EQUESTRIAN PROGRAMMES
Being on the tour is undoubtedly the highest ranking leisure time that one can spend with a horse. Ever since we organize and participate in riding tours, we have experienced a lot of adventures. After so many years I’ll try to summarize what we think is the most interesting in it: Get started, be on the road and reach elsewhere
It is a very ancient experience, it lurks in our instincts, thrills us, and if experience it, we move on as another man: we would be less if it had not happened. The horse adds a very special feeling to this road: as if we were to see the world from a different era, we move differently and walk on other roads, just as nomads were used to in ancient times from river to river, through the mountains.
The largest part of our journey leads us through intact and in flora and fauna rich landscape protection area.
MEALS: During the trip, we usually have a picnic lunch, served by the service car.
Breakfast is usually provided by the accommodation, dinner is typically a more hungarian meal consumed at the accomodation or restaurant.
HORSES, SADDLES: The Akhal Teke is a breed that ancient Magyars rode during the conquest of the land of Hungary today. This horse is famous for its high level of comfort, an ancient treasure from the mystical world of the Orient. During a 300 km long tour in 2010 it proved that the legends about it are true.
Not only the horses, but also our saddles are special: Self-made Hungarian-style saddles, modernized for today’s riding needs and horses. They are extremely safe and comfortable, proven to be extremely usable during the tours of recent years.
During our riding tours you can discover the landscape while, riding on the horses of the Hungarian warriors, the legendary Akhal Teke. This is the breed which is unseparable from our history, and which is famous for its special comfort.
Not only the horses, but also our saddles are special: They are handcrafted by the Cseppentő family, modernized for today’s riding needs and horses. They are extremely safe and comfortable, proven to be extremely usable during the tours of recent years.
For those who are interested in the Akhal Teke breed or in our saddles, this tour or its short version provides a good opportunity to try them and get acquainted with the saddle.
REGISTRATION
Registration and further information at cseppentoopuszta@gmail.com
Conditions relating to rider’s safety and riding skills: the riding instructor reserves the right to ban
from or terminate participation in riding programmes of individuals who do not possess a satisfactory
level of riding skills and fail to act in compliance with fundamental requirements for riding safety with
special regard to physical fitness or general regulations.
DATES
20 – 26 April 2025.
10 – 16 August 2025
Akhal Teke horses, Special saddles, the meadows of the Great Hungarian Plain and the River Tisza region..
Visiting the National Historical Memorial Park of Ópusztaszer, the Akhal-Teke stud by Styeppe-Train and riding to the cattle herd!
Accomodation in original kazah and mongolian yurts
General description:
No doubt that equestrian tours are the highlight of all riding experience. We have had several adventures and remarkable experiences during the tours we have organised. Below, I shall make an attempt to summarise the most interesting components of the equestrian tours we have organised during the past few years:
Setting out, on the tour and arriving somewhere?
This is an inherent, ancient experience, which lies hiding in the realm of our instincts, which fills us with excitement, and if we experience it again and again, we carry on in our lives as completely different persons: once we have had the experience, we know that we would be deprived of something absolutely significant if we had missed it.
The horse during a tour provides us with an utterly special feeling: it feels as though we perceive the world in a different age as we progress differently along different paths similarly to nomadic riders, we ride from ,,river to river across mountains”
This tour is a star tour, we return to our Yurt Camp every day.
In the largest part of the journey we ride through the rich and unspoilt flora and fauna of the landscape zones.
We ride about 15-20 km/day, but of course there are differences between the days.
HORSES AND SADDLES:
During our riding tours you can discover the landscapes affected by our journey, riding the horse of the hungarian conquestors, the legendary Akhal Teke. This is the breed with which our history is intertwined and is famous for its special comfort…
Not only the horses, but also our saddles are special: Self-made Cseppentő saddles, modernized for today’s riding needs and horses. They are extremely safe and comfortable, proven to be extremely usable during the tours of recent years.
For those who are interested in the Akhal Teke breed or in our saddles, this tour or its abbreviated version gives a good opportunity to try them and get acquainted.
For those who do not want to sleep in the yurt, we can provide single accommodations in Erdei Hotel nearby at an additional cost.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Sunday: Arrival
Accommodation in Yurts, in the pasture of the Akhal-Teke Stud, in Ópusztaszer. Our riders can stay in genuine Kazakh and Mongolian Yurts. Yurts are not tents, they represent an ancient form of men-made dwelling.
