Romania

Riding: 4 to 6 hours riding a day

Horses: Huzul mountain horses, Lipizzaner crosses and other local breeds.

Pace: moderate/slow due to terrain but chance for some good canters on most days.

Riding ability: intermediate and above.

Weight limit: 90 kg (14st 2lbs).

Accommodation: 2* / 3* hotels, rural guest houses and hunting lodge.

Group size: max 8

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The horses are locally bred ponies along with Arab and Lipizzaner crosses. Their breeding includes Huzul, unique to the Carpathian mountains, and some locally bred Lipizzaners and Arabs. They range from around 14.2hh to 16.2hh. They are keen and spirited, adaptable and well suited to the going. They are also of calm temperament and sensible to handle.

This is a trip for those wishing to experience Romania's unspoilt countryside and unique culture. Rides are normally limited to a maximum of 8 guests.

Hours: There is usually between 3 and 6 hours riding a day, broken up with rest stops and a break for lunch.

Pace and experience required: These rides are for intermediate riders and above. The horses are spirited but well behaved. The pace is moderate overall and there are good chances for trots and canters every day.

Accommodation on the ride is quite varied and you will experience the life the locals live in the villages as well as the privacy of Ceausescu’s hunting lodge. Rural guesthouses in villages are roughly equivalent to British ‘B&Bs’ and you are staying with a family. They are simple but clean and well maintained, with inside plumbing, bathrooms and loos, hot water and central heating. Bathrooms are often shared and may be along the corridor or through the kitchen. Most bathrooms have showers rather than tubs but are clean with plenty of hot water. Ceaucescu’s hunting lodge is set in the forest far from any village and has double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. The first and last nights are usually spent at Miklosvar in houses which your host, Tibor, has restored with great care and attention to detail. Each room is different with lovely antique furniture and woodburning stoves typical of the region. Rooms are twin bedded and if you would like a single room then this is sometimes possible although cannot be guaranteed.

The meeting point for the rides is Bucharest airport. Romanian Airlines (Tarom) or British Airways both fly daily direct from London Heathrow to Bucharest with fares from around £300 per person return including tax.

Itinerary in Brief