Hippodrome “Akbuzat” is one of the main architectural sights of Ufa and the pride of most citizens. At the same time, looking at its super-modern look, not many people realize that the history of this arena for horse racing has more than 130 years.
Hippodrome "Akbuzat": history
It all began in 1883, when it was decided to establish a random stable with a hippodrome in Ufa. By the beginning of the 20th century, the Ufa arena for horse racing was already considered one of the best in the country, and in 1924 a new building was built for it. For many years, the hippodrome was used to test trotting horses and was known far beyond the borders of the republic. In honor of the 425th anniversary of the voluntary accession of the Bashkirs to Russia in 1982, a new arena was built in Ufa and it was called “Akbuzat” - in honor of the winged horse from the epic of the Bashkir and Tatar peoples. This stadium has repeatedly become the venue for competitions of riders, including international ones, and 7 times has been recognized as the best hippodrome of the USSR, and later Russia.
Reconstruction
The Akbuzat Hippodrome in Ufa was subjected to a radical reconstruction in 2007. The project of the new appearance of the structure was developed by the Japanese company RAUM Architects, and the work on its implementation was entrusted to the company Bashkortostanneftezavodstroy. The reconstruction of the hippodrome was timed to coincide with the 450th anniversary of the entry of Bashkortostan into the Russian Empire. In honor of the opening of the renovated arena, 16 All-Russian Equestrian Competitions were organized there.
Arena Description
The reconstructed hippodrome “Akbuzat” has become universal and more spacious. Now it is possible to conduct races not only of trotters, but also of pedigree riding horses, as well as organize competitions in all Olympic types of equestrian sports and spectacular races. For the first time in world practice, a unified drainage system has been introduced at the Ufa race track throughout the arena. The racetrack and race tracks, competitive and dressage fields are fenced by the innovative plastic material made by the French company Fornells. In addition, all-weather soil from Vistex has been laid out in the arena.
Sports and Training Sector
For the organization of competitions and training at the racetrack there are 2 fields. One of them is intended for the organization of competitions in high school riding, and the second - for the departure of ponies. There are also competitive and warm-up fields and four tracks:
- Outdoor track (first, race). It is intended for testing in smooth races of riding pedigree horses. Its length is 1144 m, width is 16 m, turning radius is 106 m with turns up to 5 degrees. The outdoor track in its parameters meets all international requirements for the conditions in which large spectacular racing of the highest level can be held.
- The second (running). This track is used to test breeding trotters. Length - 1000 m, width - 18 m, turn up to 8 degrees.
- The third (technical). It is designed to provide the possibility of access of special equipment for irrigation and ramps, as well as auto tracking of races and races by the refereeing team. Length - 950 m.
This track is not used during competitions and is covered with sand for the safety of athletes and horses. Length - 893 m.
Building description
The Akbuzat Racecourse in Ufa has a large and very comfortable main platform, equipped in accordance with all international standards. The building itself is four-level, and in addition to seats for spectators, there are a tote, a medical office, jockey rooms with locker rooms and showers, administration rooms, a comfortable hall for VIP guests, buffets, club rooms, restaurants and the judges' room. At the same time, the building seats up to 5,000 spectators. Most of those who buy tickets for the races can watch the competition because of the glass, that is, in comfortable conditions, even if the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities. If there is a desire to look at performances near the treadmill, then this can be done by sitting in one of the 1,500 seats in open bleachers.
Hippodrome Museum
As already mentioned, the history of “Akbuzat” has more than 130 years. In order to give an idea of the achievements of the Bashkir horse breeders and the victories witnessed by its arena, a small museum was opened on the territory of the complex. There, visitors can see the “Wall of Records” with photographs, including unique ones, of the twelve most famous horses of the republic. In addition, the museum holds cups conquered by Bashkir horsemen over the years. In general, for many horseback riding enthusiasts in Russia, the first thing the word “Ufa” is associated with is the Akbuzat Hippodrome.
Conference hall
The Akbuzat Racecourse has a modern, spacious conference room located on the 3rd floor. Its area is 281.9 square meters. m, and capacity - up to 150 people. There are installed:
- multimedia projector ;
- screen;
- Wi-Fi internet;
- cooler;
- 4 plasma panels;
- 130 soft office chairs;
- 60 leather chairs;
- 60 tables;
- air conditioning;
- wardrobe.
activity
In addition to sports, the Akbuzat Racecourse, whose photos are posted below, often becomes the venue for various events. For example, parents of schoolchildren can organize an unforgettable graduation party for their children there. At their services will be:
- a cozy box with a panoramic view;
- a walk with a guide around the hippodrome and the Akbuzat building;
- riding (under the supervision of an instructor) and in a carriage.
Clown animators will help to conduct such an event in a fun and meaningful way. Also, graduates will be shown soap bubble shows, organize a photo shoot with horses and a show jumping and dressage workshop. On the territory of the hippodrome, you can spend an unusual children's birthday or some other holiday.
As for adults, the Akbuzat conference room is rented out and important events are held there, including on a republican and national scale.
Among the additional services is the organization of a romantic walk, which is very popular with local newlyweds and those who want to surprise their loved ones on Valentine's Day. If young people wish, during the walk they can be accompanied by a photographer who will take magnificent professional photographs for a memorable album.
Hippotherapy
“Akbuzat” has recently become a place where children with physical or mental health problems receive “unusual” help. The fact is that they practice hippotherapy - special riding lessons, during which nerve endings are activated in children and muscle groups that “sleep” in normal time begin to act. Children train under the guidance of an experienced instructor who has the appropriate international certificate.
Ufa hippodrome "Akbuzat": address and location map
The arena is located at some distance from the center of the Bashkir capital. Her address: st. Mendeleev 217 a, Ufa, Akbuzat Hippodrome. You can get there from the train station using the minibus N 251, and from the Ufa airport - by buses N 110 and N 247 or by minibus N235. To contact the administration and order tickets, interested parties can call +7 (347) 232-97-30.
During your stay in Ufa, be sure to visit the Akbuzat Hippodrome. If you can’t even watch the races, the building of the hippodrome deserves a visit, as it is one of the best examples of modern architecture in the region.