Yurts were wide-spread from Eastern Mongolia, to the steppes in Southern Russia and temporarily even in the Carpathian Basin as a representation of an ancient type of dwelling in a vast area.
Our Yurts are located in the grasing field of our stud. Our guests can see the starry sky through the open ceiling of the Yurts, and can also hear the noises moving horses make, so they rest in harmony with nature in close proximity with the horses just like our ancestors over 1000 years ago.
We serve dinner between 6-7 p.m.
Monday: Test riding and stud introduction
Breakfast is served at 8.am.
Familiarisation with the horses, mounting at 9 a.m. Test riding in the manage, generating rapport between individual riders and horses selected for them, riding skill assessment.
Short riding tour in the morning followed by lunch at the Yurts.
In the afternoon (14:00) visit to the stud by Steppe-Train: Our groups are transported by vagon(s) towed by a tractor (like a train) to take an adventure tour to the Akhal-Teke Stud and our farm, to see the sires, work-horses and foals.
The Akhal-Teke breed we see during the tour was the companion and vehicle of our ancestors when they arrived in the Carpathian Basin, so our guests can see the horse breed used during the Hungarian Conquest.
Dinner: 6-7p.m.; Accommodation in the Yurts.
Tuesday: Riding to the Turul Statue
Breakfast: 8 a. m. Departure: 9 a. m.
After 3 hours of riding picnic lunch at the Turul Statue which commemorates the Hungarian conquest. The Turul (the perregrine falcon) is an important player in the sagas of origin of the Magyars. The statue commemorates the Hungarian Invasion of the Carpathian Basin.
Dinner is between 6-7 p. m. at the Yurt Camp, in the meadow of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Wednesday: Riding to the Communian mounds in the meadow
Breakfast: 8 a. m. Departure: 9 a. m.
You can see Cummunian mounds all the way from the Carpathian Basin to Mongolia.
These mounds served as burrial grounds for various peoples of the steppes for over 2000 years. Not as monumental as the pyramids, however they were used for the same purposes in vast areas all over Eurasia for a long period of time.
In our world today you can rarely see such landscape elements of steppes. The 1,600 mounds explored in the Great Hungarian Plain represents only a fraction of all the steppe mounds.
During our ride among the Cummunian mounds in the meadows of the plain along reeds and in oak forests in flood plains we can discover the rich flora in the plain which can be called a real jungle.
During our tour we can see a real manifestation of the shepherd culture in Great Hungarian Plain. Picnic lunch at a Communian mound.
Upon arrival back to Ópusztaszer, dinner is between 6 and 7 p. m. at the Yurt Camp in the meadow of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Thursday : Riding to the grey cattle herd, visit the panorama picture in the Memorial Park
Breakfast: 8 a.m. Departure at 9 o`clock. We ride to the centre of the winter feeding grounds of the grey cattle herd. This venues is situated in an approximately 1,200 hectare nature conversation meadow, where our riders can have a good view of the special local protected fauna, such as the water buffaloes grazing in the open, the colorful bird population and the wide horison of the intact meadows.During the tour we ride at armslenght to the Hungarian Grey Cattle herd, in which you can see small calves and mighty bulls.
This landscape is a credible reflection of the great steppes.In the afternoon, the program is to visit the Feszty Panorama Picture in the National Historical Memorial Park. The painting depicts the ancient Hungarian Invasion of the Carpathian Basin.
Dinner is between 6-7 p.m. Accomodation in the Yurts.
Friday:
Breakfast: 8 a. m. Departure: 9 a. m.
12:00-13:00 Lunch
14.00-16.00 we ride through the Süli forest: 100-150-year-old oaks line our way in the forest. There are old trees here from the time before the regulation of the Tisza River, which was 120 years ago. 10 years ago the forest, provided a venue for school programmes, walking tours and running competitions. These days it is rich in birds and wildlife, a habitat for owls, ravens and roe deer as well as, rabbits. Even meadow eagles nest in it temporarily.
Dinner is between 6-7 p. m. at the yurt camp, in the gathering place of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Saturday
Breakfast: 8 a.m.
Farewell and departure from the camp.
Contact: csat1996@gmail.com
DATES
11 – 17 May 2025.
