Great Plains Puszta

Introduction
Hungary Hungary

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 heart and willingness. With hardly a single fence or man-made obstacle along the way, the going is excellent for horseback riding. Four rides are organized by one of the country's top breeders, Janos Loskas, and many of the horses used are trained to event at an international level. 
The ‘Great Plains Ride’ takes place in the Puszta in the vast open great plains of the North. This extensive grassy plain is famous for its horses, cattle, and of course the herders. 70,000-acre Hortobágy National Park was founded in 1973 in order to preserve rare breeds of bird, special plant communities, and extinguishing ancient Hungarian domestic animals. The herds of gray cattle, Hungarian sheep and oxen which used to populate the Puszta, can graze here undisturbed.

Accomodation

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.

Riding

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.

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.
subject to change

Rates and Dates for Great Plains Puszta

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Budapest
Airport: Budapest
Transfer: Included from Budapest airport early afternoon on Day 1

Climate:

Hungary has a temperate continental climate with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Depending on the location, winters can be cold, cloudy and damp or windy, the summers warm and sometimes very hot. May, June and November are the rainiest months, although more rain usually falls in the west and Southwest than in the east. The number of hours of sunshine a year varies between 1900 and 2500 – among the highest in Europe. From April to the end of September, you can expect the sun to shine for about 10 hours a day. July is the hottest month (average temperature 23.2° C) and January the coldest (-1.3° C). The average annual temperature is 11° C.