Short week of riding

1st day:

After your arrival in Gheorgheni, we will take you on an adventurous off-road ride: In our van we will take you to our Hipparion Ranch, which is remotely located in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. With a little luck we might spot a deer, a capercaillie bird or even a bear. Once you have arrived on our ranch, you can unwind after your long journey by immersing yourself in the warm salt water of our Hot Pot. After having familiarized yourself with our horses and moving into your room, our cook Brigitta, will indulge you with an original Szekler dinner, in our rustic log cabin.

2nd day:

Today we’ll start our first trail-riding tour. Are you excited? Don’t worry, our horses are all experienced climbers who will carry you safely through the mountains! After a typical Romanian breakfast, we will fetch the horses from the meadow together. Next we will be cleaning and saddling our four-legged companions, and after a short briefing our adventure will begin: Today, we will be headed to the valley down below. We will be riding through dense spruce forests, cross a small mountain stream and pass through flowering meadows. After about two hours we will pause at a cheese diary to have our lunch break. You will get a taste of everyday life on the farm and will have the possibility to tuck into the fresh hand-made traditional cheese. Once you’re ready we’ll be on our way back to our ranch. After taking care of the horses you can relax: Bathing in the Hot Pot, sitting at the bonfire, reading a book, picking mushrooms or herbs; you will enjoy the peaceful time for yourself. Together we will then have dinner in our log cabin.

Duration of the trail-ride: approx. 4 hours

3rd day:

After having had breakfast, we will start our second trail-ride. Our objective will be to ride to the “Little Sipos”. On our way we will be passing idyllic farms and our descend to the valley will take us to the source of the River Olt, which is the second largest river in Romania. Here we will water our horses and refill our water bottles. Afterwards we will be riding steeply uphill, thereby passing through primeval forests. Having reached the summit at 1450 meters, we will take our well-deserved lunch break enjoying the wonderful view over the valley of Kovacs Peter. In the evening you will have the opportunity to bath in the Hot Pot, to sit together and to make music next to the campfire and under the starlit sky.

Duration of the trail-ride: approx. 4, 5 hours

4th day:

Today we will be following small and intricate paths through a mystical forest. We’ll be riding uphill and cross clear mountain streams until we’ll have reached blooming flower meadows, from which we’ll have a breathtaking view of the mountain ranges in our surrounding. The open plains will be ideal for our first canter. Once we’ll have reached a small clearing in the forest, we’ll pause to have a lunch-break. While the horses and cows graze peacefully around us, we’ll enjoy the well-deserved break and perhaps the warm rays of the sun will seduce the one or the other to have a little nap.
Duration of the trail-ride approx. 4 hours

5th day:

Today you will experience a real highlight:
We’ll take you to the high mountains! Stunning views as far as the eye can see, wide mountain plateaus and wild rock formations will let you stand in awe with the beauty in which nature expresses herself. At about 1600 meters, we’ll have our lunch break. We’ll enjoy the scenic view of the Hargita Mountains and the Bicaz Gorge. On our way back to the Ranch, the soft ground will be ideal for several short canters.
Duration of the ride approx. 5 hours

6th day:

After a hearty breakfast, we will drive you to Gheorgheni, from where you will start your individual journey back home.

Requirements:
You should know the basics of horse riding (leading, mounting/dismounting, unassisted riding in walk) and be in a good physical condition. Sometimes we hike and lead the horses down and uphill.

Packing:
Good hiking/trekking boots, high quality rain gear, head lamp and warm clothes
You will receive a detailed packing list after signing up.

Important notes:
In special cases vegan, lactose free and gluten free meals can be provided. Please be aware that the meals will be simpler and the diversity reduced. Only possible with a declaration before arrival.

Changes in the program can occur depended on the weather