21 – 27 September 2025
Anonymus, a historian in the court of Béla IV of Hungary, in his cronicle refers to Emese as the daughter ofchieftain Eunedubelianus, and the mother of Prince Álmos. The saga of Álmos and that of the Turul (peregrine falcon) , the totemistic bird of ancient Hungarians, are connected to her name. Part of the saga is Emese’s dream: the story is not only pagan and pre-Christian, but also of a distinctly ancient nature. According to the legend, the turul bird enticed her with a dream in which a river originated from the womb of Emese, which would grow and spread over a foreign land. According to dream speakers, this meant that she would give birth to a son who would lead his people out of their homeland, Etelköz and his descendants would become glorious kings. In his study, the historian György Szabados states that King Béla’s historian “probably used the word emesu as a personal name due to a misunderstanding. “Emes” in the old Hungarian language meant a half-awake, half-crazed state during vigil, when the boundaries between dream and reality are blurred.”
This new tour combines the elements of the Attila tour and the Danube-Tisza tour. You can ride longer distances than during the Attila tour (20-25 km), so if you want, you can prepare for the Danube Tisza tour, which is a longer, 200 km- long tour. The special feature of the Emese tour is the visit of the eastern Akhal Teke stud and the Eco-Park in Sándorfalva, at 1200 acre nature conservation area next to the Pusztaszer observation tower, and the Hungarian Grey cattles/Blonde Aquiten herd.
Daily Programme
Day 0: arrival at the location at the Yurt accomodation site at the Akhal stud in Ópusztaszer.
The guests can stay in original Kazakh and Mongolian yurts,which are not a tents. They are ancient types of man-made dwellings or shelters. From Eastern Mongolia to the southern Russian steppe, temporarily even in the Carpathian Basin, theywere wide spread and the most common form of ancient accommodation types.
Day 1: Visiting the Akhal teke Stud + forest tour:
9:00-10:00 Trial riding: Test horses in the morning, setting up suitable pairs of riders.
10:00-12:00 Visiting the Akhal Stud on horseback. The Akhal Teke is the noblest and most famous horse breed of horse in Central Asia. It was a significant part of the horse stock of the nomadic peoples of the steppes, including the early Hungarians. These horses have been used in since ancient times. It is also mentioned in 1st century Chinese chronicles that in Central Asia, wonderful, “blood-sweating heavenly horses” were bred. It is a persistent, tough, very fast horse. Its exceptional performance was developed in harsh Asian conditions. A true Turkmen breed, a direct descendant of the former Turkish horse whose history goes back almost 3000 years. Their participation in the Ashgabat-Moscow long-distance riding race of 4,300 kilometres made them world famous. The Chinese launched entire campaigns to acquire these “heavenly” horses without success. The Cseppentő family has always identified this breed as a working horse when breeding Akhal colts, and not as horses for horse shows. Carefully selected individuals remained in breeding, and it was not the quantity but the quality that they strived for. In addition to the purebred core, the horse stud of 75 individual horses includes high-blooded Akhals. In addition to tourism, they also perform successfully in competitions, especially in three-day military event.
12:30-13:30 lunch
14:00-16:00 a ride in a nearby cool, shady forest.
Dinner is between 6-7 p. m. at the yurt camp, in the gathering place of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Day 2: Visit to the Pusztaszeri Tower:
We will guide you to the PusztaszerNature Conservation Area, a lesser known nature conservation area. On the border of the Munkástelep belonging to Pusztaszer is a valuable saline area called Büdös-szék. Büdös-szék, officially known as Dongér Lake, is a seasonal saline lake located east of Pusztaszer on the border of the two flora regions of the area, the Tiszántúli and Duna-Tisza flora regions of the Alföld (Great Hungarian Plain) flora region of the Pannonian flora region. On the varied soils, sandy desert plants of the Kiskunság region are mixed with the species of the ermös-cenkeszes saline steppe in a special way. The border of the two landscapes is clearly recognizable. The real value of the Büdös-szék is its birdlife. The area is an important habitat for nesting, migrating, summering and wintering birds. During regular observations, the occurrence of 232 bird species has been proven, of which nearly 80 species are nesters. Among the nesting species, the Siki birds are the most important. In the framework of the program, we can see this special and protected animal world, free-grazing buffaloes, and a colorful bird population. We tour over some of the characteristic natural and cultural values of the nature conservation area and its surroundings on horseback.
