Respectful traditions

Equestrian sports and horse breeding have a long tradition in Poland. It is worth an effort to visit at least one of the state stud farms, or one of many breeding centres. They all offer accommodation, riding courses, trips on horseback, hunting runs, and tours in horse-drawn carriages.

Enthusiasts of equestrian sport are spoilt for choice. There is a huge range of state and private stud farms and horse stables in Poland, with horses available at most of them. Among the best equipped and orientated towards more general tourism are the centres at Sieraków, Bogusławice, Kadyny, Książ, Gładyszów, as well as the jousting school at Golub-Dobrzyń.

All centres organise different events including foxhunts and St Hubertus hunts, while the stud farms arrange horse shows and special rides in horse-drawn carriages.

Enjoy the view from horseback

Many tourists who have been to Poland believe that the country is best seen from horseback. That it is the best way to admire the various landscapes and breathe the fresh air of Polish fields and forests. They also say that there is nothing to compare with the bivouac under the sky with horses grazing nearby...

Another great experience is to participate in medieval chivalrous tournaments held in the courtyards of old Gothic castles. However, in order to participate, rather than just be an observer at one of these events, you have to go through a special training course at Golub-Dobrzyń. Lessons in horse-riding, western style mounting, and driving horse-drawn carriages are available at most of the equestrian centres.

At Karpacz, in the Karkonosze Range of the Sudety Mountains, there is a “western-city school” for those who wish to learn western style mounting, take part in holidays in the saddle or in the locally organised rodeo.

Riding the hucuły

These small and exceptionally strong mountain horses fully show their prowess during cross-country rides through the Beskids and Bieszczady Mountains. When riding hucuły or other horses riders can avail themselves of equestrian tourism facilities scattered along the specially prepared tourist routes. There are around 30 such facilities along a 400 km stretch of equestrian trails. Each centre has spare horses, comfortable overnight accommodation, tasty cuisine, hospitality stalls for horses as well as friendly local guides who are always ready to help.