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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Romania
Intro to Romania
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 ArgentinaAlbania Hungary Bulgaria Slovenia
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Across Szekler & Saxon Land in Transylvania
Transylvania
Romania
A Place of Great History & Myth...
Transylvania is a place of great history and myth, which lends to the region a mysterious allure that attracts adventurous travelers and horseback riders from around the world. It is a land comprised of stunning natural phenomena combined with intriguing villages of ancient origin, hidden deep in its sloping valleys and impressive mountains. Transylvania’s landscape varies from the great river basins of Somes, Olt and Mures, to majestic stretches of vast plains (great for canters!), and of course the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. It is a paradise of discovery from the back of a horse, a chance to see the country from a vantage point reserved only for those who are willing to pass without vehicle. The local equestrian centre was established in 1995 with the aim to enable all
people who love nature and horses to learn about the wonderful world of
Transylvania: about the hidden secrets in the shadows of the mountains,
about its culture, natural beauty and rural lifestyle of the common people. We cross trails in all three major territories under the rule of Transylvania: The Sezkler Land, Csangoland and Saxon Land.
The Castle to Hut itinerary crosses the Szekler Land. It is named for the Hungarian speaking Szekely people who first inhabited the valleys and hills of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and whom defended the Kingdom of Hungary; they were considered the finest warriors of Medieval times in Transylvania and the area is rich in folklore tradition.
The Csangoland itinerary introduces to riders a region that is encompassed by the Roman Catholic Csango people who are known to be somewhat elusive in nature. There has been a long history of disputes between the Romanians and the Hungarians in regards to the population’s exact origin and ethnic heritage. Their curious and ancient Csango dialect is still spoken today, but more often it is being faded out by the Romanian language.
On the Saxon Land itinerary we cover the territorial reaches of historical German colonization within Transylvania dating back to the 12th century. They were often considered the privileged and elite of Transylvania’s past and still share dual citizenship with their motherland.
On the Salt Way itinerary we follow the "route of the salt" over the Snowy Mountains (Havasok). These were the trails on which the Romanian's predecessors carried salt from the mines of Parajd on ox wagons to the Maros River, where it was loaded onto rafts and delivered to faraway cities. We will travel one part of the salt mine route on our riding tour while discovering the hidden Szekler farming villages and several "Esztena”s.
Itineraries Available
A. From Castle to Hut
B. Saxon Land
C. The Salt Way in the Mountains
D. Csango Land
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Progressive Ride (no camping)
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Gheorghieni
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Airport:
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Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest
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Transfer:
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Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include:
Accommodations, all meals, riding days according to itinerary, all camping equipment for tenting days
A Castle to Hut - 5 riding days, no camping
B Saxon Land - 5 riding days, no camping
C The Salt Route - 6 riding days, 2 nights camping
D Csango Land - 6 riding days, 1 night camping
| | 2013 | 8 day ride, AP-Csango Land- | 8d / 7n | €0 | $0 |
| | 2013 | 8 day ride, AP- Salt Way- | 8d / 7n | €0 | $0 |
| A | 2013 | 8 day ride, AP- Castle to Hut- 5 riding days | 8d / 7n | €0 | $0 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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transfer is inlcuded from Gheorghiieni train station
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€
0
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$0
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2013
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Transfer from Bucharest at 10 AM- drop off 1 PM: each way per group (1-4)
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€
150
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$195
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2013
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Transfer from Cluj-Napoca at 2 PM- drop off 9 AM: each way per group (1-4)
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€
110
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$143
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Transfers are available from Bucharest at set times (6 hrs one way). You can also take the train from Bucharest Keleti at 6:40 am (Gara de Nord) to Gheorgheni and we will pick you up from there
Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages (other than with meals), Gratuities
A. From Castle to Hut
B. Saxon Land
C.
The Salt Way in the Mountains
D. Csango Land
A. From Castle to Hut (Szekler Land)
Day 1 – Bucharest (or Cluj) to Gheorgheni and Kovacs Peter
We will meet you at the airport off your flight and transfer you by car to Gheorgheni and the riding centre. Meet and greet, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Kovacs Peter to Lazareni
Our first day of horseback riding. We will descend via Kovacs Peter into the Giugeu Basin and ride the north side on to Lazarea to find our night’s accommodation. Once we are settled, we will go to visit Lazar Castle, one of the finest examples of the Renaissance Transylvania’s architecture and a special dwelling of the aristocracy during the 17th century.
