Equus Silvania – Horse Riding and Wilderness Centre
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At the foothills of the Transylvanian Carpathians, in the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, you can find a guesthouse and equestrian centre dedicated to the highest standards of ecotourism. This venue blends traditions, classic gastronomy and fine dining experiences, untamed nature, and a welcoming environment.
Equus Silvania – Horse Riding & Wilderness Centre
At the foothills of the Transylvanian Carpathians, in the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, you can find a guesthouse and equestrian centre dedicated to the highest standards of ecotourism. This venue blends traditions, classic gastronomy and fine dining experiences, untamed nature, and a welcoming environment.
Established in 2004 by Barbara and Christoph Promberger, Equus Silvania embodies a lifelong commitment to the natural world, intricately woven with a profound passion for equestrian living.
Welcome to Equus Silvania
Their journey commenced in 1993 when they selected Romania as their home, actively participating in large carnivore and nature conservation. Presently, they lead Europe’s most extensive conservation initiative in the Southern Carpathian Mountains (Foundation Conservation Carpathia), striving to establish a national park and safeguard the unmatched wilderness that still exists here.
In the meantime, Equus Silvania has become an integral member of Travel Carpathia and proudly supports Foundation Conservation Carpathia.
Beyond its role as a horse-riding hub, it offers a lot of fascinating activities for people who do not ride, but would love to explore the natural and cultural wealth of the area at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains.
Located in a secluded natural setting, the guesthouse features expansive stables, annexes, a dining area, and an inviting outdoor fireplace. In addition to catering to both novice and experienced riders, we also offer the option to experience hiking in virgin forests, spend an evening observing bears from a nearby bear-hide, roam through lush flower meadows, or indulge in local flavours and carefully selected wines during fine dining occasions.
Bookable activities
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
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
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
Special Gourmet Dinner
Enjoy the delightful flavours of local organic foods and wines during our Fine Dining events. Indulge in an exquisite seven-course menu, expertly paired with various Romanian organic drinks for a memorable experience. Our specialised cooks source fresh vegetables from our garden, and the meats are from our own, free-ranging animals.
- €72 per person
- minimum 6 persons
- only upon prior arrangement
Bear watching
Accompanied by our guide, you’ll depart from our guesthouse and drive to Strâmba Valley, where a local ranger awaits. Together, you’ll access a wildlife observation hide, providing a safe vantage point to observe wild bears in their natural habitat. This offer is only for in-house guests at Equus Silvania.
- €35 per Person
- minimum 3 persons
Birdwatching
…the lesser-spotted eagle, great grey and red-backed shrikes, kingfishers, black storks, or various wood-pecker species (in the surrounds of Equus Silvania, all 10 European wood-pecker species are present). In the forested areas, keep your eyes peeled for treecreeper, goldcrest, and various species of tits. Our knowledgeable guides will lead the way, sharing their insights into these winged wonders.
- €40 per adult
- €24 per child under 14
- minimum 3 persons
Horse riding
week-long rides
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.
This spot is a haven for horse riding enthusiasts, surrounded by vast, open woodlands and meadows without fences.
Our horses, mainly of Hungarian origin breeds such as Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, or Gidran, embody traits of exceptional endurance, beauty, and a delightful disposition.
At Equus Silvania, we’ve carefully designed our facilities to ensure a warm and comfortable setting for all our guests. Our amenities encompass a guesthouse with 9 spacious rooms, two large stables, and various smaller outbuildings spread across approximately five hectares of land.
Facilities
The guesthouse features tastefully furnished rooms, each equipped with its own bathroom. Some of these rooms are well-suited for families. Each room reflects our commitment to providing a delightful stay, combining comfort and style for an unforgettable experience.
On the ground floor, you’ll find a spacious dining room where meals are served to all our guests. Adjacent to this is the inviting lounge, complete with a bar and a fireplace, providing a welcoming space for relaxed evenings. Beyond the walls of the building, there are ample opportunities to bask in the sunshine, whether on our wooden swings or beneath the willow-fringed gazebo. The guesthouse is heated by a modern heat pump, and the entire building offers complimentary access to high-speed wireless Internet.
Dining Room & Bar
Indulge in a culinary experience at our inviting dining room and bar, where you can savour delightful meals and refreshing drinks in a snug atmosphere.
