Horse riding experiences
Saddle up for a memorable horse riding adventure. Enjoy scenic routes and expert guidance on our horse riding tours.
Individual riding
Location: Equus Silvania
Riding lessons
Our lessons cater to both children and adults, with a duration of 45 minutes per session. For children under 10 years old, we kindly request that one of their parents or a guardian accompanies them throughout the lesson. Minimum age for a riding lesson is six years old. After the lesson, participants can interact with the horses by helping to unsaddle them and giving them a treat if they wish. We offer riding helmets and half-chaps for your convenience, although we encourage guests to bring their own if possible.
- €25 per hour per person
Location: Equus Silvania
Guided riding trips
Should you be interested in a full-day ride, please ask for options upfront.
Here, you can enjoy the stunning scenery, where lush landscapes and wildlife abound. Keep an eye out for wild animal tracks and birds soaring above. During the ride, guests are expected to handle their horses independently. Our knowledgeable guides adjust the route and pace to match the riding experience of each participant, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for all. After the trip, participants can interact with the horses by helping to unsaddle them and giving them a treat if they wish. We offer riding helmets and half-chaps for your convenience, although we encourage guests to bring their own if possible.
- €30 per first hour per person
- €24 per every additional hour per person
Location: Equus Silvania
Hand-led riding trips
Participants will have the opportunity to try out basic exercises on their horse, gaining insight into their position and balance while riding. Riders are guided by our experienced handlers and are not permitted to steer their horses independently. For families with children under 12 years old, a parent or guardian must accompany them throughout the trip.
After the trip, participants can interact with the horses by helping to unsaddle them and giving them a treat if they wish. We offer riding helmets and half-chaps for your convenience, although we encourage guests to bring their own if possible.
- €15 per half hour per person
- €25 per one hour per person
Seven-Day riding tours
Equus Silvania: Trail ride tour
Join us for a trail-ride, spanning over more than 200 km in six days, traversing the undulating landscape from the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in a roundtrip through southern Transylvania. On this journey you will pass by mediaeval villages, shepherd camps, and captivating landscapes that are home to a diverse array of rare bird species.
There are few places in Europe where the passing of time has had such a discrete impact as the central expanse of Transylvania. The hills, seemingly tailor-made for endless long canters, contribute to an unparalleled riding experience in Europe.
Starting from Șinca Nouă village, our trail ride leads you across the Olt Valley into the Transylvania hills. Grass-covered trails and pastures dominate this route, occasionally transitioning through oak and hornbeam forests.
En route, you can witness the abundance of birdlife, including lesser spotted eagles, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and golden orioles, among others. In the absence of roads, power lines, or antennas, discerning the century becomes a challenge. The presence of horse-drawn carriages and shepherds imparts a sense of antiquity, further echoed by the remnants of the 900-year-old Saxon culture, evident in the fortified churches scattered along the way.
Included
- Transport from and to Bucharest airport
- Two specialised equestrian guides
- Accommodation at various guesthouses in rural Transylvania
- All meals and drinks* for the duration of the trip (we can accommodate any dietary requirements upon request)
- Lively horses of Hungarian origin such as Shagya-Arab Kisberi, and Gidran
- Insights into the rural Transylvanian way of life
*Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available for an additional cost.
Important information:
Tailored for experienced riders, participants must be adept at controlling a horse in all situations, particularly during fast gallops. For safety measures, the use of hard hats is mandatory on all our rides, and there’s a weight limit for guests of 90 kg. For the trail-ride participants must be used to fast gallops in open terrain.
Accommodation
Our accommodation varies, beginning and ending in the charmingly decorative rooms of Equus Silvania, and ranging from stays with local families in small villages to beautiful wooden manors, or private renovated guesthouses whilst on route. Each stop welcomes us with warm hospitality, providing a profound glimpse into rural Transylvanian life. Single rooms are available in most of the guesthouses upon request.