12:00-13:00 Lunch, then we ride back to the camp. Dinner: between 18.00-19.00 hours. Accomodation: at the Yurt camp of the Akhal Teke stud in Ópusztaszer.
Day 3: Visit to the Eco Park at Sándorfalva
9:00 Test riding: warm up exercises on horseback in the morning, then departure. We will head towards the eco-promenade in Sándorfalva, where we will have lunch. The Eco Park is a promenade in the reeds next to the sand quarry lake, from which you can pleasantly observe the local wildlife. In addition to the approximately one-kilometre-long wooden plank path above the water, three rest areas were also created, so even hammocks can be used along the path. At the end of the path, a viewing platform was built, from which the entire area can be seen.
12:00-13:00 Lunch, then riding back to the camp between 14:00-16:00 hours.
Dinner is between 6-7 p. m. at the yurt camp, in the gathering place of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Day 4. Visit to the Arrows of the seven chieftains and in the afternoon view the Memorial Park
“According to Anonymous’ description, the conquering Hungarians reached the Körtvélytó (Curtueltou in original text) and, after spending 34 days at the Gyümölcsény forest, Árpád and his nobles held a meeting, where they established the country’s laws: they “fell in love” with the country’s affairs. To commemorat this assembly, the place was named Szer.” A blood contract is related to this event, according to Hungarian tradition, the first basic law (constitution)of the Hungarian nation was laid there.
A day when the group of riders can hide from the strong sunlight and continues its journey on forest paths until it reaches one of the sights of Ópusztaszer, the monumental statues depicting the Seven Chieftain’s Arrows, the venue, where, according to legends, the arrows of the 7 Hungarian chieftains first hit the ground. 12:00-13:00 Lunch, beetween 14:00 and 16:00 the group will visit the National Historical Park and view the monumental panorama painting depicting the arrival of the Hungarians painted by Árpád Feszty.
Dinner is between 6-7 p. m. at the Yurt Camp, in the gathering place of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Day 5. Ride to the grey hungarian cattle herd, then riding through the fairy tale like Süli Forest
The cattle herd pasture is located in a wilderness of a roughly 1,200 ha nature conservation area, with a good view of its special and protected fauna, free-grazing water buffaloes, colourful bird population and a wild horizon of untouched wilderness. During the trip, the group will get to know the Hungarian grey herd, small calves, various other breeds and the bull. The landscape is the authentic face of the great steppes. After lunch we will ride through the Süli forest: in the forest, 100-150-year-old oaks line our way. There are even trees here dating back to before the regulation of the Tisza River, which was about 120 years ago. 10 years ago, it was a venue for school programmes, an area for walking tours and running races. Nowadays, it is rich in birds and wildlife a habitat for owls, ravens and roe deer as well as, rabbits. Even meadow eagles roost in it temporarily.
12:00-13:00 Lunch, beetween 14.00-16.00 hours we ride through the Süli forest:100-150-year-old oaks line our way in the forest. There are old trees here from the time before the regulation of the Tisza River, which was 120 years ago. 10 years ago the forest, provided a venue for school programmes, walking tours and running competitions. These days it is rich in birds and wildlife, a habitat for owls, ravens and roe deer as well as, rabbits. Even meadow eagles nest in it temporarily.
Dinner is between 6-7 p. m. at the yurt camp, in the gathering place of the Akhal-Teke stud at Ópusztaszer.
Day 6. Departure
Breakfast is at 8 o’clock in the gathering place of the Akhal Teke stud . Departure at 9.
DATES
4 – 11 October 2025
Video:
General description:
No doubt that equestrian tours are the highlight of all riding experience. We
have had several adventures and remarkable experiences during the tours we have
organised. Below, I shall make an attempt to summarise the most interesting
components of the equestrian tours we have organised during the past few years.
Setting out, on the tour and arriving somewhere?
This is an inherent, ancient experience, which lies hiding in the realm of our instincts, which fills us with excitement, and if we experience it again and again, we carry on in our lives as completely different persons: once we have had the experience, we know that we would be deprived of something absolutely significant if we had missed it.
The horse during a tour provides us with an utterly special feeling: it feels as though we perceive the world in a different age as we progress differently along different paths similarly to nomadic riders, we ride from ,,river to river across mountains”
In the largest part of the journey we ride through the rich and unspoilt flora and fauna of the landscape zones…
We ride about 30-40 km/day, but of course there are differences between the days.