Day 3 – Lazareni to Remetea
Last photo opportunities with the castle, then we ride away from Lazaea and onwards through the Giugeu Basin. Along the way, we will find the water mills of the Valley of Sineu. Eventually we will arrive to Remetea and our cozy lakeside cottage at the base of the Gurghui Mountains.
Day 4 – Remetea to Borzont
Today, on the way to Borzont, we will find vast snow covered pastures where we will have long and adrenaline filled gallops! This will be an exciting, yet tiring ride for both horses and riders. We will be happy to rest when we arrive to the rustic pension accommodations that await us in town.
Day 5 – Borzont to Sugau Cave
Departing Borzont, we ride the Fenek moorlands and the Heveder Valley on our way to the exquisite Sugau Cave. The cave was formed 65 million years ago! It was the result of the folding of the Earth’s surface due to movement below during the Paleocene Period. Overnight in a mountain hut nearby the prehistoric cave.
Day 6 – Sugau Cave to Kovacs Peter
From Sugau we climb the Borzoka Pass with amazing views of Harghita and the Guruhiu Mountains. When we get to 1568 m’s and the Sipos Pass we will see Black Mountain, where from the River Mures flows. Then we ride onto the Olt river and basin, passing farms of Csango people on our way back to the farm at Kovacs Peter.
Day 7 – Kovacs Peter w/ Visit to Red Lake
No horseback riding today, we are going by car to Red Lake and Bicazuli Pass of the Carpathian Mountains. The 5km gorge is the longest and most beautiful pass within the Eastern Carpathians. There are three parts, Hell’s Gate, Hell’s Porch and Hell’s Throat, and it is home to the Altar Stone. We will find Red Lake 983m’s above sea level. The lake was created due to a mountain rock slide, and legend dictates that a flock of sheep and their Sheppard perished beneath the debris. That summer Red Lake formed within the structural devastation from the rock slide.
Day 8 – Kovacs Peter to Bucharest (or Cluj)
Say our goodbyes to horses and friends, then transfer back to the airport of your choice!
B. Saxon Land
Day 1 – Bucharest (or Cluj) to Cris
Arrive to the Bucharest airport and we transfer you to the village of Cris (Keresd) along the banks of the Keresd stream. We visit the renaissance style Bethlen castle which was built sometime before the 1400’s.
Day 2 – Cris to Dealul Frumos
Today we meet the horses and saddle up for a ride to Lesses / Dealu Frumos. We will visit a Lutheran fortress church that resembles a Romanesque basilica. We can also visit the Wagner House next door to the church.
Day 3 – Dealul Frumos to Barcut
We horseback ride to Báránykút/Bărcuţ and within 2 kms of the Hortobágy river. The name of this little Saxon village derives from the local spring.
Day 4 – Barcut to Viscri
From Bărcuţ we continue on by horse to Viscri / Viszkri which is surrounded by lush meadows and wild forests of oak and beech trees. Here we will find a UNESCO protected church that underwent restoration in the 70’s to return to its original magnificence.
Day 5 – Viscri to Apold
Onwards we ride to the village of Apold, part of the Apold commune of Mures County. The commune is also comprised of the villages of Vulcan, Daia and Saes. In Apold we will discover a gothic style Saxon Lutheran Church.
Day 6 – Apold to Cris
A scenic trail riding day as we return to Cris.
Day 7 – Cris to Segesvár/Sighişoara to Cris
On our last full day of the tour, we will work on enriching ourselves with cultural knowledge with a visit to Segesvár/Sighişoara by car. Found at the meeting point of the Segesd stream and the Nagy-Küküllő River,this is the historic centre of the Saxon lands and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many enthralling attractions for tourists here, for example, the 13th century castle church of St Michael and a house once owned by Vlad Tepes (Dracula). We drive back to Cris for last overnight.
