Useful hints
|
|
Weather, seasons Hungary is situated approximately in the middle of the northern temperate zone, its climate is mostly continental: summers are hot, winters are cold. Besides there are some influence of the ocean current (mild winters and cool, rainy summers) and that of the Mediterranean (hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters). In fact, to spend an equestrian holiday in Hungary all months of the year are suitable, but it is suggested to choose the flat areas in winter months. The best period for riding and coach-trips is the one from the middle of April until the end of October, and hunt-rides can be attended from the end of September until the middle of November. Natural features The territory of Hungary can be divided into six large areas according to the most important natural features. The Great Plain (Alföld) It is a plain filled and levelled by the river systems of the Duna and Tisza. On its surface river tide-lands and slightly lofty sand- and loess-ridges take turns. The famous Hortobágy, the area between the Duna and the Tisza, the Plain of Szatmár-Bereg, the Hajdúság and the plain of the Korös rivers all belong to this territory. Its two highest regions are the sandy areas of the Kiskunság and the Nyírség. It is suitable for riding and coach riding throughout the year due to its even, flat terrain. The Little Plain (Kisalföld) Its basin, covered with sea-deposit, had sunk just like that of the Great Plain and then it was filled by the Duna and rivers arriving from the mountains. This area is suitable for riding and coach riding all the year round. The Northern Mountain-range (Északi-középhegység) It is the highest and most varied terrain of Hungary in the northern part of the country. Here belong the following mountains which are mostly volcanic in their structure: Cserhát, Börzsöny, the mountains of Zemplény and Mátra. This latter one is joined by Bükk which mostly consists of dolomitic limestone and clay. On the south-eastern and southern edge of the mountains of Zemplény we can find the internationally famous wine-district of Tokaj-Hegyalja. The medium-height mountain-range is suitable for riding and coach riding all-year-long. The Transdanubian Mountain-range (Dunántúli-középhegység) It is mostly built up of sedimentary rocks. The Tapolca-basin with its pleasant extinct basaltic volcanoes, the Balaton-highlands with its varied terrain offer wonderful natural sights for all the visitors. The Bakony is the largest area of the middle-height mountain-range, its highest peak is Koris-mountain. The old Velence-mountains are different in structure: its rounded ridges show the typical erosion forms of the granite. Further parts of the mountain-range are the dolomitic Pilis which join the Visegrád mountains. To the south of here, at the edge of the capital there are the Buda mountains. This area is suitable for riding and coach riding only in those months which are free from snow and ice. The Transdanubian Hills (Dunántúli-dombság) This area is varied in structure and terrain. Towards Lake Balaton the loess covered hills of Outer-Somogy end in steep edges, in the south the sand covered, lower Inner-Somogy can be found. The southernmost mountains of Hungary are the Mecsek, mostly built up of limestone and the Villány mountains - famous for their wines. This area is suitable for riding and coach riding throughout the year because of its varied terrain, but in the winter months it is worth inquiring about the natural conditions. |
|
 |
The Western-Hungarian border ( Nyugat-magyarországi peremvidék) Here belong the Low-Alps (Alpokalja) with the lower hills in front of it and the hills of Zala. The mountains of Sopron and Koszeg are built up of ancient crystalline rocks. The surface of the hills of Zala is dissected by valleys and ridges rounding in between them, their clay-sand layers are covered with a gravel-layer. This area is suitable for riding and coach riding all the year round, but in the winter months it is worth inquiring about the natural conditions beforehand. |
Traffic, access Definitely most of the equestrian centres are not situated next to motorways, but on tarmac-free terrain. The sites can be easily approached by car too, signs placed next to the main roads help to find them. Visitors who arrive by train or air can reach the accommodation by public transport too. Many times, however a car-transfer is necessary from the train station to the accommodation site because of the long distance. Clothes, equipment Helmet, riding-breeches and boots are suggested to prevent any accident and also for the sake of comfort. During hunt rides you must wear a white shirt and a red or black jacket. |
 |
 |
Riding style In Hungary the best known riding style is the English one. Sometimes we can see the western style as well. Riding skills Riding holidays are suggested especially for beginners and for non-experienced riders, certainly, however, this type of holidays are offered for experienced riders as well - if they do not want to spend the whole day on horseback. Trail riding is suggested only for experienced riders. Hunt rides are only for those riders who are experienced in jumping as well. |
Riding your own horse Information on the documents necessary for entering the country with your own horse is available at the Hungarian Embassies, at the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Development and also at the Hungarian Equestrian Tourism Association. |
 |
 |
Inspection of equestrian facilities The inspection of riding establishments in the equestrian tourism sector has started in Hungary. The qualification and assessment of the facilities is marked by one to five horseshoes according to its type and standard. Thus the system is similar to that of generally used for hotels world wide. Previous information on the services, brochures and maps of the equestrian inns are available at the Hungarian Equestrian Tourism Association. Comments on the services can be made for the service enterprise or the Association. |