers did their best, and the three-day event was a high-level one with a grandiose opening. We finished in good places among strong competitors, and as hussars, we represented the Hungarian military equestrian culture proudly.”

The Hungarian team returned home with valuable experiences, which might be a sound basis for future international performances.

CISM 25th World Military Equestrian Championship