Friends
Riding in open grassland
Poppies!
Fast paced riding on the Puszta
Fast riding
Reflections in the lake
Fantastic poppies
The group all ready to go
Happy beautiful horses
Cooling the horses down
rolling
The dining room
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Under the stoop
The farmhouse
Breakfast outside on the terrace

Daily trail rides offer riders the  opportunity to explore the Puszta (or great plains) of Hungary. There is also an option to have lessons in the arena during the stay.  

The well-schooled and willing horses are a mix of Hungarian half-blood, Kisbéri and Arab/TB  and are ridden in English tack. This based-stay is ideal for riders looking for a more relaxing holiday than the Puszta Trail, with less riding hours, and including optional sightseeing tours. There are optional excursions to Budapest and the Bábolna National Stud Farm as well as wine tasting.

This is a good option for those who wish to do a bit more than ride. Lessons are aimed at intermediate level riders who want to develop a more advanced partnership with horses using gentle techniques rather than force. Comfortable overnight accommodation is at the farm, with double rooms with en-suite bathrooms. There is a pond suitable for swimming in on site for those who would like to take a cooling dip. 

There is also a 7 night trail option available:  Puszta Trail.

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from GF of Dudley on 15/06/2024

Ride Summary
Everything about the trip was fabulous
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Everything was as described and a really nice place to go
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? NO
Please give more details to explain your response:
What could we do to improve this ride?
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
8
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
The owner made it as easy or hard as you wanted it to be
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Any other comments:
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)
Sample 7 Day Itinerary
 
Day 1
Transfer from Budapest Airport to the farm and settle into the accommodation. Take a walk through the grounds or just relax before a 3 course dinner.

Day 2
After breakfast, meet the horses and ride out for 2-hours. Lunch is enjoyed back at the farm and the afternoon ride is optional.

Day 3
: Ride out after breakfast into the surrounding countryside before stopping for a picnic lunch at a charming traditional Hungarian farm. Return back to the farm late afternoon and enjoy another 3 course meal.

Day 4
Breakfast followed by 2 rides, broken up by lunch at the farm. In the evening there is an optional wine tasting session with dinner at a local winehouse.

Day 5
Today riders are free to choose between riding or going on a sightseeing trip to Budapest. This trip can be combined with a visit to the Bábolna National Stud Farm of the Hungarian Shagya Arabian Horses which is an optional programme. Sightseeing at night is also optional.

Day 6
After breakfast start the day-ride, enjoying a picnic in a natural spot, or on a traditional farm. After saying goodbye to the horses, enjoy a final farewell dinner together.

Day 7
Transfer to the airport in time for departing flight.
 

Riding Lessons
There is the option to have hour-long riding lessons (in place of two hours trail riding) during the based stay. These are aimed at intermediate level riders who want to develop a more advanced partnership with horses using good technique rather than force. The horses here are soft, sensible and well educated, and will help guests improve their riding with a better understanding of, and therefore relationship, with their horses. The lessons will be in groups of up to 4 people, or 1-to-1 for a supplement of €10 per hour. Please let us know at the time of booking if this is something you are interested in. Additional lessons can be booked on site for an extra charge (€20 for 1-to-1, €15 for small group).

Additional stay in Budapest:
Budapest is a beautiful city and well worth a visit in its own right. Highlights include: a night-time cruise on the Danube; a spa experience at the magnificent historical Gellert Baths; the Chain Bridge across the Danube, Buda Castle, St Stephen's Basilica, Parliament Buildings and Heroe's Square to name but a few. The city centre is compact and most sights are easily accessible on foot. For a well-located good basic hotel, we recommend Kalvin House Hotel in Budapest (www.kalvinhouse.hu).

 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

The horses are a mix of Hungarian half-blood, Kisbéri, Arabian half-blood and Thoroughbred, mostly of a fair size (15.2-17hh) with a few 14-15hh. They are all experienced trail-horses and are kept in very good condition (rest period from November to March), warmblooded and forward going. The tack used on this ride is English and the riding style is English.



Trail riding: The light sandy soil makes the region perfect for riding under any weather conditions and offers a varied landscape just perfect to ride through. Ride time: usually about 2 hrs in the morning (starting at 9-10 am) followed by a picnic break and then 2-3hrs in the afternoon. Arrival back at the farm usually at 4-5 pm. The going is mainly sandy and ideal for long canters.



Riding Lessons: There is the option to have hour-long riding lessons (in place of two hours trail riding) during the based stay. These are aimed at intermediate level riders who want to develop a more advanced partnership with horses using good technique rather than force. The horses here are soft, sensible and well educated, and will help guests improve their riding with a better understanding of, and therefore relationship, with their horses. The lessons will be in groups of up to 4 people, or 1-to-1 for a supplement. Additional lessons can be booked on site for an extra charge.