Itinerary
Traveling in small groups of up to eight people, accompanied by two guides, we cover a daily distance of 25 to 38 km. The duration of the ride spans four to seven hours, punctuated by a brief lunch break at a scenic spot. The pace is lively, offering a blend of walking, trotting, and long canters.
Pricing 2024
- €1900 per person
(of which €600 required as deposit)
Requirements
- Comfortable riding trousers
- Riding boots (well broken-in) or ankle-high multi-purpose riding shoes
- T-shirts (bring many during summer)
- Long-sleeved shirts (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
- Riding helmet – you need to bring your own hard hat, they are mandatory.
- Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Swimsuit
Saddle bags are provided for carrying the essentials you need during the day. Some people find that a small bum-bag is useful for having a small camera or sun-screen readily to hand.
Equus Silvania: Centre-based ride
Our centre-based rides will guide you through the meadows and forests of the Carpathian Mountains and their foothills, ranging between 500 and 1,000 m in altitude. Our routes predominantly follow grass-covered paths, trails, or forest roads. Occasionally, we encounter tracks or markings left by bears, and at times, even those of wolves.
To safeguard the joints of our horses, we dismount and lead them down steep descents.
During a two-day camping excursion, we will traverse exquisite forests before reaching a mountain settlement where people still lead a simple life. Adjacent to one of these mountain farms, we will establish a camp on a ridgetop meadow with breathtaking views. Here, we all get to enjoy a barbecue and a late evening campfire. For those that do not desire to stay in a tent overnight, we offer a shuttle service back to the guesthouse.
On a designated day, participants take a hiatus from horse riding and explore local history and culture by vehicle, accompanied by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local guide. This journey unfolds the rich history of Transylvania as we traverse mediaeval villages and towns, characterised by endless forests and spectacular views.
One evening provides a unique opportunity to observe wild brown bears in their natural habitat from a wildlife-observation hide hidden in the forest.
Included
- Transport from and to Bucharest airport
- Two specialised equestrian guides
- Accommodation at Equus Silvania guesthouse
- All meals and drinks* for the duration of the trip (we can accommodate any dietary requirements upon request)
- Lively horses of Hungarian origin such as Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, and Gidran
- Insights into the rural Transylvanian way of life
- A cultural guided day trip to Sighișoara and Viscri (UNESCO world heritage sites)
- A trip to Bran castle
- Camping excursion on a small hilltop
*Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available for an additional cost.
Not included:
- Optional excursion to a wildlife observation hide, where you can see brown bears in their natural habitat. €35 per person for min. 3 persons
Important information:
Our centre-based rides are tailored for intermediate to experienced riders, requiring competence in all paces. For safety, the use of safety helmets is mandatory on all our rides, with a maximum weight limit for guests of 90 kg. Please be aware that for centre-based rides the riders must be comfortable in walk, trot, and canter outside.
Itinerary
Our riding groups consist of up to eight individuals, accompanied by two guides. Covering a daily distance of 20 to 30 km, the rides span four to six hours, encompassing a lunch break at a picturesque spot. The rides offer a well-balanced mix of walking, trotting, and cantering.
Pricing 2024
April / May / October:
- €1100 per person
(of which €300 required as deposit)
June – September:
- €1250 per person
(of which €300 is deposit)
Requirements
- Comfortable riding trousers
- Riding boots (well broken-in) or ankle-high multi-purpose riding shoes
- T-shirts (bring many during summer)
- Long sleeved shirts (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
- Riding helmet – you need to bring your own hard hat, they are mandatory.
- Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Swimsuit
Saddle bags are provided for carrying the essentials you need during the day. Some people find that a small bum-bag is useful for having a small camera or sun-screen readily to hand.
Equus Silvania: Winter rides
Our winter rides are a one-week programme, featuring five days dedicated to riding and one day reserved for exploring cultural landmarks in the area. Despite the inevitable impact of climate change on the Carpathians, the period from mid-January to end-February typically ensures reliable snow cover, offering an unforgettable experience of riding through powder snow.
