Romania - Equus Silvania
The Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania represent the largest area of pristine nature in Central and Eastern Europe. Therefore the riding here is an opportunity to explore a land where people still live much as they have done for centuries.
The impressive Carpathians are the only place in Europe, west of Russia, where widespread populations of wolves, bears, and lynx roam. However, there is no guarantee that you will spot any of these rare and elusive species. Time stands still here, shepherds take their flocks up into the mountains as they have done for centuries past. In the evenings, cows and water buffalo are brought back from the pastures to the village. There is little noise except the buzzing of insects and the twittering of sparrows and swallows.
Barbara and Christoph Promberger established Equus Silvania and have lived in the area for many years. They are both very involved in a number of local conservation and eco tourism projects.
One day is a rest day for the horses and an opportunity for you to experience a little of the history of the area. You drive to the village of Viscri with its fortified church. The landmark is famous from the times of the invasion of the Turks. You may also visit the medieval city of Sighisoara, one of the cultural centres of the Saxons.
The horses at Equus Silvania are a selection of part-Lipizzaner, Arab and Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, Gidran and Hungarian Sport Horses.
The horses are fit and forward going, with stamina for the mountains. The riding is a mix of paces to suit the terrain and can be fast in places. This ride is suitable for riders who are confident and in control of a forward going horse at walk, trot and canter in the open and in a group environment. You may also need to negotiate natural obstacles such as ditches, logs and streams.
The horses are ridden in English tack.
You must also be physically fit as well as riding fit; there is also a certain amount of walking on foot to negotiate the steeper descents.
Each day you ride out from Equus Silvania on day rides with saddlebag picnics. Explore the countryside surrounding the village of Sinca Noua, ride along gorges and wind your way through forests of beech and fir; cross alpine meadows and discover remote mountain settlements.
Hard hats are mandatory on this ride.
Equus Silvania has a modern guesthouse (ski chalet style) with nine bedrooms, each with its own private shower room.
Downstairs, there is a dining room, a large living room and a bar. The guesthouse has a modern wood central heater. There is also a veranda, where you can sit outside and relax. Please note that the chalet also accepts bed and breakfast guests, (including young children) who join the riding guests at meal times.
There is also wireless internet connection at Equus Silvania.
Depending on the weather (between May and September) there is usually one night spent camping in the mountains in dome tents. The camping trips need a minimum of three guests.
The centre based rides are suitable for intermediate and experienced riders.
Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Equus Silvania | 3 May 2025 - 10 May 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,163.27 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 17 May 2025 - 24 May 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,163.27 | Full | ||
Equus Silvania | 31 May 2025 - 7 Jun 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Full | ||
Equus Silvania | 14 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 28 Jun 2025 - 5 Jul 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 12 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 26 Jul 2025 - 2 Aug 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 9 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 23 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Book | ||
Gourmet Ride | 30 Aug 2025 - 6 Sep 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,829.21 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 6 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,285.22 | Full | ||
Equus Silvania | 4 Oct 2025 - 11 Oct 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,163.27 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 18 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,163.27 | Book | ||
Equus Silvania | 1 Nov 2025 - 8 Nov 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,163.27 | Book |
Non-rider discounts are available.
INCLUDES Riding; full board accommodation; drinks with dinner; return transfers from Bucharest (at set times); visit to Viscri and Sighisoara.
In 2025 the bear hide visit (not guaranteed) is also included in the price. For 2024 it is an additional €39.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £71.26. Waived if you are prepared to share.
In 2025 the supplement is £81.44
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks from the bar: sleeping bag hire c. €15; optional donation to local conservation fund €40; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Bucharest.
TRANSFERS Included from Bucharest at set time.
Transfers are at set times from Bucharest Otopeni airport (OTP). Flights should be booked to arrive no later than 16:00 and return flights should depart after 14:00.
If you arrive early into Bucharest then you will need to wait at the airport before the afternoon group transfer to the start of the ride.
If you plan to spend some days in Bucharest before the ride you will need to make your own way back to the airport in time for the group transfer to the start of the ride. Hotel collections and hotel drop-offs are not available.
It may be possible to arrange a transfer from Sibiu, Brasov or Zarnesti at additional cost.
Equus Silvania is nestled in the foot of the Carpathian Mountains just outside the small village of Sinca Noua.
Spring has warm days with cool mornings and evenings. The summer months can be hot. Autumn is usually dry and cool.
Horses fit, very well cared for and their well being came first during rising and breaks. Excellent Truly menourable holiday in the heart of Transvilvania.
Simon ,Kent
Overall rating: 5/5