Rider requirements

Riders should be experienced, be comfortable spending up to four hours a day in the saddle and have a secure seat at walk, trot and canter. There is assistance with mounting and dismounting if required and no steep terrain or drop offs are encountered during the daily rides.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

This is above average for Eastern Europe and the farm has double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The food is excellent; varied and filling and many National dishes are cooked. During the months of June and the beginning of September there is a swimming 'pond' available for guests to use. This is not a conventional pool filled with the usual chemicals, but a lovely refreshing pond to cool off in after a day in the saddle.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. When visiting Hungary, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months from the date you arrive. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Hungary.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/hungary

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Climate Summary

The best times to ride in Hungary are May, June, September and October. July and August can be hot and winter time a little chilly. The terrain is always good for riding as the sand absorbs water immediately, and the temperatures in November are nice during the day (8-15 degrees). If it is very cold you can choose the beautiful thermal bath instead of riding which is 18 km away from the accommodation.

Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Hungary and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

Electricity

In Hungary the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 230V).

Mobile, WiFi and charging

Mobile phones reception and electricity is available at the accommodation. Internet access is possible using wireless mobile devices. Please bring appropriate 2 pin European adaptors.

Packing List

Due to the variable nature of the climate it is best to be prepared for all events.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half chaps (optional) - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts and shorts
- Long sleeved shirts
- Heavy sweater or sweatshirt
- Warm Jacket
- Informal wear for evenings
- Sandals or flip flops
- Lightweight Rainwear (recommended for March/April and Sept/Oct)
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Lipbalm with sunscreen
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle that can be attached to saddle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars (recommended)
- Bumbag for camera and sunscreeen


Provided by hosts
Towels are included at the accommodation

Please note saddle bags are not provided, you may wish to consider bringing your own saddle bag or a drop leg bag to carry your water in, if you do not have a water bottle that can be attached to the saddle.

Programmes

This programme can be tailored with a minimum 3 night stay between March and October. There are optional excursions to Budapest and the Bábolna National Stud Farm as well as wine tasting. This is a good option for those who wish to do a bit more than ride.

Departure Dates

2025: Available between 1 April - 31 October

Pricing
No single supplement is charged if the rider is willing to share with someone of the same sex, and a sharer can be found.


No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6double pp1,155
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6single supplement119
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6double pp1,375
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6single supplement139
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6double pp1,535
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6single supplement149
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6double pp16,579
2025 7 night stay8d/7n6single supplement1,649
Additional Night Pricing
  No of days/nights Product item description £
extra night and riding dayper nightdouble pp175
extra night and riding dayper nightsingle supplement18
extra night and riding dayper nightnon-rider125
  No of days/nights Product item description
extra night and riding dayper nightdouble pp209
extra night and riding dayper nightsingle supplement21
extra night and riding dayper nightnon-rider145
  No of days/nights Product item description US $
extra night and riding dayper nightdouble pp225
extra night and riding dayper nightsingle supplement23
extra night and riding dayper nightnon-rider159
  No of days/nights Product item description SEK
extra night and riding dayper nightdouble pp2,449
extra night and riding dayper nightsingle supplement245
extra night and riding dayper nightnon-rider1,715
Recommended Reading

Hungary, A brief History – Istvan Lazar

Between The Woods and Water – Patrick Leigh Fermor

Stealing From a Deep Place – Brian Hall  

Vagabond – Jeremy James

For an excellent selection of equestrian travel and adventure books visit www.horsetravelbooks.com (part of the Long Rider’s Guild)


Other Activities

A guided sightseeing trip to Budapest, watching a traditional Hungarian horse display. Optional programmes include a visit to the thermal baths, wine tasting with dinner, visiting one of the Hungarian Stud farms, or any excursions on request.

Wildlife

The Kiskunsag National Park is an area of specialised flora and fauna. The juniper woodlands and extended meadows are typical of the region but there are many types of forests (birch, acacia, poplar etc). The abundant vegetation is a haven for numerous roe deer, hares, pheasants, wild hogs, storks, great bustards and the indigenous Hungarian Grey cattle. Oxen and sheep also live extensively in the meadows.

Other Country Information

Hungary is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It is mostly flat, with low mountains in the north and north-east and to the north-west of Lake Balaton (Western Hungary). Hungary has some limited natural resources as well as fertile soils and arable land.

Hungary is a democratic republic. It joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. It played an important role in the fall of Communism in 1989 by opening its borders allowing East Germans to enter Western Europe.

Hungary is a heart-stealer; it will lure you back again and again to sample its rich wines, lounge in its thermal spas, gaze at its birdlife and make one more attempt to master its hermetic language. It has all the luxury of western Europe with a Magyar twist.

Its graceful capital Budapest has a lively arts, cafe and music scene, and is host to a range of cultural and sporting festivals. In the countryside you'll find majestic plains, resort-lined lakes, Baroque towns, horse markets and rustic villages.

Hungary is on GMT plus one hour and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Hungary is +36.

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Budapest Airport (BUD) or town
Transfer:
2025: From meeting point €70 return per car (pick-up between 1pm to 6pm). Transfer time is approximately 1 hour from the airport and 1 hour 30 minutes from town. (subject to change)
Flight Guide:
London - Budapest return from £70 pp
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