Horse Riding Holidays in Poland

Come to Poland for a horse riding holiday with Unicorn Trails whether you want the challenge of long hours in the saddle through rolling Pomeranian hills or a more relaxing stay with leasure facilities. Poland is a large and very diverse country in Central Europe with a long tradition of horse riding and also horse breeding. Here are a few of the breeds you may discover on our equine holidays in Poland. The wielkopolski (meaning Great Poland) breed is very young, originating in Central and Western Poland as recently as 1964. It's a cross between two now extinct/rare Polish breeds, the Pozan and the Mazury. Having much in common with the wielkopolski is the malopolski but this breed has been around since the 19th century. The silesian is the heaviest breed amongst warmbloods bred here in Poland, whilst the hucul is a small mountain horse originating from the Carpathain Mountains. Every year Poles rush to see the 'Hucul Path' which is a performace test for the hucul breed where the horses demonstrate their endurance, courage and good temperament.

Poland is in central Europe. It has numerous neighbours. Working anti-clockwise it has land borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia. To the north is the Baltic Sea with a largely straight coastline of beaches lagoons, spits and dunes. Northern part is marked with glacial moraines and enormous number of lakes - second only to Finland in Europe. Central area is pretty low and flat. Further south you go it gets mountain and the highest point, 8200 feet, is in the Tatra Mountains on the southern border. In general Poland has a temperate climate. It's cooler in the north and more continental in the south. We offer horse riding holidays distinctive area of Drawski Lake District of the north-west.

We have rides that welcome children and families and we can provide horses for the heavier rider. If you want to come as a mixed group of riders and non riders we will be delighted to take you. Our intense based stay is well suited to advanced riders and more experienced riders, easier programme will suit intermediate rider who requires tuition. You can ride with your horse for miles on among glorious lakes and even swim with your horse.

Poland has, quite remarkably, transformed itself from being a communist state to having a successful parliamentary democracy in just twenty years. It led the way for the collapse of the communist block in Eastern Europe. It has joined the European Union and with a population of 38 million.
This country has had a turbulent past and suffered dreadfully in World War 2. Under Nazi occupation, approximately 6 million Polish lives were lost and its Jewish community was virtually wiped out. Today the Auschwitz camp is a permanent reminder of those harrowing times and visited by many who feel drawn to experiencing its memories first hand. Though often unsure to start with, they leave grateful for the opportunity to come. Poland is devoutly religious and this unites the country. The Catholic church plays a key role in the lives of most Poles and you will see images of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, the national icon, throughout the country. For many, the appointment in Italy of the Archbishop of Krakow to become Pope John Paul II was the ultimate accolade.

Drawski Lake District - Poland
This week long equestrian vacation in Poland can be enjoyed by everyone - not just horse riders. There's plenty of lakes, forests and meadows that non riders can explore buy boat, foot, bicycle or horse carriage. Beginners and novice riders are also well cared for.
This is a based stay in an wonderful family run hotel with an equestrian centre offering daily riding trails. You'll ride through ancient forests and meadows, along clear rivers & quiet lanes and through sleepy villages. The flora and fauna are excellent and you should get close to deer and wild boar. Perhaps everyones favourites are the gallops along the beach or in the trees alongside the beach. Experienced riders will enjoy some fast riding. Beginners can exchange some of their daily riding out time for lessons. You'll find weilkopolskis and silesians amongst the breeds of horse in the stables here.
The hotel offers affordable luxury in a beautiful area of Poland. It has a glorious health spa and wellness clinic with a menu of treatments at affordable prices from well trained staff. The pool and gym complex is excellent. Riders can relax after a day out in the saddle whilst non-riders can indulge even more time here. Outside the hotel the activities include cycling, tennis, fishing, bird watching, crazy golf and beach volley ball. The spa town of Kolobrzeg is not far away and for 200 years has been famous throughout Poland and Germany. It has a fascinating history and an excellent selection of interesting shops but perhaps it's real gem is the glorious beach. You can enjoy strolling for miles along the clean white sands.

Add-ons
At Unicorn Trails we can organise extensions to your riding holiday. In Poland we recommend a city break in Gdansk or Berlin. Gdansk is an historic and culturally exciting harbour city with impressive gothic and baroque architecture. It is famous for initiating the fight against communist regime. It was Gdańsk that became the cradle of "Solidarność" which was to transform the then map of Europe.

Berlin its Germany’s capital and cultural centre, dates to the 13th century. Divided during the Cold War, today it's known for its art scene, nightlife and modern architecture.

Perhaps you have other ideas. We can arrange them for you before or after your horseback vacation.