Day 8 – Cris to Bucharest (or Cluj)
After breakfast our tour ends with a transfer back to Bucharest airport.
C. The Salt Way in the Mountains
Day 1 – Bucharest (or Cluj) to Gheorgheni and Kovacs Peter
We will meet you at the Bucharest airport (or Cluj) and transfer you by car to Gheorgheni and the riding centre. Meet and greet, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Kovacs Peter to Fekete Rez
After breakfast we will decide our mounts for the trek and learn proper packing and preparation of the string of pack horses. We saddle up and we head away from the farm at Kovacs Peter to the River Olt where we will take a break to rest and water our horses. We then ride a steep ascent up Sóvető the snow covered mountain (havasok) until we reach the mountain of Sipos, where we will break for lunch at its peak (1568m). At the peak we will have good views of North Harghita. Then we descend along the Lok ridge on a wild path that will deliver us to Fekete Rez’s puszta where we will camp tonight nearby the esztena (pastoral quarters).
Day 3 – Fekete Rex to Ordog Lake
We depart the puszta and descent further to Marosfo where we will ride through the Maros / Mures River and then onward into the mountains surrounding Harghita. We will first ride the peak of Csik Magasa (1153m) and then rise again to Osztoros (1384m). Our break on the trail today will be in a special spot where the basin of Gyergyó and the mountains of Görgényi will be to our right and the Csiki basin and snowy Csiki mountains to our left. Afterward, we continue on horseback again to Ölyves peak and turn towards the major ridge of Harghita. We will ride a natural wind-cut path as we descend to the camp near Ördög Lake where we will enjoy bubbling Romanian stew after we take a short walk to the swamp lake.
Day 4 – Ordog Lake to Ivo
Leaving camp, we ride through the wild forests of Harghita. Here we often find the tracks of bears and the peeled trees they leave behind. Riding up to Fertő peak (1589m) we will revel in the beautiful views of the imposing rocks of Nagy Hagymás. Then we descend again through the vast pasture of Fertő and into the valley and stream of Ivo. We stay tonight nearby the Panzio of Tündérkert in Irigyvesz.
Day 5 – Ivo to Praid to Ivo
No riding today, instead we go by car to the Praid salt mine and explore around Corund, a little paradise of pottery craft. The horses enjoy their well deserved break and will be refreshed for tomorrow!
Day 6 – Ivo to Szekelyvarsag
We bid goodbye to our kind hosts in Ivo and head for the plateau of Harghita where we can enjoy some exciting gallops! At the edge of the plateau, we will see a glimpse of the Zetelaki reservoir. Crossing the Sikaszó stream, we will find ourselves in the southern part of the Görgényi Snowy Mountains and ancient pine forest as we enter the farming world of Székelyvárság.
Day 7 – Szekelyvarsag to Putna
We start the day with a 1 km hike to the Grave of Uz Bence. Then we saddle up again and explore the entirety of the Szekelyvarsag village and pastureland by horseback. When we have made a full tour of the area we will find the salt mine paths that will lead us to Putna and the little house on the meadow where we shall stay tonight.
Day 8 – Putna to Kovacs Peter
Today we will navigate a labyrinth of streams as we head toward the Gyergyo basin. We will have a chance again to enjoy some short and fast gallops when the terrain permits along the way to the Maros/Mures River. This was the final destination of the salt from the mines, before loading on river vessels. The horses will drink from the river while we all cool off on a quick break before picking up the pace again for another great gallop through the river basin and back toward the mountains. We climb, homeward bound, for Peter Kovacs and the home base farm.
Day 9 – Kovacs Peter to Bucharest (or Cluj)
We say our goodbyes to the horses, new friends and the beautiful Szekely region. Transfer back to Bucharest or Cluj.
D. Csango Land
Day 1: Arrival at either Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca airports. From here we shall continue our way by car to Gyergyószentmiklós [Gheorgheni], and from here to Kovács Péter's horse farm. This is where we will have dinner, as well as discuss the questions and rules regarding the tour.
KOVACS PETER- SÂNDOMINIC
Day 2: We will climb the Olt Bükk, stopping also at the spring of the Olt river. From here our journey continues downwards until reaching Csíkszentdomokos [Sândominic].
