Hungary ~ Homoki Lodge
Riding out every morning from a lodge, flexible length of stay. Available April to late October for intermediate riders and above who want a few hours riding a day. Non-riders also welcome
Where From Homoki Lodge which is situated between the Danube and Tisza Rivers, an easy 2 hour journey south of Budapest.
What is it like A traditional farmhouse, privately owned and converted to a small 'boutique' hotel with luxury 'Yurt' accommodation. Its set in its own grounds amongst fields of wild tobacco, acacia, birch and pinewoods and is surrounded by sandy tracks that provide perfect going for horses in all directions with hardly a fence or man-made obstacle in view.
Who does it suit Confident intermediate and experienced riders who want to ride in small groups for a few hours each day, spending nights at the lodge which has very comfortable accommodation and there is an emphasise on good food and hospitality. Its also great for non-riders, with a swimming pool, mountain bikes, massages, yoga classes in summer and several local excursions available.
Why we love it Its small, personal, flexible, the riding is fun and its perfect for a short escape somewhere different!
SUMMARY
Riding: 3 hours a day
Horses: Hungarian Warmbloods
Pace: moderate, can be fast
Riding ability: intermediate to experienced
Weight limit: 85kg (13st 5lbs)
Accommodation: lodge & luxury yurt
Group size: maximum 6 (lodge sleeps up to 20)
Season: April to late October
Price: 4 night stays from 568 Euros (approx £515) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: There are around 10 horses at Homoki, all are Hungarian warmbloods, a breed developed at the Mezohegyes State Stud in Hungary through selective crossing of Gidrans, Kisberi, Akhal Teke, Nonius and Arabs. They are between 15hh and 16hh, and are fit, strong and healthy - responsive and enjoyable ride. Tack is Hungarian style, which is very comfortable, quite deep, similar to the Maclellan saddles used on many other rides but with padded covers built in (no need for a seat saver!) Most horses are ridden in snaffle bits. There is a weight limit of 85 kgs / 13st 5lbs stone though some heavier riders may be taken on request.
Hours: 3 hour rides are scheduled every morning at 09.00.
Pace and experience required: The pace is usually moderate to fast with good opportunities for some long canters on sandy tracks and open meadows. There will of course be some walking and trotting and if the ground is wet, boggy or very dry, the pace will be slow. Riding is aimed at intermediate to experienced riders and to join you should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle, confident and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces.
ACCOMMODATION
The lodge has several different accommodation options. The main building is a traditional Hungarian farmhouse, with thick adobe walls and several bedrooms, each of which is different, decorated in a simple, typical farmhouse style. Each has its own private bathroom. There are also 7 yurts which won the “Pure Life Award 2016 for mindful design” and were designed by Oliver your host. With all the facilities expected of a 'boutique' hotel, each yurt is constructed on its own small hill - inside they are open and light, with a glass dome through which to see the stars at night. Again each is a little different and prices vary accordingly. All have their own private bathroom with bath tub or shower (some have both), underfloor heating and air conditioning. They also have flat screen televisions and minibars, and 'luxury yurts' have king sized beds made up with damask linen. The Lodge's common areas include an outdoor swimming pool (open May to September), a sauna and massage room and plenty of outside hide-aways to sit and relax. The main restaurant and reception area has free Wifi, a bar, dining tables and a comfortable seating area.
RATES & DATES
|
2021 Rates |
Rates depend on the type of room and also availabilty & dates. |
|
2021 Dates |
Homoki Lodge is open year round. |
ITINERARY
Itinerary in brief (4 nights) - please note that this is only an example and day to day arrangements are flexible.
| Day 1 | Arrive Budapest and drive across the Southern Great Plain to Homoki Lodge. Dinner and night at the lodge. |
| Day 2 | A morning ride to get used to your horse and explore are, riding past rural farms and through shady poplar forests. Opportunities for some more fast canters on the plains. Return to the lodge (lunch will be available, extra charge) with the afternoon to relax. Dinner & night Homoki. |
| Day 3 | A long morning ride to the market in a neighbouring village. Ride back to Homoki through pine and acacia forests. The afternoon to relax by the pool or enjoy one of their luxurious spa treatments. Dinner and night Homoki. |
| Day 4 | Todays ride may take you through forests and swamps to see a breeding project for fallow deer and wild boar. Return to the lodge by another route. The afternoon to relax. Dinner & night Homoki. |
| Day 5 | Breakfast and a last morning ride before check-out at 12 noon and transfer to Budapest for your onward journey. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 for further information. |
TRAVEL
The meeting point for the rides is usually Budapest airport and there is no set arrival time. British Airways has several direct flights every day from London Heathrow to Budapest. Easy Jet flies from Gatwick, Wizz Air from Luton and other regional airports and Ryan Air flies from London Stansted and also other regional airports. Airfares vary depending on the airline and season but expect to pay between £140 to £220 for an economy return.
Budapest is a beautiful city, split by the mighty Danube with the old castle and fort 'Buda' on one side, and the newer Austro-Hungarian city, 'Pest' on the other. It is well worth a visit and we recommend an extra night or two here either before or after the ride.
Transfers from / to Budapest are arranged on request. A one way VIP transfer (driver will wait in the arrival hall with a sign) currently costs 90 euros each way. Prices are per car.
If you prefer to hire a car and drive to Homoki then we can send directions - and for private jets there is a local airport at Szeged, about 30km from Homoki.
