"Just a note to say how very much I enjoyed the week's riding in Bulgaria, and to thank you so much for all your kind care and attention. I had a great time and loved every moment. It was a great priviledge to be able to ride across such a wonderful country." Phillipa Hamilton 2011
BULGARIA
This challenge begins in the Rhodopi range, which are the most ancient mountains on the Balkan peninsula and conceal a five thousand year history stretching back to Orpheus and Spartacus. The pristine Slavyanka mountains are Europe’s hidden gem and the mighty Pirin mountains soar above the ancient wine-producing town of Melnik. All three ranges have a network of trails built by the Thracians, used by the Greeks and repaired by the Romans. These days they are little-visited, except by deer, wild boar and those in search of exciting riding!
Leaving Trigrad village
The Balkans have an equine tradition reaching back millennia: at the heart of the local stock is the Shagya, which is itself derived from the Arab. They are sturdy, sure-footed and renowned for their endurance. The ones we’ll be riding are well mannered and completely at home in this broken mountain and wide valley terrain. They stand between 14.2 and 15.2 hh. The tack is hybrid: based on the Magellan saddle but with Powder River rigging (No cinch; single girth with one large “O” ring) and much of the traditional bull-hide cut away to make a lighter saddle, but retaining the high “A” tree and horn. The head gear and bit is traditional English. [Full English tack is also available.] All horses are equipped with twin saddlebags. Rider weight limit is 90 Kg.
River crossing
Take a look at the day-by-day itinerary in the box on the left.
Fo rmore information on booking this ride please contact Mark