,,Take a flask of water from the Tisza to the Danube“
This tour takes the riders from the flood plains of the river Tisza through the sand dunes of the Kiskunság region and the salty plains of Solt to the river Danube. This is a tour of riding long distances.
One of our friends, who participated in this tour, said at the end of the event: “We are inclined to think that we know our country. But now that we rode through the region of Kiskunság, it dawns on us that we hardly see it at all out of our car windows.”
It is impossible to cover such a long distance on foot. The horses however take the riders to places, which reflect the genuine characteristics of the region, and during the tour the riders can also experience unique features in nature, which they may think are non-existent anymore.
The sand dunes, the flat land, the long distances ? these are features in the region that suit best the type of horses we breed in our stud. The Akhal Teke is a breed that ancient Magyars rode during the conquest of the land of Hungary today. This horse is famous for its high level of comfort?an ancient treasure from the mystical world of the Orient?During a 300 km long tour in 2010 it proved that the legends about it are true.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Saturday – Arrival/transfer
Seat yourself in our Yurt Camp, this is our first accommodation.
If i is possible test riding and look around in the Akhal Teke Stud.
We have dinner between 18-19 o’clock.
Sunday: Riding to the river Tisza
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Start to go at 9 o’clock and after a 3-4 hour long riding we have the picnic. Then riding until our destination.
On the way we go through the romantic old floodplain of the river Tisza. We will fill our flask from the River Tisza. At the end of the journey, we will pour the water from our traditional flask into the Danube river. This symbolizes the wandering nomadic way of life.
12.00-13.00: Lunch in the shade of the 100-year-old ash tree
Our accommodation will be at our Yurt Camp.
We have dinner between 18-19 o’clock.
Monday: Riding to Kiskunmajsa
On the way we go through the typical sodic desert of the Plain that will changing with the dunes of the Kiskunság.
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Start to go at 9 o’clock and after a 3-4 hour long riding we have the picnic. Then riding until our destination.. The next day (on Wednesday) we’ll have the possibility to have a bath in a Thermal spa at Kiskunmajsa.
The accommodation will be near to the Thermal spa, in a village guest house.
We have dinner between 19-20 o’clock.
Tuesday: Riding to Bugac
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Start at 9 o’clock and ride until the picnic lunch. We go through a sand land with juniper bushes at Bugac..
In our destination (Bugac) there is a shepherd museum and a stud, and there are wranglers too. This is a very traditional horse and cattle breeder region.
Our accommodation will be in an intimate farmhouse.
We have dinner between 19-20 o’clock.
Wednesday: Riding to Kiskoros
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Start to go at 9 o’clock and after a 3-4 hour long riding we have the picnic. Then riding until our destination. That day we go though turf-grounds. Accommodation will be in a homely farmhouse.
We have dinner between 19-20 o’clock.
Thursday: Riding to Bakodpuszta
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Start to go at 9 o’clock and after a 3-4 hour long riding we have the picnic. Then riding until our destination.
During the riding we get insight into the romantic world of the Great Hungarian Plain. We can see native animals and protected species of water birds.
The accommodation will be at a wrangler ranch, our hosts are our dear friends, who are always pleased to see us.
Dinner at 19-20 o’clock.
Friday: Riding to the Dunube
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Start to go at 9 o’clock and after a 3-4 hour long riding we have the picnic. Then riding until our destination.
The vast saline-alkaline desert is similar to the ancient steppes, it gives a monumental panorama. At the end of the tour we will pour the water of the river Tisza into the water of the river Danube..
Accommodation will be in a village guest house.
We have dinner between 19-20 o’clock.
Saturday: day of departure/transfer
Breakfast at 8 o’clock.
Knowing behind us the 210 km long tour we go back to Ferihegy Airport to travel home.
Contact:
csat1996@gmail.com
7- 15 June 2025 (Wings of Turul trail ride + The bear’s path trail ride)
6 – 14 September 2025 (Wings of Turul trail ride + The bear’s path trail ride)
Our latest news!
We would like to describe our latest tours, which goes across the national border of Hungary! You can visit completely different regions in two countries in one week. We mount our horses in the spacious meadows in the Great Hungarian Plain and sit in the saddles of our Akhal horses, and then continue our gallop in the mountain plains of Transylvania, literally without borders. What we offer is our 3-day Turul Wings tour and the 3-day Bear Footsteps tour, respectively the 3-day Wolves Footsteps tour in Transylvania.
