Horseback Riding Vacations in Hungary

Hungary: The Country of the Plains

The Republic of Hungary, the land of the Magyars, is an eastern European country that is part of the European Union.

It shares borders with 7 European countries, which makes it a strategic place.

Its capital is Budapest and the Danube River, which runs right through the country from north to south along 417 km, divides the city into two neighbourhoods, Buda and Pest.

The other great Hungarian river is the Tisza, which comes from Ukraine and crosses Hungary, paralleling to the Danube.

Several rivers and small lakes dot the landscape. Lake Balaton is located in the western part and it’s the largest lake in Europe, after the great Baltic lakes.

Geography of Hungary

Unlike its neighbouring countries, Hungary is mostly flat. The Hungarian Plain is interrupted at some points by low mountain ranges.

In Hungary, we can differentiate three geographical units:

• The Great Plain: It occupies the southern and eastern parts of the country. It is composed of fluvial sediments and loess deposits from glacial erosion.
• The Little Plain: It covers the north-western part of the country, on the borders with Austria and Slovakia. The terrain ranges from flat to rolling plains, whose height does not exceed 200 meters.
• The Transdanubia region (Dunantul): In this area, there are a series of more or less prominent hills that form the country’s central highland belt, which stretches over 400 km. In the Highlands, in the Mátra Mountains, we can find Hungary’s highest peak – Mount Kékes (1,014 metres above sea level).

As for its climate, Hungary has a continental climate, with hot to temperate summers, and cold winters.

Fauna and Flora

Since Hungary is mostly flat, the natural vegetation includes rough pasture predominately, although in the northern hills and in the Transdanubia region, there are oak, beech, poplar and holm oak forests.

Animal life in Hungary includes the Hungarian Grey Cattle, which are robust, slender and tall, and they descended directly from prehistoric aurochs, Europe’s original wild bovine. There are also other farm animals, such as cows, pigs and sheep.

Birds are abundant throughout the territory, but it is in Lake Balaton where the greatest diversity of both fauna and flora can be found.

Equestrian tourism in Hungary

Hungary has a long equestrian tradition. There is a wide range of horses, riding schools and horse farms.

In Hungary, there are currently more than 200 specialized tourist establishments where you can get started in the art of horseback riding and visit different places in day tours or multiday trips, all combined with other sports activities.

The "Puszta" or Great Hungarian Plain, with its vast grassy steppes – the typical landscape of the Hungarian lowlands – are a true paradise for riders and horses.

The best way to enjoy the natural beauty of Hungary is to visit its national parks and nature reserves. In the Great Hungarian Plain, we find Hortobágy National Park and Kiskunság National Park.

The Kiskunság National Parkprovides a diversified environment for year-round cross-country horseback riding along sandy trails surrounded by scenic hills, forests and lakes and brimming with vegetation, wildlife and birds.

Besides, we can combine horseback riding with its culture and traditions. Discover its Roman ruins and medieval buildings, enjoy its famous hot springs and savour its delicious cuisine.

And if you go there in July, don’t miss the International Equestrian Days in Hortobágy, where you can see equestrian exhibitions and some good examples of local craftwork.

Hungarian horse breeds

Hungarian horses were developed by crossing the country's warmbloods with English or Arabian Thoroughbreds. The Hungarians were originally bred to serve as a light draft and utility horse for cavalry regiments.

• Nonius: It is the oldest warmblood horse breed in Hungary that does not originate from the native Hungarian breed. It is noted for its hardiness and strength. Despite being energetic, the Nonius has a calm temperament and is very kind and willing.
• Warmblood: This horse breed is native to Hungary and is considered one of the most elegant and refined in the World. Besides, these horses possess exceptional stamina and intelligence.
• Kisbér: This breed was developed in Hungary and is a mix of various strong breeds, such as Trakehners, of Arab origin, and Selle, coming from France. Famous for their athletic conditions, which make them suitable for long rides, in trails that can last several days.

Riding holiday operator in Hungary

Ampascachi suggests the provider El Bronco Ranch for your horse routes.

El Bronco Ranch

El Bronco is situated in the beautiful, tranquil surroundings of the Kiskunsági National Park.

The construction of El Bronco Ranch began in 1999. Their goal was to create an ideal location for breeding and training western sport horses (quarter horse, paint horse and appaloosa).

Thanks to long years of protected status of the Park, even the animals inhabiting the area are accustomed to people and you can come close to watch them.

El Bronco Ranch has given home to numerous domestic and international reining competitions.

You will have at your disposal more than 20 high trained horses at their disposal to enjoy the exceptional experience of riding, that is too often the exclusive privilege of only sportsmen and trainers.

Outdoor and indoor tracks and corrals are available to practice reining. While thousands of acres in the Kiskunság National Park provide a diversified environment for cross-country riding all year round.

There are sandy trails among picturesque hills, forests and lakes teeming with vegetation, wildlife and birds.

Their horseback riding programs

• Ranch Stay Program: Basically, our visitors come to this program for several days, which is the most popular among our guests. We ride twice every day.
• Ride to the ancient Maimed Tower: We will ride for 2 hours in the National Park and rest at a calm station where we’ll have lunch. Then, we will ride back, enjoying this incredible natural setting in the company of horses. You will visit the tower and the ruins of a Romanian-style church.
• Horseback riding for several days: They run two horseback tours in the National Park: a 6-day ride and a 3-day ride.

Their horseback riding workshops

• Trail workshop with European champion – Vera Ledneczki: This 3-day course is taught in English by Vera Ledneczki.
• Barrell race course: One of the most popular sports in western is barrell racing. The program takes 3 days.
• Equestrian Archery: During the three-day workshop, you can get acquainted with equestrian archery, gain theoretical and practical knowledge.
• Horsemanship workshops: these 5-day. riding, but also get to know the ethology of horses and learn to communicate with them using different methods.

The first two workshops include a ride in the beautiful sand dunes of Kiskunság National Park.

You can find more information about them on their web site: elbronco.hu.

Hungary is a country with large flat and green terrains where the Danube brings the landscape to life. Its continental climate, with cold winters and summers ranging between temperate and hot temperatures, makes it ideal for horseback riding. Discover its medieval villages, with its cobblestone streets, castles and history.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Europe on horseback?

Europe has a lot to offer you as it has the most varied number of equestrian tourism offers in the world. Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Europe and choose where you’d like to spend your next horse riding holidays.