SÂNDOMINIC- FĂGEȚEL
Day 3: We will depart along the Hivak stream, and after a short uphill climb we will reach the main ridge of the Csíki-havasok [Munţii Ciucului] mountains. From here we shall continue our way through a field covered with pastures and meadows until reaching Bükkloka [Făgeţel].
FĂGEȚEL- BOROSPATAK
Day 4: We will reach the Gyimesi-havasok [Munţii Ghimeș] where we will have the chance to take a glimpse into the world of authentic "csángó kalibázás" [kaliba=csango hut]. Leaving behind the kaliba's we will arrive to a Csango village. This is where we will spend the night, more precisely in a typical Csango house.
GHIMES
Day 5: We will take a look into the culture of the Csango people.
BOROSPATAKA- NASKALAT
Day 6: Wandering through the Csango countryside, we will arrive back to the main ridge and pull up a camp on the side of Naskalat.
NASKALAT- PIATRA UNICĂ
Day 7: We will be hiking on an authentic mountainous terrain and will stop by the rest-house of Egyeskő [Piatra Unică]. Here we will have the chance to practise some rock-climbing.
PIATRA UNICĂ- KOVACS PETER
Day 8: We will depart on alpine meadows, during the ride we might come across several dolinas ‒ small or big holes on the plateau of the limestone mountains -, as well as "lake-eyes". If we are lucky along the way, we might ride along with a half-wild Csango stud as well.
KOVACS PETER- BUCHAREST or CLUJ
Day 9: This is when our journey ends. We will say goodbye to the Sekler an Csango countryside and head to either Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca airports.
Meeting:
Gheorghieni
Airport:
Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest
Train station:
Gheorgheni
Transfer:
Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest
Distance:
130 / 200 miles
Transfers are available from Bucharest at set times (6 hrs one way). You can also take the train from Bucharest Keleti at 6:40 am (Gara de Nord) to Gheorgheni and we will pick you up from there
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Tack:
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English trekking
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Horses:
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Szekler Horse, Lipizzan cross
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Pace:
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Moderate pace with 4 to 6 hrs in the saddle per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
230 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
8 riders
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A. Castle to Hut (3 to 8 riders)
- 7 nights - no camping, 5 riding days, 4 hrs a day
B. Saxon Land (4 to 8 riders)
- 7 nights - no camping, 5 riding days, 4 hrs a day
C. The Salt Way (3 to 8 riders)
- 8 nights with 2 nights camping, 6 riding days, 5-6 hrs a day
D. Csango Land (3 to 8 riders)
- 8 nights with 1 night camping, 6 riding days, 5-6 hrs a day
Horses and Equipment
The horses are mostly Szekler horses and Lipizzan half breeds. At a very young age they already learn how to proceed securely on broken, slippery and rocky land since they take part on the tours following their mothers. The studs are kept on the pasture, so their nervous system is stable and calm and they are glad to fulfill their daily tasks.
They train their horses at an age of 4-5 years and mostly all of them can be used under saddle or as pack-horse and as coach horses. Their withers are between 1,40 m and 1,70 m, so all weights can find an adequate tour companion.
The saddles are English type tour saddles and modified army saddles. In addition they have their own designed front and rear pack-belts’ saddlebags.
The saddlebags and the belonging baskets and bags were modified according to their experiments to enable the pack-horses to follow the team even at a canter.
Tour Leader, Csaba Gall:
His love towards mountains, horses and riding tour started in his childhood. When he was 4 years old he had the luck to persuade his grandfather to take him to the snow-covered mountains (havasok) on a family event.
The first dawn on the wagon made him fall in love with the mountains. As a consequence he became constant companion of his grandfather and slowly became familiar with the surroundings of the snow-covered mountains and he made friendship wit the horses as well from an early age.
After foreign experiences and studies he started his own enterprise and his commitment towards nature and horses became even bigger. He feels most at home when he can be close to horses and nature; his is guided by the basic rules learnt from his grandfather, to respect horses and nature, since only then can you work in harmony with them.