Outdoor Fireplace
For moments of relaxation and connection, our outdoor fireplace invites you to unwind under the open sky, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature
Rooms
Premium Room:
Recently refurbished to meet the highest standards, this room is ideal for couples and families. Experience a snug space in this thoughtfully designed area.
Two Family Rooms:
Each accommodating two adults and two children with a double bed and two separate beds, our family rooms provide space for shared moments and restful nights.
Three Double Rooms:
Tailored for comfort, our double rooms can host two individuals, offering flexibility with the choice of a double bed or twin beds to suit your preferences.
Three Single Rooms:
Catering for solo travellers seeking an enjoyable horse-riding experience, our single rooms offer a cozy haven for those treating themselves.
Pricing
Premium room (for couples or families; incl. breakfast) – 170 EUR/night
Family room (two adults, two children; incl. breakfast) – 150 EUR/night
Double room (incl. breakfast) – 110 EUR/night
Single room (incl. breakfast) – 80 EUR/night
Extra bed for kids – 18 EUR/night
At Equus Silvania, our kitchen predominantly features locally sourced organic produce. In the village of Șinca Nouă, agricultural practices avoid the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers, maintaining a traditional approach to livestock keeping – grazing freely on pastures.
Food
Fresh produce from our own garden includes onions, lettuce leaves, courgettes, tomatoes, peppers, berries, pumpkins, beans, and an assortment of other vegetables and fruits. Additional provisions such as milk, eggs, honey, potatoes, and lamb are procured from nearby farmers, while pork, veal, and chicken come from the livestock of the Cobor Biodiversity Farm.
Notably, our pride lies in the creation of our home-crafted hams, sausages, and bacon.
Pricing
Lunch – 10 EUR/person
Dinner – 21 EUR/person
Special gourmet dinner³ (min. 6 people) – 71 EUR/person
We can accommodate any dietary restrictions and preferences upon request.
² Children up to 14 years old benefit from a 60% discount, children up to 3 years old benefit from free services.
³ Only with prior notification.
Animal Welfare
Equus Silvania is ot simply a home for numerous horses but it also hosts various other animals. Our foremost concern for all our animals is to ensure a high quality of life for them. The fundamental conditions for achieving this goal include:
Adequate space for unrestricted movement
Opportunities for social interactions with members of the same species
Comfortable and well-maintained shelters for the night
Sufficient access to natural food
Prompt provision of medical treatment
Our horses reside in two groups within open stables with sand paddocks, allowing them the liberty to move around and fostering their need for social interactions with their fellow equines. Moreover, they regularly enjoy time in expansive pastures.
Conservation Contribution
Equus Silvania is a proud member of the Travel Carpathia family and thus supports Foundation Conservation Carpathia, which is dedicated to establishing a world-class wilderness reserve in the Southern Carpathians. Positioned on the easternmost periphery of this future National Park, Șinca Nouă holds a significant position. Given this context, we kindly ask our guests to contribute through a donation, fostering the conservation of these breathtaking and crucial forests and grasslands.
Our Environmental Policy
As a part of the Travel Carpathia family, Equus Silvania has (like all the other Travel Carpathia facilities) a very high ecological standard. Our guiding principle is to conduct all activities with a sense of responsibility towards minimising environmental impact. We remain receptive to innovative ideas aimed at preserving the integrity of our natural surroundings.
Our guests receive a hands-on experience and comprehensive insights into flora, fauna, and sustainable land-use systems. We are also happy to share details about the work of Foundation Conservation Carpathia and our involvement in nature conservation. We aspire to make your holiday not only restful and enjoyable but also enriching and informative.
Throughout the construction of our facilities (and its recent full renovation in 2024), we strived to utilise environmentally friendly materials. Wood, devoid of non-natural wood preservatives, serves as our primary construction material due to its renewable nature. We use a heat pump powered by photovoltaic panels for heating, and our guesthouse is insulated with a substantial layer of rock wool. While it is challenging for a tourism enterprise to entirely eliminate fossil energy consumption, we consistently opt for sustainable alternatives when feasible. The detergents we use in our guesthouse, for instance, are 100% biodegradable.
When determining routes for our excursions, we exercise great caution concerning conservation considerations. We deliberately avoid ecologically sensitive zones, such as wildlife day resting spots and seasonally crucial areas, like those established during the red deer rut. Additionally, we take measures to prevent soil erosion and steer clear of wetlands where horse hooves may cause harm. During the summer, we respect farmers’ requirements and adhere to cart tracks when traversing hay meadows.
