Hungarians are made for riding horses - as the saying goes, and
it is indeed not far from truth. The existence of the Magyars had
depended on horses well before written history began, because the
marauding nomad lifestyle was inseparable from expert breeding
and handling of horses. The abundance of words connected to horses
in the Hungarian language is another proof of Hungarians' fondness
for horses. There are as many as 300 expressions just for different
colours of horses. The first cart in the world was made in the
village of Kocs in Hungary in the 13th or 14th century, from where
the invention spread to the world, but the name in different languages
has remained reminiscent of its place of origin. No wonder that
visitors in Hungary who like horses and nature will find an unbelievably
wide range of horse-related activities.
Hungary is a paradise for horse-lovers. Regardless of the season,
everyone will find an activity most suitable to their riding skills,
mood, and temperament. Beginners, even children, can attend riding
schools where they can experience the tingling feeling of attachment
that develops between horse and rider, and enjoy those moments
of abandonment that follow the first timid steps. The most fervent
desire of experienced riders can be fulfilled when they break out
from the closed manége and enjoy the sensation of freedom
given by pleasure rides in the countryside. No surprise that such
rides are considered the most special and rewarding types in horse-riding
tourism, because the wonders of Hungary open up with a true pleasure
of discovery when travelling on horseback. For experienced riders
hunts in the autumn and winter represent an apt celebration of
the end of the riding season and the beginning of a new season.
Those who want to make friends with horses from a safe distance
can travel in a carriage or a four-in-hand while discovering the
diverse beauty of the Hungarian landscape.
If you want some curiosity, you should not miss one of those special
Hungarian attractions: horse shows. These shows include virtuous
and often humorous acts by riders who revoke the traditions of
the times of the Magyar conquest of Hungary, of hussars and of
horse-herders. A unique Hungarian experience is the Puszta-five
inspired by a painting by the Austrian artist Adam Koch: five amazing
horses gallop in front of spectators, three in the front and two
behind, with a horse-herder dressed in the traditional wide white
linen trousers standing on the back of the latter two horses and
holding the bridle in his hands. The newest sensational act at
Hungarian horseshows is the Puszta-ten: four galloping horses in
the front, another four in the middle and two in the back, with
the horse-herder standing on their back and controlling the entire
group.
Delicious Hungarian food and wine feel especially satisfying after
a lengthy and exhausting outdoor pleasure ride, dressage, or horse
show. A great number of riders' inns boast with excellent kitchen,
and some of them are even famous of their exceptional.
