Paulina Zeliszewska-Duk 
3rd Year Doctoral Student
Animal sciences and fisheries
Mendel University in Brno

From June 16 to July 15, 2025, I completed a month-long internship abroad at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (Department of Animal Breeding) at Mendel University in Brno. My supervisor was Ing. Eva Sobotková, Ph.D. The purpose of the trip was to exchange experiences and acquire new skills in horse breeding research.

During my internship, I participated in developing a database essential for research on the influence of purebred genes on the athletic performance of dressage horses. The statistical analysis covered the last five years. The data considered included the following information: FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) database points, breed, age, gender, ancestry, and the percentage of purebred genes. The database contained nearly 1,300 entries.

My internship also included a practical component, which took place at the Panská lícha Equestrian Center in Brno. The Panská lícha stud farm offers stables for private horse owners and provides facilities for sports and recreation. An integral part of the complex is also a riding school offering riding lessons for children and adults – beginners and advanced. The center includes training areas (an indoor riding arena, two practice arenas, two dressage arenas, an indoor lunging arena, etc.) and is surrounded by forests that offer beautiful rides. Panská lícha has a very long equestrian tradition. In addition to national competitions, the prestigious Dressage World Cup is held here every year.

As part of the practical portion of my internship, I participated in the daily care and training of four horses owned by the university.

The internship at Mendel University took place in a very friendly atmosphere. The staff members possess a high level of professional knowledge and extensive experience.