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Hungary's well known tradition of horses and horsemanship is reflected in
these rides which are an excellent choice for experienced riders who
enjoy fast riding on top quality Kisbér horses. The Kisbér horse is one
of the oldest of the European breeds with a rich heritage of service to
mankind and they are often referred to as "The Heavenly Horses" for
their tremendous willingness and heart. With hardly a single fence or
man-made obstacle to cross on the way, the going on all rides is
excellent. Four rides are organized by one of the country's top
breeders, Janos Loskas, and many of the horses used are trained to event
to an international level.
The ‘Great Plains Ride’ takes place in the Puszta in the vast
open northern great plains. This extensive grassy plain is famous for
its horses, cattle, and of course its herders. 70,000-acre Hortobágy
National Park was founded in 1973 in order to preserve rare birds,
special plant communities, and extinguishing ancient Hungarian domestic
animals. Herds of gray cattle, Hungarian sheep, and oxen which used to
populate the Puszta can graze here undisturbed.
 PG-JAHO
Rates include lodging and meals, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights $ 2,395
Single+ $350
-- based on €
1685 / € 245
2008 Dates:
05/17-05/24 05/24-05/31
08/23-08/30
08/30-09/06 09/20-09/27 09/27-10/04
see availability
Meeting: Budapest
Airport: Budapest
Transfer: Included from Budapest airport early
afternoon on Day 1
Level:
Strong
Intermediate+
Tack:
English
trekking
Horses:
Purebred Kisbéri
Pace : Trots, canters and gallops
Min/Max Riders: 6-12
Note : Max weight 85 kg .. 185 lbs
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Budapest to Tiszafüred. Dinner and night at
the hotel on the banks of the Tisza River.
Day 2: Set off riding along the river Theiss with its spectacular
waterfowl. Overnight as on day one.
Day 3: Mount up and ride east, towards the centre of the great
plains and the town of Hortobagy. Dinner at a restaurant and night at
the Mata Club Hotel.
Day 4: A morning ride in the 'Puszta', the plains surrounding
Hortobagy, with a chance to see some of the local breeds of cattle,
sheep and horses peculiar to this region. A traditional dinner of 'slambuc'.
Night at the Mata Club Hotel.
Day 5: Breakfast and a full day ride across the open plains,
riding north to Bodonhat with a picnic lunch en-route. Leave the horses
and drive back to Hortobagy for dinner and night.
Day 6: Drive to meet the horses again and set off, riding north
again, crossing the Tisza River after lunch. Dinner and night at
Taktaharkány Riding Inn.
Day 7: The final days ride, close to the Tisza River. The hills
of Tokaj are visible ahead and there is a chance for a last long canter
across the plains. Leave the horses and drive to Tokaj. A visit to a
wine cellar before dinner and night in a hotel in the town.
Day 8: Departure to Budapest.
Accommodation
Rides include a variety of accommodation, mostly in modern hotels but
sometimes in private guesthouses, converted manor house and castles.
Generally the rooms have en-suite facilities, though sometimes bathrooms
are shared between two rooms and you do need to be prepared for this on
some nights.
Horses
The horses used are pure Kisberi, bred at the stud belonging to Janos
Loskas who leads the rides. A noble elegant horse bred for the cavalry
officers (Hussars) during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, the Kisberi
breed achieves excellent results in all fields of equestrian sports
(show jumping, dressage, cross country and endurance) and almost all the
horses ridden are trained to event with several having qualified at an
international level. Most are between about 16hh and 17hh and all an
intelligent, responsive, forward going and thoroughly enjoyable ride.
Riding Hours: The rides include an average of
4 to 6 hours riding a day and are lead by Janos. You are expected to
ride English style and to keep up and together with the group, both
stopping and moving on when requested. You also need to be quite fit as
the riding is quite strenuous, often in an endurance style.
Pace and experience required: The pace of all
itineraries is moderate to fast with good opportunities for long canters
and during the 4 to 6 hours riding each day you are likely to cover 40
to 50 kilometres (about 30 miles). The rides are aimed at the
experienced English style rider and you should be well balanced,
comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled
horse outside at all paces. Riders are encouraged to use a ''forward
seat'' position at the canter with little lower leg contact. This means
that a good independent seat and balance are very important.
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