Great Hungarian Plain

Introduction
Southern Hungary Hungary
Take part in the authentic experience of horsebackriding through the Great Hungarian Plain.

Discovering a country from the back of a horse gives us a special feeling of freedom and helps us see the World from a different perspective. This is an experience that connects us with the past, as we try to follow the nomadic way of life, typical of inhabitants of the region, centuries ago. 

During most of our journey, we ride through the Wilderness, across flora and fauna rich landscapes, covering about 25-35 km each day.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
There are 5 yurts and 8 cabins at our basecamp.

You are accommodated in a yurt. Our Yurts are located in the grazing field of our stud. Our guests can see the starry sky through the open ceiling of the yurts, and can also hear the horses in a nearby field, so they rest in harmony with nature in close proximity with the horses just like our ancestors over 1000 years ago.



Light is provided by oil lanterns and there are no bathrooms. There are shower cabinets with hot and cold running water near the yurts.
The yurts are decorated with carpets and blankets are provided.
Each yurt can accommodate up to 6 people.


Room Occupancy
In case we are unable to find a roommate for a solo traveler, then the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

During our daily ride, we usually have a picnic lunch.
Dinner often features Hungarian specialties, eaten at the accommodation or at a local restaurant.

Meals are taken in the large communal yurt.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

This tour caters to strong intermediate riders and above who are comfortable at a moderate pace (many trots and short canters). We cover about 15-20 km each day.
Being able to keep the rising position in gallop and trot even in long distances is a basic requirement.



Tack
We use custom-made Hungarian-style saddles, modernized for today’s riding needs and horses. They are extremely safe and comfortable.
The structure of our saddles is based on a historical Hungarian saddle, the “Tiszafüred saddle”. During a course of several decades of development and continuous testing the design of the saddle has been adjusted to modern requirements thus ensuring the comfort of horses and the safety and convenience of riders. Our saddles continues to preserve the heritage of old Hungarian saddles, which is reflected in materials and design.

We provide a bottle holder with each saddle. If you want to bring snacks and other personal small object, we suggest you bring a waist bag.
Please, note that saddle bags are not allowed on this trip. Your luggage will be transported in our support vehicle.



Horses
The Akhal Teke is a breed that ancient Magyars rode during the conquest of the land of Hungary. This horse is renowned for its comfortable pace and endurance.

Akhal Tekes are light weight with an elongated body structure and sportive appearance. The breed features various hues of dun and peculiar metallic glitter.
It is an intelligent, dynamic and sensitive breed.

As a result of its geographical origin, the breed has great endurance. Since it is a desert breed, it is capable of covering long distances even in extreme conditions.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After your transfer from the airport, you have some time to settle in your yurt.
Tonight, dinner is served between 6 and 7 pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 2 (Monday): Introduction Ride & Stud Visit
Breakfast is served at 8.am. Then, we meet the horses, and aim to be in the saddle at about 9 a.m. We will do a test ride in the arena, for riding skill assessment and to make sure horse and riders are well matched.
Then, we go for a short ride in the surrounding area, getting back to the yurt camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon visit to the stud by Steppe-Train. You will be transported by wagon(s) towed by a tractor (like a train) to visit the Akhal-Teke Stud.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 3 (Tuesday): Turul Statue Ride
We start riding at about 9 am. We will stop for our picnic lunch at the Turul Statue which commemorates the Hungarian conquest. The Turul (the perregrine falcon) is an important player in the sagas of the Magyars. The statue commemorates the Hungarian Invasion of the Carpathian Basin. Then, we will ride back to our yurt camp (total of 3 hours riding approximately).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 4 (Wednesday): Riding to the Communian mounds
This morning, we ride to the Cummunian mounds. These mounds served as burrial grounds for various peoples of the steppes for over 2000 years. The 1,600 mounds discovered in the Great Hungarian Plain represent only a fraction of all the steppe mounds.
During our ride, we cross meadows, surrounded by reeds and oak forests. In the plains, we will discover the rich flora of the region.
After our visit (with lunch break) of the Cummunian mounds, we head back to the yurt camp, where dinner is waiting for us.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 5 (Thursday): Cattle Ride & Memorial Park Visit
After breakfast, we ride to the winter feeding grounds of our grey cattle herd. Our cattle lives in a 1,200 hectare meadow. From there, riders can catch a glimpse of the local protected fauna, such as the water buffalos.
This landscape is an incredible reflection of the great steppes.
In the afternoon, we visit the Feszty Panorama Picture in the National Historical Memorial Park. The painting depicts the ancient Hungarian Invasion of the Carpathian Basin.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yurts near Ópusztaszer

Day 6 (Friday): Forest Ride
Today, we ride to 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. 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 here temporarily.
Dinner is served between 6-7 p. m. at the yurt camp

Rates and Dates for Great Hungarian Plain

Dates Note: Custom dates available on request depending on availability - please inquire

Other Info
Meeting: Ópusztaszer
Airport: Budapest Ferihegy airport
Transfer: Budapest airport or Kistelek train station

Climate:
                                                    Sinj area