Prague Playoffs – a major celebration, and not just for horse lovers
Prague Playoffs is a prestigious gala for world show jumping, bringing together the best riders and horses from around the globe in one place. It is far more than an ordinary competition: an exciting show that combines top-level sport with special effects and an accompanying programme featuring music, animations, children’s zones and retail stands. The competition includes individual and team show-jumping classes, such as the GCL Super Cup and the LGCT Super Grand Prix, with a ceremonial presentation of the best riders every evening. Prague Playoffs therefore offers a unique combination of sporting adrenaline and entertainment for a wide audience – from die-hard equestrian fans to families with children. And at this exceptional event, we had the honour of taking part this year together with the Czech Hobby Horsing Association.
O2 Arena
In the main O2 Arena, thrilling individual and team competitions were held every day – from the prestigious LGCT Super Grand Prix classes to the team GCL Super Cup, which also featured famous riders from the Prague Lions team. The arena was filled with tension and adrenaline as top riders and their horses cleared massive obstacles with precision and elegance. The atmosphere was enhanced by spectacular light shows, music and visual presentations, and every evening culminated in the ceremonial presentation of the best riders, including the talented Anna Kelnerová, who once again delivered breathtaking performances.
Meanwhile, the O2 Universum Shopping Village was transformed into a lively hub of entertainment and inspiration for families with children.
Everywhere we looked, the programme was brought to life by the PPO mascots Teo and Leo, whose energy and playfulness delighted both children and adults. They were truly amazing.
Hobby Horse Zone
As part of the accompanying programme for children, a large Hobby Horse Zone was set up on the first floor of O2 Universum. On the same floor there was also a play zone by Schleich and, right next to it, a wonderful restaurant. Everything worked together perfectly – the children played, competed and had fun in the prepared zones, while parents could sit back and enjoy refreshments in the restaurant in peace.
The Hobby Horse Zone also included a LarDen sales stand, where visitors could view, try out or purchase unique Hobby Horses and all the accessories for this sport. Special PPO merch was also available to buy – black decorative blankets with an embroidered logo, as well as special Hobby Horse models inspired by O2 Classic and Silverstone G. There was also a pleasant chill-out zone for relaxing and a beautiful balloon photo wall, which was the perfect place for keepsake photos.
We have to say that the Hobby Horse Zone was buzzing from morning until evening. Both children and adults enjoyed the fun – the programme was prepared for all age groups, from the youngest children to teenagers.
This year, 850 timed show-jumping rounds were completed in the Hobby Horse Zone, along with countless others that were not timed.
Show Jumping Course
The O2 Hobby Horse show jumping course was truly unique. It consisted of 11 scaled-down replicas of the obstacles that real horses clear in the main arena. We have to say that even for us, it was an experience to see the jumps up close and realise just how massive show-jumping obstacles really are. After all, the view from the stands can make their size seem quite different.
The show jumping course included jumps from PPO and its partners. The most interesting, and perhaps the most impressive and awe-inspiring jump, was the Longines tower. When competitors cleared it, we spectators held our breath.
Competitions on the show jumping course ran throughout the day, and all rounds were timed with precise electronic timing. A gate steward made sure everything ran smoothly and according to the rules, and every competitor received a beautiful commemorative PPO participant rosette for completing their course. The design and proper setup of the children’s course were handled by the Czech Hobby Horsing Association, which has the most experience with competitive Hobby Horsing in the country. Its members also gave demonstrations of the sport and willingly answered countless questions from visitors.
Raffle
A generous raffle added extra excitement to every day. Children received raffle tickets for taking part in the show jumping course or for purchases in the Hobby Horse Zone. Every evening there was a ceremonial presentation of the best riders from the Hobby Horse show jumping course, followed by the raffle draw.
The first prize was a special Hobby Horse – the mare Catch Me If You Can, created exclusively for this occasion. Children could also take home Prague Playoffs merch or prizes from the association. During the draw, the Hobby Horse Zone was bursting at the seams, and everyone enjoyed moments of suspense and anticipation.
Will we see you again in 2027?
It has already been almost two weeks since this wonderful event took place, and yet the emotions and beautiful memories of the incredible atmosphere of Prague Playoffs in the O2 Arena are still with us. To this day, we are still receiving lots of positive feedback – and honestly, we have not heard anything negative.
We enjoyed the event immensely, and we hope that all visitors had the same experience. The quality of this event is also confirmed by the record number of visitors – this year it climbed to 40,500. And we hope to see you again at the next edition of Prague Playoffs in 2027.
