Fenékpuszta Manor Estate

Count György I Festetics relocated the family’s stud farm from Szenta to Fenékpuszta in 1797. Within the Georgikon, founded by the count, training for stud masters and grooms began in 1807, further establishing the reputation of the Festetics stud. His son, László Festetics, introduced the first Arabian horse to the Fenék stud, while his elder son, Count Tasziló I, was the first to purchase English thoroughbreds for the family’s breeding program. The eldest son of his brother, Count Tasziló II, became known as a passionate horse breeder. The Festetics stud reached its golden age during his time. His English thoroughbred racehorses won major prizes across the racecourses of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and Europe. His most famous horse, Patience, won all nine of its races in 1904 and 1905, ranking second on the all-time list behind Kincsem. Tasziló II’s son, György III Festetics, continued his predecessors’ work, contributing to the success of Hungarian horse breeding and racing. 

The estate, once internationally renowned, reopened in December 2023 as a comprehensive leisure centre. The Fenékpuszta Estate recreates the golden age of the Festetics family and their equestrian traditions in an authentic historical setting. On the ground floor of the manor house, an exhibition presents the relationship between the Festetics family and horse breeding, while upstairs, the “Count’s Room” displays portraits of five generations of the family. The Mare Stable now functions as a multifunctional community space for events and temporary exhibitions, and includes stalls for 12 horses. The former Calf Stable and Cattle Stable now house an equestrian museum. 

The Memorial Museum presents the history of the Fenék stud and the Festetics family’s horse breeding and racing traditions through both classical and interactive exhibitions.