Our winter rides are a one-week programme, featuring five days dedicated to riding and one day reserved for exploring cultural landmarks in the area. Despite the inevitable impact of climate change on the Carpathians, the period from mid-January to end-February typically ensures reliable snow cover, offering an unforgettable experience of riding through powder snow.
We engage in rides before and after lunch, lasting two to three hours each, navigating snow-clad meadows, hills, and the encompassing forests. The likelihood of encountering tracks left by red deer, wild boar, lynx, and wolves adds an element of excitement, and with a stroke of luck, we may even catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.
The sensation of heaven on earth arises when galloping horses stir up clouds of snow-powder into the crisp air, highlighting the shared enjoyment between riders and horses. Evenings provide ample time for relaxation by the fireplace, accompanied by a sampling of fine Romanian wines and liqueurs.
One day is dedicated to delving into the history of Transylvania: a journey to Râșnov farmers castle, followed by a visit to the city of Brașov, historically the cultural hub of the Transylvanian Saxons. Highlights include the renowned Black Church and the mediaeval old town, allowing sufficient time for leisurely strolls in the pedestrian zone.
*Snow conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Included
- Transport from and to Bucharest airport
- Two specialised equestrian guides
- Accommodation at Equus Silvania guesthouse
- All meals and drinks* for the duration of the trip (we can accommodate any dietary requirements upon request)
- Lively horses of Hungarian origin such as Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, and Gidran
- Insights into the history of Transylvania
*Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available for an additional cost.
Important information:
Riding groups are limited to a maximum of six people. Please note that our winter rides are tailored for intermediate to experienced riders; participants must demonstrate competence at all speeds. Safety regulations mandate the use of hard hats on all rides, with a weight limit for guests set at 90 kg.
Pricing 2024
- €920 per rider
(of which €300 required for deposit) - €600 per non-rider
(of which €300 is deposit)
Requirements
- Comfortable riding trousers
- Riding boots (well broken-in) or ankle-high multi-purpose riding shoes
- Long sleeved shirts (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
- Riding helmet – you need to bring your own hard hat, they are mandatory.
- Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing – take several layers to accommodate for the changing temperatures.
Saddle bags are provided for carrying the essentials you need during the day. Some people find that a small bum-bag is useful for having a small camera or sun-screen readily to hand.
Equus Silvania: Special Gourmet ride
Set out on a culinary adventure through the Carpathian Mountains, all while discovering their unspoiled natural beauty on horseback. Indulge in delectable organic fare and savour the richness of Romanian fine organic wines, homemade liqueurs from wild berries, and local juices while taking part in leisurely day rides through this ancient landscape.
Our week-long programme comprises five days, each involving two to four hours in the saddle, along with a dedicated cultural excursion day.
The itinerary is focused on the region’s exceptional culinary experiences, highlighting locally grown, organic provisions and beverages. Begin your days with a sumptuous breakfast, featuring fine organic homemade jams, honey from nearby bee-hives, an array of homemade cold-cuts, fresh eggs, garden produce, accompanied by freshly baked bread and pastries.
Experience the companionship of our seasoned, forward-going horses as you journey through ancient meadows and forests, immersing yourself in the authentic rural life still cherished by the locals. Each riding day entails approximately 2-4 hours in the saddle. On three of the riding days, indulge in exclusive panoramic picnics, relishing lunch in the heart of nature – a perfect opportunity to recharge in this spectacular environment.
Enjoy light, freshly made delicacies paired with homemade juices on the expansive meadows overlooking the Carpathian Mountains. On other riding days, lunch will be served at the guesthouse.
