"Horses give us wings, which we would otherwise lack."

To ride on horseback through the countryside; to be aware of the partnership between you and another living being; to trust.  

I'm looking forward to seeing you again, Shien!  I've missed you!

Welcome to Favory Stables at the spectacular Benice baroque estate...the biggest private breeder of the old Kladruby horse in the world!  The Benice estate is surrounded by rolling hills that used to form a part of the estate of Archduke Ferdinand d'Este....he was the last owner of the estate, from 1918 to 1994, briefly interrupted during the time of the protectorate when it was used as an army training ground.  In 1994, the estate became the location of the Stud Favory.  Because of its historical value, the estate is registered as a cultural monument.

I love a coffee or a bite to eat at the cafe ...so peaceful to just sit and relax amidst these beautiful surroundings

Magnificent rolling hills

The Old Kladruby horse is the only work horse on Earth.  They have been continuously bred for over 400 years and are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.  Descending from old Spanish and Italian bloodlines, today's horses have documented ancestry going back to the mid 18th century.  You'll see them in a lot of paintings and sculptures as they're "the horse for the king"!

So Majestic...

And what a great life they lead here!

Thanks for visiting with Shien and I!  We're off for a stroll through the countryside...