Horseriding Holidays

Our Horses and Our Rides

Horses in Bulgaria – the country without fences
Bulgaria is a horse country. The Bulgarian state was founded already in the year 681 by the proto Bulgarians - nomads coming from Mongolia on horseback and having horse tail as their flag.
Nowadays there are hundreds of wild horses in Central Balkan who live outdoors all year at 30 °C in summer down to −20 °C in winter, and search for food on their own.
Bulgaria is the perfect horse riding destination. Like Mongolia this is a country where fences and gates are a rare sight especially in the mountain regions where our rides take place.
Here most of the land though private is not cultivated, which leaves vast open areas - forests, pastures etc.

Our riding centres and our rides
Our experience in horse riding holidays dates back to 1991-92 when we sent the first riders to Strandza and Rila mountains.
Now we run our own riding bases - Purvenets and Krivina with about 20 horses, The riding centres are located in Rodopi (just 20 min. drive from Plovdiv) and Teteven Balkan (one hour drive from Sofia). They are carefully selected, surrounded by plenty of pasture land. Horses welfare is of primary importance and for us the synonym for a happy horse is a free grazing horse.
The horses are locally bred Karakachan along with East Bulgarian and Arab crosses.
Their withers are between 1,40 m and 1,60 m, so all weights can find an adequate tour companion. The horses are strong, agile and used to hard work. Their stamina and agility are outstanding and they are tough and extremely sure footed over rocky, even snow covered mountains.
On our Sredna Gora rides we use Shagya Arabs from Hissar riding centre.
Most of our clients are intermediate riders, confident with trot and canter.
From Krivina riding base we can also arrange rides for novices.
The maximum group size on all our tours is 6 riders.

Saddles:
Western and English saddles are available. Helmets and saddle bags are provided upon request.


Orpheus Trail Ride, Bulgaria 910 , 8 Days

Orpheus Trail Ride, Bulgaria

The Rhodopes, occupying the southern part of Bulgaria and part of Greece, are the homeland of the...
High Balkan Trail Ride 880 , 8 Days

High Balkan Trail Ride

This adventurous trail ride follows part of the famous E-3 hiking Kom-Emine route. The trail...
Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area) 840 , 8 Days

Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)

Many and varied are the mountains in Bulgaria, but Teteven Balkan combines the best of them all -...
Horseback riding along Song Kol Lake in Kyrgyzstan 990 , 11 Days

Horseback riding along Song Kol Lake in Kyrgyzstan

For centuries horses have been used as helpers for local nomads in moving yurts and cattle to...

A Day of Horseback Adventure with Wine Tasting: Yustina Vineyard Park to Red Church

Embark on an unforgettable one-day horseback trip from Yustina Vineyard Park to Red Church, where...

4-day Rila Ride for experienced riders

Four - day horse trek in the heart of the most beautiful mountain in Bulgaria - Rila. The terrain...

3-Day horse riding in the heights of Vitosha and Verila

We offer you a 3-day horse trek, fulfilled with views of Vitosha and Verila mountains in the very...

Horseriding in Montenegro

Discover the pristine nature and enjoy the charms of Montenegro on the back of a...

Horseriding in Caucasus, Georgia

The Greater Caucasus expedition is always an adventure. The group rides through pathless tracts and...
First«1 23»Last

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

13.08.2024 16:52

5 Unique African Festivals and Traditions for the Bold Explorer

Travel, at its most meaningful, isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences. Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in...


30.07.2024 18:38

Gabon: Where Eco-Friendly Adventures Meet Stunning Wilderness

At Penguin Travel, we believe in the power of authentic experiences, and there are few places as untouched and awe-inspiring as Gabon. Nestled on the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Our tours are designed to immerse you in Gabon's incredible landscapes and wildlife, offering a truly unique adventure. Gabon...


09.07.2024 16:01

Photo Diary: Afghanistan Tour (Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, Mazar-I-Sharif and Other)

In today's article, we will take you on a virtual journey to a misunderstood land where ancient civilizations have left their mark on rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. Afghanistan, a land often overshadowed by conflict, unveils a strikingly different side to those who dare to look beyond the headlines. It's a place of profound beauty and cultural richness, a stark contrast to its war-torn...


27.06.2024 17:45

Everything you need to know about travelling to Afghanistan: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leaders and local guides)

Traveling to Afghanistan in 2024 is an adventure like no other. Despite its rocky past and current political situation, more tourists are starting to explore the country, thanks in part to the Taliban's push for tourism. Penguin Travel is leading the way, having successfully organized a few trips in the last year. Must-see spots include the stunning Bamyan Valley, the gorgeous Band-e-Amir...