7-day trail ride for beginners – with short riding days and plenty of time to enjoy.
The Slow Trail is our relaxed version of a multi-day trail ride through the Eastern Carpathians. Instead of spending long hours in the saddle, we ride at a calm pace, take plenty of breaks and have time to enjoy the horses, the landscape and the special places along the way.
The route is particularly suitable for beginners, returning riders, older riders, families with children, or anyone who simply prefers a more relaxed way of travelling on horseback.
It is not about riding less beautiful routes – it is about experiencing trail riding in a different way: slower, calmer and with more time to take it all in.
4-day trail ride through the Eastern Carpathians
One-day introduction to riding in the arena
One-day preparatory ride to get ready for the trail
8 days / 7 nights / 6 riding days
A reliable, sure-footed trail horse with all necessary tack
Experienced, knowledgeable local trail guide
Hearty breakfasts and warm, traditional local dinners
Daily saddlebag picnic lunches
4 nights in cosy, wood-heated double rooms at our mountain trail riding ranch
3 nights in mountain huts and guesthouses
Adventurous off-road transfer to and from the mountain ranch
Hot tub: wood-fired outdoor bathing tub
Forest sauna included
Free, secure parking
Maximum group size: 8 riders
A week filled with horses, mountains, forest, and time to simply enjoy life
Day 1- Arrival 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.
Day 2 – Getting to know the horses
We start with a two-hour riding session in our arena, surrounded by the mountains.
This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your horse, become familiar with the saddle and riding style, and refresh the basics before heading out into the mountains.
Afterwards, there is plenty of time to relax, get to know the farm and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Riding time: approx. 2 hours
Day 3 – Our first trail ride
Today we leave the arena behind and head out into the surrounding countryside for our first trail ride.
We ride at a relaxed pace through the landscape and make our way towards a small summit with beautiful views over the Gheorgheni Basin.
It is a gentle introduction to riding in the mountains – with time to stop, enjoy the view and simply get used to travelling together with the horses.
Riding time: approx. 3 hours
The four trail days:
Day 4 – Sipos Peak and hidden forest trails
Today we ride towards Sipos Peak at 1,568 metres.
The route takes us through extensive forests and along quiet, hidden paths and old tracks that wind their way through the mountains.
As we gain altitude, the forest opens up and we get beautiful views towards the Ciuc Basin.
We take our time, enjoy the scenery and let the horses set a comfortable pace.
Riding time: approx. 4 hours
Day 5 – Forests, streams and mountain meadows
Another day in the mountains, following quiet trails through the forests.
Today the landscape changes constantly: forest paths, small streams, open clearings and mountain meadows alternate along the route.
There is no hurry. We ride calmly, take breaks whenever we feel like it and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Carpathians.
Riding time: approx. 3–4 hours
Day 6 – Through the Harghita Mountains
We continue our journey through the varied landscape of the Harghita Mountains.
Quiet forest tracks lead us through remote parts of the mountains, alternating with open mountain meadows and beautiful viewpoints.
This is a day for enjoying the rhythm of the horses and the feeling of being far away from everyday life.
We take regular breaks and have plenty of time to enjoy the landscape and our surroundings.
Riding time: approx. 4 hours
Day 7 – Riding home
Our final trail day takes us back towards the ranch.
We follow quiet mountain paths through forests and open landscapes, gradually making our way home.
After several days on the trail, there is something special about approaching the ranch again with the horses – tired, happy and full of new memories.
Once we arrive, the horses are cared for and we have time to relax and enjoy our final evening at the ranch.
Riding time: approx. 4 hours
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the horses and the mountains.
Hopefully, you leave with the feeling that you have not simply been on a riding holiday, but have experienced the Carpathians from the saddle and at their own natural pace.
Accommodation
The first three nights are spent at the Hipparion ranch.
During the trail ride, we stay in small, characterful accommodations close to nature:
Log cabin in the forest
A cosy log cabin surrounded by forest, with beautiful views towards the Eastern Carpathians.
Cabins by the lake
Several small cabins in a beautiful setting beside a lake. There is a hot tub, excellent food and wonderful views at the foot of Fekete Rez.
Small mountain farm
We also spend a night at a small, charming farm, giving us an authentic glimpse of rural life in the Carpathians.
Our last night is back at the ranch.
Depending on the size of the group and the route, your luggage is transported by car or pack horse, so you can enjoy the trail without having to carry everything yourself.
Who is the Slow Trail for?
The Slow Trail is particularly suitable for:
beginners and returning riders
riders who prefer shorter days in the saddle
older riders
people who ride only occasionally
anyone who would like to experience a multi-day trail ride without long, demanding riding days
families with children
anyone who simply wants to enjoy the mountains, horses and nature at a slower pace
The focus is not on sporting performance. It is about riding together, spending time with the horses, discovering the mountains and enjoying the journey itself.
Slow Trail
7 days. Shorter riding days. More time to enjoy.
Dates 2027:
