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Last Update: 12 May 2011

Riding Holidays | Bulgaria

Bulgaria is set in the Balkans on the west side of the Black Sea, between Greece and Romania. It is similar to Romania in many respects, with a developing economy and cosmopolitan cities, but still retaining much of its cultural heritage. The country has received many foreign influences over the years, from the Thracians and Greeks to the Roman and Ottoman empires and this is seen in the classical architecture, especially in the capital Sofia. Much of rural Bulgaria has a quiet and traditional way of life. The landscape in very pretty, quite mountainous except in the north and south east, where there are flat open plains and rolling hills reaching to the sandy beaches of the Black Sea. In central Bulgaria, near the town of Kazanluk is the Valley of Roses, famous as one of the largest rose oil producing areas in the world.

Like many of the countries in Eastern Europe horses have always been a very important part of rural life. There are many working horses and ponies in rural communities. Horse riding holidays are becoming quite popular. Eight day horse riding treks for experienced riders can be found near to Apriltsi in the Central Balkan National Park. This is a spectacular area in the highest part of the Balkan Mountains and protected as a UNESCO site. Ride on horseback through ravines with steep mountains on either side, on tracks through beech woodland and have exhilarating gallops across Alpine pasture, with scenic riding trails through the Valley of Roses.

Horse riding vacations are also offered near the town of Sevlievo. Riders can join a five day riding trail exploring this quiet and picturesque unspoilt region, looking out for native wildlife such as deer, foxes, wild boar and many birds. Shorter riding trips and centre based stays are also possible. Veliko Turnovo in northern Bulgaria is another good place to visit for a horse riding holiday. Climb high up into the Stara Planina Mountains on challenging trails or have faster rides on flatter tracks. Mixed riding abilities and non riders are very welcome. One to five day riding tours are possible near to Velingrad with both English and Western style riding offered. Western style riding lessons and out rides are available on a full week long western riding vacation in the south west of Bulgaria at Borovets.

Horses in Bulgaria tend to be a mixture of breeds. Hanovarians and Thoroughbreds are quite common and there is a native breed called the East Bulgarian. This is a warmblood type standing around 17-18hh and popular for eventing as it has a lightweight but muscular build and good stamina.