As his grandfather always said: human kind has to learn continuously and develop to be able to keep pace with the rushing, developing world.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Not required by all natio. more
Romania has a temperate climate with four distinct
seasons. Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, making May and June,
and September and October the best months to visit. Summers are hot from
July to August and winters are harsh and very cold between December and
March, with snow falling throughout most of the country. Spring and
summer are the wettest seasons, but rain can be expected throughout the
year.
A continental climate ensures that Bucharest experiences hot, dry
summers and cold winters when temperatures often drop well below
freezing. The city lies on the Romanian Plain, and this brings chilly
winter winds. Summer temperatures are usually pleasantly warm with
occasional heat waves, and humidity is low, but there can be occasional
rainstorms. The rainiest seasons in Bucharest are spring and autumn.
We
recommend you bring your own helmet if possible for this ride.
All camping gear for your one or two
camping overnight is provided, including plates, knives, forks, spoons
and cups and glasses, sleeping bags and mats.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding breeches |
| High riding boots |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sleeping Bag |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
Sun tan lotion and lip balm
Hair dryer - none available at accommodations!
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Overnights are in guesthouses, small inns and a few nights are camping in tents on 2 of the itineraries. Overall the accommodations are rustic in remote locals with true immersion into the local culture. Single rooms are not available. Bathroom facilities are on a share basis.
We provide delicious local cuisine meals throughout the ride.
(Camping nights as designated)
per individual itinerary will use the following gear:
Tent: “the Quechua 2 second tent” for 2 persons (2.10 x 1.40 m). approx. one year old.
Sleeping bag: “Quechua” (-5°C) in good condition. approx. one year old.
Sleeping mat: “Quechua” air mattress (5 cm x 200 cm x 80 cm). approx. one year old.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English trekking
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Horses:
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Szekler Horse, Lipizzan cross
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Pace:
|
|
Moderate pace with 4 to 6 hrs in the saddle per riding day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
14
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
230 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
8 riders
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A. Castle to Hut (3 to 8 riders)
- 7 nights - no camping, 5 riding days, 4 hrs a day
B. Saxon Land (4 to 8 riders)
- 7 nights - no camping, 5 riding days, 4 hrs a day
C. The Salt Way (3 to 8 riders)
- 8 nights with 2 nights camping, 6 riding days, 5-6 hrs a day
D. Csango Land (3 to 8 riders)
- 8 nights with 1 night camping, 6 riding days, 5-6 hrs a day
Horses and Equipment
The horses are mostly Szekler horses and Lipizzan half breeds. At a very young age they already learn how to proceed securely on broken, slippery and rocky land since they take part on the tours following their mothers. The studs are kept on the pasture, so their nervous system is stable and calm and they are glad to fulfill their daily tasks.
They train their horses at an age of 4-5 years and mostly all of them can be used under saddle or as pack-horse and as coach horses. Their withers are between 1,40 m and 1,70 m, so all weights can find an adequate tour companion.
The saddles are English type tour saddles and modified army saddles. In addition they have their own designed front and rear pack-belts’ saddlebags.
The saddlebags and the belonging baskets and bags were modified according to their experiments to enable the pack-horses to follow the team even at a canter.
Tour Leader, Csaba Gall:
His love towards mountains, horses and riding tour started in his childhood. When he was 4 years old he had the luck to persuade his grandfather to take him to the snow-covered mountains (havasok) on a family event.
The first dawn on the wagon made him fall in love with the mountains. As a consequence he became constant companion of his grandfather and slowly became familiar with the surroundings of the snow-covered mountains and he made friendship wit the horses as well from an early age.
After foreign experiences and studies he started his own enterprise and his commitment towards nature and horses became even bigger. He feels most at home when he can be close to horses and nature; his is guided by the basic rules learnt from his grandfather, to respect horses and nature, since only then can you work in harmony with them.
As his grandfather always said: human kind has to learn continuously and develop to be able to keep pace with the rushing, developing world.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following lengths of visit:
(a) nationals of EU countries for a three-month period (those intending to stay for a longer period than three months must apply for a registration certificate issued by the Romanian Authority for Aliens);
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for touristic stays of up to three months.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Across Szekler & Saxon Land in Transylvania
Tour Code:
IT-RORT02
8 days /
7 nights
~$0.00
Dates :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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