Hungarian Steppe – Transylvanian Mountains
Hungary: Wings of Turul trail ride
Discover Hungary on horseback and get acquainted with the magnificent Akhal Teke horses and their versatile capabilities. This hike will also allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Hungarian culture while enjoying traditional accommodation in yurts. You will also discover Hungarian landscapes that will fascinate you: from the Tisza River to the magical Süli Forest. Not only the horses, but also our saddles are special: They are handcrafted by the Cseppentő family, modernized for today’s riding needs and horses. They are extremely safe and comfortable, proven to be extremely usable during the tours of recent years. We ride about 20-30 km/day, but of course there are different programmes each day.
Tour programme:
Day 0. Saturday: Arrival, transfer from Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport.
Accommodation in the yurts in the meadow of Akhal stud in Ópusztaszer. The guests stay in original Kazakh and Mongolian yurts. The yurt is not a tent. It is an ancient form of man-made dwelling and shelter. From eastern Mongolia to the southern Russian steppe, temporarily even in the Carpathian Basin, it was a common type of accomodation in a large area.
Day 1. Sunday: Visit the Akhal Teke stud and view the monumental panorama painting painted by Árpád Feszty.
8:00-9:00 breakfast
9:00-10:00: warm-up exercises in the equestrian centre, formation of appropriate horse-rider pairs.
10:00-12:00: Trail riding exercises, formation of appropriate riding pairs, then visiting the Akhal Teke Stud on horseback. The Cseppentő family has always considered the Akhal Teke breed as a type of work horse, and not a breed performing at equestrian shows. Carefully selected individuals remained in breeding, and it was not the quantity but the quality that they strived for. In addition to the purebred stud core, the stud of 75 horses includes Akhals with a high-blood rate, with which, in addition to tourism, they also perform successfully in competitions, especially in three-day events discipline.
12:00-13:00: lunch
13:30-15:30: riding across the pond, then touring in a nearby forest in pristine nature.
16:30-17:00: Viewing the monumental panorama painting depicting the arrival of the Hungarians painted by Árpád Feszty in the Ópusztaszer National Historical Memorial Park
18.00-19.00: dinner at the yurt accomodation
The Akhal Teke is the noblest and most famous breed of horse in Central Asia. It was a significant part of the horse stock of the nomadic peoples of the steppes, including the early Hungarians. These horses have been used since ancient times. It is also mentioned in 1st century Chinese chronicles that in Central Asia, wonderful, “blood-sweating heavenly horses” were bred. This specimens of breed are enduring, tough, very fast horses. Their exceptional performance was developed in harsh Asian conditions. A true Turkmen breed, a direct descendant of the former Turkish horse whose history goes back almost 3000 years. The Ashgabat-Moscow long-distance riding of 4,300 kilometres made them world famous. The Chinese launched entire expedition to acquire these “heavenly” horses without success.
Day 2. Monday: riding through the magical Süli Forest and have a rest at the Tisza River /Ányási Bend/
8:00-9:00: Breakfast
9:00-10:00: warm-up exercises and departure
10:00-12:00: riding through the Süli forest: 100-150-year-old oaks line our way in the forest. There are old trees here from the time before the regulation of the Tisza River, which was 120 years ago. 10 years ago the forest, provided a venue for school programmes, walking tours and running competitions. These days it is rich in birds and wildlife, a habitat for owls, ravens and roe deer as well as, rabbits. Even meadow eagles nest in it temporarily.
12:00-13:00: lunch in the shade of the 100-year-old ash tree.
14:00-16:00: after riding in saline terrain, our journey continues to the Ányás bend, which stretches along the banks of the Tisza River, where you can hear the rustling of the leaves on the tall poplar trees and the singing of birds. You can have a little insight into the Tisza flora, including mushrooms and floodplain plaints.
18.00-19.00: dinner at the yurt camp
Every day there are opportunities for enternainment after riding: the guests can take a cooling shower, walk in the pasture to see the Akhal stud, or even meditate, relax inside the yurts, or in the nature. There is a labyrinth called “star path” 1 kilometre from the equestrian centre that you can visit if you are not tired to discover something new in the neighbourhood.
Day 3. Tuesday: visit to the Hungarian grey cattle herd and viewing the monumental statues that forms the 7 arrows of our ancestor.
