3 days riding holiday

Curious what awaits you?

Here is a small glimpse into your riding escape in the Romanian Carpathians:

Day 1 – Arrival & Immersion

After your individual arrival in Gheorgheni, your adventure begins: in our off-road vehicle, we take you up to our Hipparion trail riding base, secluded in the wild mountain landscape of the Eastern Carpathians. Along the way, we may already spot deer, capercaillie – or, with a bit of luck, even a bear.

Once you arrive, a sense of warmth and comfort awaits you: our wood-fired hot tub, filled with warm saltwater, invites you to relax for the first time.

After getting to know the horses and settling into your cozy rooms, you will be treated to a traditional Szekler dinner prepared by our cook Brigitta, served in our rustic log cabin.

Day 2- The start of an exciting holiday

We start the day with a sumptuous, local breakfast. At the buffet in the rustic log cabin you will find homemade eggplant cream, homemade jams, Romanian Zakusca, sausage from our own beef and cheese from the dairy. And of course the fresh eggs from the farm chickens are a must.

Full and full of energy, we look for the horses in the pasture. After everyone has found their hoofed partner for the week, we clean and saddle the horses and set off; Today we climb the main ridge of the Carpathians.

Meter by meter it goes uphill and the view gets better and better!

Once at the top of “Lo Havas” we take a lunch break and enjoy our picnic on a high mountain pasture over which sheep and cows migrate in summer.

We continue directly on the main ridge to the summit of “Csofronka”, from where we move back towards Hipparion Ranch. 

We lead the horses downhill and sit up again at a bear station in the valley.

The last part of today’s route takes us along a romantic forest path, with a small mountain stream repeatedly crossing our path.

This route is at its most beautiful in the afternoon, when the lower sun conjures up a wonderful play of light and shadow in the small mixed forest.

After taking care of the horses, the sauna and hot pot are ready to pamper you.

Today’s riding time: about 5 hours

Day 3 – A Morning Ballad on Horseback

Before sunrise, we saddle our horses. Today, we will show you our mountains as an ordinary tourist would never experience them. Before the day begins and the “human world” awakens, the forest still whispers the secrets of the night.

The special part:

The first part of our approximately 5-hour ride is spent in silence – listening only to the footsteps of our horses and the sounds of nature around us. You will be amazed at how your awareness shifts to entirely new things. Is that a herd of deer standing in the misty clearing? Or perhaps even a mother bear with her cubs?

After a gallop through dew-covered spruce forests, we reach a high plateau. From here, weather permitting, we enjoy magical views over the sleeping world below and the main ridge of the Carpathians.

Then it becomes more adventurous: along a hidden forest path, we follow the tracks of bears and deer through an old, creaking spruce forest. Our ponies carry us safely over fallen trees, and after about 2.5 hours of riding, we reach the summit of “Großer Sipos” at 1,568 meters.

Here we take a break and enjoy a delicious picnic while the horses graze around us.

The return route leads us down through forest trails into the valley of Covacipeter. One final, lively gallop brings us back to the ranch around midday.

After a long siesta with coffee and cake, the evening is once again dedicated to relaxation – and of course, we look forward to the delicious dishes Brigitta prepares for us in the Hipparion kitchen.

Riding time: approx. 5.5 hours

Day 4 – Reaching the Summit

Today, the highlight of the riding week awaits: we climb the summit of “Großlauch” at 1,800 meters.

A long riding day lies ahead, so after a quick breakfast, we set off early. First, we lead our horses downhill into the valley, where we stop at a small stream to let them drink.

From there, we continue uphill along rocky mountain paths to the cliffs of the “Red Stone,” entering the Hășmaș National Park. On a high alpine pasture, we take a lunch break and regain strength – both riders and horses – for the final ascent.

Back in the saddle, our Carpathian ponies carry us toward the high pastures of the “White Meadow,” named for its countless white limestone rocks. Surrounded by the protected landscape of the national park, this place offers a truly unique mountain setting.

During the summer months, shepherds and cattle herders move across these vast, untouched landscapes. With a bit of luck, we may even encounter the semi-wild Csángó horse herd that roams these high pastures.

The soft meadows invite us to enjoy another refreshing gallop before we continue climbing toward the summit at around 1,800 meters. Following hidden mountain paths used by sheep and goats, we ascend step by step. The spruce trees become increasingly sparse as we approach the tree line.

Then, suddenly, the forest ends – and a breathtaking panorama opens up before us. The villages of the Csík Basin lie far below, and on clear days, we can even see the distant peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains.

At this altitude, we take a well-deserved extended break.

On our way back, we first lead the horses downhill onto the “White Meadow.” After mounting again, we gallop toward a spring where the horses can drink and we refill our water bottles with fresh mountain water.

Across the high pastures of “Tunseria,” we make our way back home. Before reaching the valley, we once again lead the horses downhill. For the final stretch, the horses give their all – they, too, know that the home stable is close.

Through winding forest paths, we soon reach the farm gate.

After unsaddling and caring for the horses, it’s time to rest and relax your muscles in the hot tub or sauna. In the evening, we gather again for a shared meal in the log cabin.

Riding time: approx. 8 hours

Day 5 – Departure

Even the most beautiful riding adventure comes to an end.

After breakfast, our off-road vehicle takes you safely back down to Gheorgheni. It is time to say goodbye – to the horses, the mountains, and an unforgettable experience.

But it doesn’t have to be a final farewell – at Hipparion Romania, new adventures are always waiting for you.

Requirements

You should be confident in all gaits (walk, trot, and canter) and have a good basic level of fitness.

In some sections, horses must be led downhill.

Accompanying Non-Riders

This program is also well suited for accompanying non-riders, as there is still plenty of time to spend together with the riding members of the group.

What to Bring

Good trekking shoes (possibly insulated) and warm clothing.

A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Important Notes

•Vegan meals are available upon request.

•In exceptional cases, gluten-free or lactose-free meals can be arranged. Please note that in such cases, meals may be offered in a simpler form.

•Please discuss any dietary requirements with us in advance.