The National stud farm Topoľčianky was established in Today, it belongs among the most significant stud farms in the world and it is regarded as a cultural heritage of Slovak Nation. It has become an important horse- breeding centre in Slovakia. It leads the Lipizzaner, Hucul and Arabian stud book. It also is an active member of European and world organizations, which by the already mentioned horse breeds associate the most important national authorities of breeding centres and associations. The riders and horses from the National Stud Farm Topoľčianky represent Slovakia at many national and international breeding and sport events.

On 8th June 2012 at the meeting of FEI committee, the request of the National Stud Farm Topolcianky and Slovak National Federation to organize the World Championship in pairs 2013 was accepted. It is historically the first World Championship in a riding discipline happening in Slovakia.

The World Driving Championship for Pairs is regarded as an absolute top event off all driving events. It takes part every two years every time in a different country. Approximately 70 athletes from 25 nations come to fight for the prestigious title World Champion. Many spectators and fans of the driving sport come form abroad to watch this unique fight.

Driving sport at the National Stud Farm Topolcianky has a very rich history. The pioneers of this riding discipline in former Czechoslovakia in the second half of the last century were just the drivers from Topolcianky. Present drivers tied up to the rich experiences of their predecessors and take part at the most significant international events, up to the World Championships. For many years, the National Stud Farm Topolcianky organizes national and international driving competitions. The gained experiences make the events more challenging an interesting not only for the competitors but also for the spectators.

The National Stud Farm in Topolcianky has many experiences with organizing international driving competitions. The Stud Farm has an appropriate space for organizing events of this kind, including perfect infrastructure and accommodation possibilities. These were also the facts that were considered by FEI to accept the request of the National Stud Farm to host FEI World Driving Championship for Pairs 2013 in Slovakia.

EU member since 2004 Area km² Population - 5,43 mil. Capital – Bratislava Official language – Slovak Currency- Euro

Airport Bratislava (SVK)– Topoľčianky 116 km Airport Vienna (AUT) – Topoľčianky 190 km Airport Budapest (HUN)- Topoľčianky 176 km

Dressage National competitions since 1937 CDI – 2004, 2005 and 2006 Voulting National competitions since 1993 CVI Jumping National competitions since 1937 Endurance National competitions since 2002 CEI 2007 a 2008 Driving National competitions since 1993 CAI-A 4,2,1 since 2003

The drivers will present themselves and their horses in three disciplines: Marathon - Obstacle driving - - Dressage (2 days)

Monday/Tuesday -arrival of the athletes, horses and other participants -the first Vet Check before stabling (FEI passports of the horses) Wednesday -veterinárna kontrola, otvárací ceremoniál -Večer Národov Thursday -drezúra- FEI drezúrna úloha 8B -odovzdávanie cien Friday -drezúra- FEI drezúrna úloha 8B -odovzdávanie cien Saturday -maratón – 8 prekážok -odovzdávanie cien Sunday -parkúr, odovzdávanie cien -vyhodnotenie Majstrovstiev sveta v dvojzáprahoch -záverečný ceremoniál