Random posts about Horseback Riding – Everything you need to know before coming to Szeklerland!

Dear equestrian friends!

We are sharing this little article with you to prepare you for the best horseback riding tour in Székelyland, if you decide to embark on the adventure. Because the terrain here is not like in the city riding stables – each tour really tests both the rider and the horse!

1. The weather? There is no summer or winter in the mountains, only "Szekler spring"!

Don't always trust the forecast! In the Szekler Mountains, magic can happen in a matter of minutes: summer to winter, drought to flood, sunshine in the morning, snow in the afternoon. Here, it doesn't hurt to have a raincoat, hiking boots, and an extra layer of clothing so you can ride out all the weather's mischief.

2. Walking trails, streams, and swamps – put on your shoes!

There will often be sections on the tour where you not only have to ride, but also walk. Imagine having to cross a stream, and leading your horse, you slide through the mud like a hero in war. In such cases, don't focus on your new, fancy boots, but rather bring shoes that can handle the terrain well!

3. Horses are not fairy tale characters, don't expect them to jump off just anywhere!

Here, the horses don't exactly roll on soft, smooth ground, but on hard, rocky roads and steep hills. So if you, as a rider, don't want to damage it, you'd better keep in mind: horses can carry 20% of their own weight without being overloaded. If you're a little bigger than that, make arrangements in advance to make sure you come with a horse with a heavier load capacity during the tour! But don't worry, we like "heavyweights" too, just don't load everything on them!

4. Don't constantly control the horse!

This is not Western riding, where the horse is constantly under control. With us, the horse knows what it is doing and is able to distribute its strength. If you constantly hold it on the reins, you are only unnecessarily hindering it. A smart horse knows when to reach forward, when to swat away flies, and when to go to the plow. Let it do it, why not?! It will not run away, believe me, it has already traveled thousands of kilometers and knows the terrain!

5. Sitting? Don't lie back like in a chair!

Don't sit in a closed seat and don't lean back like you would in an armchair! A horse is not our favorite armchair to lie on. A horse needs free movement, especially its neck, shoulders, and hips. The withers, shoulders, shoulder blades, and ribs are the bony parts, they are suitable for carrying you. The hindquarters are a loose, muscular structure with ligaments, so don't put any strain on them. Always adjust the seat to the horse's movements. If you're going up a hill, let your back relax and keep yourself balanced. If you can't stand to ride standing up for a few minutes, start with shorter rides so your muscles don't give up!

6. Don't bring your own saddle – We are not a racehorse stable!

We know that your own saddle is always more comfortable, but know that here, in Szeklerland, touring horses have specific equipment to make the tour comfortable and safe for both horse and rider. Leave the adjustments to us, we know how to do it! The goal is not to “look nice”, but to make it comfortable for everyone.

7. Plan with exercise – Don't leave the gym at home!

You'll be on horseback every day here, so if you haven't trained on the ground yet, it's worth incorporating some horseback training into your routine. Ride longer distances, look for hills, and try to ride standing up, instead of holding on to the reins all the time! On the tour, we don't like it when someone suddenly says, "Wow, I'm tired! Where's the refreshments?" So practice! Sometimes we jump a ditch too, so you don't get unprepared!

8. Don't bring your horse!

This is a kind but serious piece of advice: don't bring your own horse. We understand that riders love to ride their own horses, but believe me, it's much better to trust the local horses. They know the terrain, the rocky paths, the steep slopes, and they are not afraid of curious dogs or new horses from the studs. Foreign horses often can't handle the local challenges, and if they get too stressed, it can be difficult for both of us.

Tip: If you want to hike in Szeklerland, train in advance! If you want the hike to be truly successful, go horseback riding for a few months and try riding on larger terrain – that way you won’t get tired with muscle pain! It would be good if you got to know the horse on a rocky terrain or two and crossed a stream, so you won’t be surprised if you have to run into a stream in the middle of the beautiful Szekler landscape!

A few more words:

1. Pay attention to the natural rhythm of riding

In Szeklerland, horses have their own rhythm, and it’s not all about riding on perfectly smooth, covered trails. The terrain here is varied – mountains, forests, streams and small villages await us. Riding often takes place on uphill and downhill trails, where the horse will sense the ground and it won’t always be easy to go. One of the most important things you need to learn is to adapt to the horse’s movements and the changing terrain. If a little more momentum is needed, don’t hesitate to encourage the horse – but do so with respect.

2. Horses are patient, but they have strong personalities

In Szeklerland, horses are not only our colleagues, but also our loyal partners. They grow up in their natural environment and are often sensitive to the emotional connection you establish with them. Since Szekler horses are tough but kind animals, make sure that your riding is not only technically accurate, but also that you communicate with the horse. With calm hands and gentle but firm control, you will achieve the best results.

3. It is worth being aware of the local equestrian culture

Horse riding is a tradition that we have cherished for generations. In Szeklerland, we often come across places where horses are not just a means of transportation, but also essential helpers in daily work. Respect for animals, the treatment of horses and the attachment to horses go much deeper than a traditional riding school training. Here you will not only ride horses, but you can really get a taste of a way of life where horses and humans work together in harmony in nature.

4. Off-road, in the open air – the freedom of riding

Cross-country riding differs from covered riding in that the environment, terrain, and landscape are constantly changing. In western equestrian sports, riding is often precise and controlled, while here, riding in the open air, you have to adapt freely to the environment. The Szekler landscape, mountains, and forests give you true freedom, but cross-country riding also holds serious challenges. The obstacles, streams, and mountains that you have to overcome are all part of this experience.

5. Equipment and riding style

When riding here, it doesn't matter whether you have the latest, flashy equipment, but safety and practicality are more important. The saddles, bridles and riding equipment are simple, but they are perfectly suited to the purpose. Horse riding has a long tradition here, so the Szekler people are not too strict about competitive precision, but rather natural movements, harmony with the horse and trust are the most important. However, if you have mainly been riding covered, then it doesn't hurt to loosen the reins a little here - both literally and figuratively.

And finally… don’t worry if you get muddy sometimes! Nature is with you in every detail here, so have fun, experience the adventure, and don’t miss the real magic of Szekler tours! The best experiences are born in the mud and sunshine.

Have a good hike!