8:00-9:00: breakfast
9:00-10:00: warm-up riding exercise, then riding to the grey cattle herd. The cattle herd pasture is located in a 1,200 ha landscape conservation area, with a good view of its special and protected fauna, free-grazing water buffaloes, colourful bird population and the vast, long-streching horizon of the untouched wilderness. During the trip, you will see Hungarian grey cattle and small calves as well as other breeds of cattle started by bulls of different breeds. The landscape is an authentic great steppes.
12:00-13:00: picnic lunch
14:00-16:00: the riders visit one of the sights of Ópusztaszer, the great monument depicting the Arrows of the Seven Chiftain, then find shelter from the strong sunlight and continue riding on forest path.
“According to a royal scribe in the 13th century known today as “Anonymous”, the conquering Hungarians reached the Körtvély tó, and after spending 34 days at the Gyümölcsény forest, Árpád, the Chief of all the Chieftains and his nobles attended an assembly, where they laid down the laws of the country-in Hungarian it is expressed as “szerét ejtették”. To commemorate this assembly, the place was named Szer.” A blood contract is related to this event, wich was performed according to Hungarian tradition, and which was the first basic law (constitution) to form the Hungarian nation.
18.00-19.00: farewell dinner
Presentation of the legend of Hunor and Magor, one of the most important legends of the establishment of Hungarian people. The story of the Magical Deer. A toast to shared experiences so far.
Day 4. Wednesday: Transfer to Transylvania
8:00-9:00 breakfast
9:00-12:00 travel: We cross the border between Hungary and Romania by car and enter Transylvania. After visiting Nagyszalonta and enjoying a delicious lunch, the journey continues all the way to Padiș.
Nagyszalonta is the birthplace of János Arany, a famous Hungarian poet (1817-1882). Today, the town is located in Romania, in the Partium region, but in Arany’s time, it was part of historical Hungary. During the Ottoman occupation, Nagyszalonta was developed into a significant fortress. The lives of its people are reflected in many of Arany’s works (e.g., The Lost Constitution and Toldi).
The most historically significant attraction in Nagyszalonta is the János Arany Memorial Museum, housed in the Csonkatorony (Truncated Tower), a building of unique architectural value that was part of the old Nagyszalonta castle.
In the town centre you can see the statue of János Arany, which commemorates the poet.
The bear’s path trail ride
Join us on a breath-taking trail ride in the Bihar mountains, part of Apuseni mountains situated in western Transylvania. This region is a part of the Carpathian Mountains .The scenic view, the rich biodiversity and the great wilderness, yet untouched by human civilization, is home to great adventures and unforgettable experiences. Our aim is to guide all adventure lovers to a ’once in a lifetime’ opportunity to plunge into the picturesque beauty that the mountain offers. The Bihar mountain is home to many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. It is not uncommon to even see large predators like bears. These mountains have a strong fragmentation on a complicated assembly of calcareous rocks, sandstones that makes the trail even more challenging. Our single base trail ride always starts from Padis (marked with a red star on the map), and we approach the mountain from a different angle every day.
Trail description
Day 1 is the most difficult and also the longest ride. Starting from Padis our first stop is at Varasoaia lake, passing through the Voiosu crest we reach the Britei peak. On our way back we stop by Piatra Arsa (the burnt stone), and as a surprise for the day we can enjoy the Padis Cave before reaching our destination in Padis. It is a 25 km long trail, and the highest peak is 1759 m. Due to the very rocky terrain, it is required to dismount and mount the horses several times, which means that the riders are expected to be in good physical condition.
Day 2 is of medium difficulty and medium length, 18 km. Starting from Padis the riders cross paths with a shepherd’s camp right after which a steep mountain ridge will await in front of us, after the climb, endless meadows brighten our day which will make way for long gallops. A very old shepherd village will be welcoming us along the road, and we will have the opportunity to roam around a little, and visit its famous wooden church. On our way back we will stop at Batrana’s Cavern and ride across more endless meadows back to Padis.
Day 3 is the easiest of all trails, with long nice gallops and a scenic view. Starting from Padis, riding through Padis meadow we will reach the Glavoi valley. In a ponor meadow we will have a short stop, will dismount and walk to a beautiful waterfall at Izbucul Ponor and will visit some natural whirlpools. On our way back to Padis, we will ride through several amazing meadows and forests.
