In 1874 there were the first horse races in Cven and this is the date of birth of Ljutomer horse races. In 1875 the racing club was founded. Prlekija has always been famous for horse breeding which is reflected in the Ljutomer coat-of-arms. It dates back to the 15^th century and is a silver shield in which one-horn horse is running on the grass.

In the past it was important at weddings that the bride was taken home with the best pair of horses and that she came home with the bridegroom before the other guests arrived, so she did not have to start eating bread in presence of them. This custom was used before 1874.

The trotter is a noble horse. It has a lively character; it is quick, firm, diligent, steady, tough, elegant and modest considering sustenance. In Prlekija it has been bred for centuries.

Trotter sport and races have always been a typical feature of Prlekian life. In the summer it has become a tradition for families and friends to spend the Sunday afternoons at the races. The Horsemen club organizes 10 international races a year.

If the tourists happen to be in Ljutomer on a day other than race Sunday they have the chance to have a look around the hippodrome and watch the trotters practice.