Enjoy excursions designed to unveil the secret highlights of the region throughout your week. Experience a cultural expedition, visiting the renowned fortified church of Viscri and Europe’s only inhabited citadel in Sighișoara. Another day takes you to the 500-hectare farm of Foundation Conservation Carpathia in Cobor, featuring a special gourmet dinner crafted from their own produce.
Also, you will get to explore the breathtaking gorge of Piatra Craiului National Park on a leisurely afternoon walk. You also have the opportunity to visit a forest hide near Equus Silvania, offering a high chance to spot wild brown bears, while another evening invites you to savour sundowners from the nearby Măgurici hill.
Every evening at the guesthouse concludes with a fine dining experience, presenting at least 4 courses paired with their corresponding organic Romanian beverages.
Included
- Transport from and to Bucharest airport
- Two specialised equestrian guides
- Accommodation at Equus Silvania guesthouse
- All meals and drinks* for the duration of the trip (we can accommodate any dietary requirements upon request)
- Lively horses of Hungarian origin such as Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, and Gidran
- Insights into the rural Transylvanian way of life
- A cultural guided day trip to Sighisoara and Viscri (UNESCO world heritage sites)
- A picnic excursion on a scenic hilltop
*Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available for an additional cost.
Important information:
Please note that our gourmet rides are tailored for intermediate to experienced riders; participants must demonstrate competence in all speeds. Safety regulations mandate the use of hard hats on all rides, with a weight limit for guests set at 90 kg.
Pricing 2024
- Starting from €1440 per rider depending on group size (of which €600 required as deposit)
- €1250 per non-rider
(of which €300 is deposit)
Requirements
- Comfortable riding trousers
- Riding boots (well broken-in) or ankle-high multi-purpose riding shoes
- T-shirts (bring many during summer)
- Long sleeved shirts (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
- Riding helmet – you need to bring your own hard hat, they are mandatory.
- Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Swimsuit
Saddle bags are provided for carrying the essentials you need during the day. Some people find that a small bum-bag is useful for having a small camera or sun-screen readily to hand.
Equus Silvania: Yoga Centre-based ride
Guests will get to ride through hay meadows, ancient pastureland, mountain farms and forests on a mix of five trail rides, stumbling upon wildflowers, rare birds, beautiful views and maybe even bear tracks. There will also be an overnight camping trip. For those that do not wish to spend a night in a tent, we can organize a shuttle transfer back to the guesthouse.
The yoga will include a mix of grounding, energising and calming classes, held either at the guesthouse or outdoors, giving guests the chance to unplug and connect with nature. Yoga is suitable for all levels and aims to boost rider fitness and confidence. Teacher Elizabeth Broomhall from the UK is a horse lover, avid traveller and former journalist, passionate about teaching yoga to equestrians.
The programme includes the chance to visit a forest bear hide and see wild brown bears in their natural habitat, as well as a trip to Bran castle, a guided hike through the Virgin Forest in the Strâmba Valley and some free time to read/relax/have a massage.
No previous yoga experience is required for this trip, but all guests are required to sign a waiver to confirm they are safe and fit to practice yoga.
Included
- Transfer from and to Bucharest airport on arrival and departure day
- Guided riding tours
- Guided daily yoga
- All meals (we can accommodate any dietary requirements upon request)
- Cultural excursion to Dracula’s castle in Bran
- Hike in a virgin forest with a local guide
- Excursion to a bear hide, where you can see wild bears in their natural habitat
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Massages (subject to availability)
Pricing 2024
- €1350 per person.
- €84 Single room supplement for the whole week.
Requirements
- Comfortable riding trousers
- Riding boots (well broken-in) or ankle-high multi-purpose riding shoes
- T-shirts (bring many during summer)
- Long sleeved shirts (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
- Riding helmet – you need to bring your own hard hat, they are mandatory.
- Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Swimsuit
- Yoga mat
- Yoga blocks (optional)
Saddle bags are provided for carrying the essentials you need during the day. Some people find that a small bum-bag is useful for having a small camera or sun-screen readily to hand.