Meals: The meals are based on regional cuisine. Romanian cuisine is a diverse blend of different dishes from several traditions with which it has come into contact, the Turks brought meatballs (perișoare in a meatball soup), from the Greeks there is musaca, from the Austrians there is the șnițel, and the list may be continued. The Romanians have many types of food in common with countries in the Balkan area and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Breakfast: coffee/tea/water, butter, cheese, jam, pastries, ham and eggs, vegetables Lunch: mainly picnic (sandwich, fruits, dried fruits and mixed nuts, chocolate), water/juice/coffee; one lunch will be a hot meal on the third day (soup, goulash, minutes – French fries, barbecue, salads).
Dinner: hot meal – soup, a second course and dessert. A glass of beer/wine/sspirit/fruit juice is also included.
** Dietary preferences should be announced in advance, as well as food allergies or intolerances
Accommodation:
- Accommodation will be provided in individual wooden houses (en suite with double bed).
- The dining area is a large spacious common space, right across the houses, in a close range. The meals will be
served here, lunch will be prepared freshly in the morning, dinners will be hot meals. - The common area is also equipped with a sauna and a smaller swimming pool (inside)
- Wifi and phone signal also available
This tour is recommended for experienced riders in good physical condition, the body weight limit is 85 kg. Riding helmet is mandatory.
Equipment and horses: the equipment consists of traditional tracking saddles and saddlebags. The available horses for the trail ride: Andalusian, Shagya Arabian half bred, Paint horse.
Sunday: transfer to the airport.
The wolves path trail ride
Join Us for a breathtaking tour in the Zaránd Mountains. The Zaránd Mountains, bordered by the Transylvanian Ore Mountains in the east and the Great Hungarian Plain ino the west, rise dramatically from the surrounding lowlands. The terrain is characterized by valleys with winding streams, crisscrossed by forest roads and trails, and covered with hornbeam, oak, and beech trees. Villages and farmsteads nestle in the valleys, radiating a serene, pastoral atmosphere.
Transylvania’s picturesque vistas offer a home to thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences. Come and experience it all on horseback! The Zaránd Mountains are rich in wildlife, including predators like wolves—hence the name of the tour—as well as wild boars, deer, and stags. This star-shaped tour offers a fresh perspective on the mountains each day, requiring participants to have good physical endurance.
Day 4: arrival in Kladova
16:00: Arrival in Kladova.
17:00: Checking into the accommodation.
19:00: Dinner by the campfire, conversation, introductions, and an overview of the adventure ahead.
Day 5:
8:00-9:00: breakfast.
10:00: saddling up at the farm in Kladova, then departure. The first day in Transylvania is spent in untouched wilderness, with the route passing through forests and along mountain ridges. Open pastures provide opportunities for long gallops.
13:00: picnic lunch in nature.
The route covers 20 km, with 5-6 hours of riding. Due to the rocky terrain, participants will dismount and lead their horses at times, which also requiresphysical endurance.
17-18:00: arrival at the accommodation in Magyarád. After a short rest, enjoy a hearty dinner and a campfire conversation about the day’s experiences.
Accommodation: luggage will be transported to the lodging by car.
Day 6:
9:00-10:00: breakfast.
10:00: saddling up and departure. This 15 km route involves riding at all three gaits, with participants dismounting and leading their horses on steeper, rocky sections.
Late Afternoon: lunch at the Világos Castle.
The Világos Castle offers a stunning view of the Great Hungarian Plain and is most beautiful at sunset. Some believe the castle dates back to the 12th century, though it was first mentioned in writing in 1324. Below the castle lies the Szőllősi Meadow, where Görgei, a Hungarian general during the War of Independence (1848-49) surrendered to the Russians.
17:00 -18:00: return to the accommodation site. After a short rest, dinner and a campfire conversation about the day’s experiences.
Day 7:
9:00-10:00: breakfast.
10:00: departure. After preparing the equipment, we leave Magyarád and ride back to Kladova. This final day is the longest, featuring scenic gallops and breath-taking views as we cross the mountain ridge.
13:00: picnic lunch.
The return route to Kladova passes through beautiful meadows and forests, with a short section along an abandoned asphalt road deep in the woods.
18:00: expected arrival at the farm in Kladova.
19:00: dinner and a campfire conversation reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Day 8: departure
On Sunday, participants will depart with the team to the airport (Timișoara) or return to Ópusztaszer.