Cavalry Training Center

The Cavalry Training Center (CWKaw.) was a key training unit of the Polish Army of the Second Polish Republic, operating from 1928 to 1939 in the Grudziądz garrison. Established after the Polish-Bolshevik War, initially as the Central Riding School, it underwent a series of transformations in name and structure, with the goal of educating cavalry officers and non-commissioned officers. As the largest facility of its kind in Europe, CWKaw. gained renown thanks to its specialized staff and innovative training methods, including the so-called "Polish school of riding." Architecturally, the unit was located in the Prince Józef Poniatowski Barracks, which provided appropriate training facilities, including riding arenas and obstacle courses. Field camps and organized courses, such as the Officer Improvement Course or the Riding Instructor Course, also deserve attention, highlighting the importance of CWKaw. in developing military skills and equestrian sports. Cavalry culture was reflected in promotion ceremonies, held in an atmosphere of tradition and respect, including events related to bestowing honorary names on graduating classes. The center trained nearly 1,100 officers and 3,200 reserve officer cadets, which was significant for the functioning of the cavalry in Poland. Interestingly, despite difficult conditions in the interwar period, CWKaw. became a place with strong cultural traditions, promoting equestrian sports and organizing Cavalry Reunions, which have continued into modern times. Today, Grudziądz features numerous commemorations of the former unit, such as memorial plaques and exhibitions related to its history, as well as foundations that nurture the traditions of Polish cavalry.