During the 5-day course you learn the basics of the Hungarian carriage driving school. In a week people who have no experience at all in carriage driving but loves horses can reach a level where they can hitch two horses to a carriage and ride along a marked part of a course or a field. Additionally, they learn about the equipment, tools used in carriage driving, get acquainted with the Hungarian methods of harnessing and carriage driving, and also get an insight into the world of carriage driving competitions. As a part of the course you take part in a splendid house-race and a one-day long carriage driving tour. You receive a diploma on the completion of the course. The leader of the course is Sándor Fülöp world champion in four-in-hand carriage driving.
The first three nights you will be accommodated at the Hotel Gerébi Mansion and Stables. The Mansion was built at the end of the 19th century by one of the large landowners of the region, Gyula Öttömösi Gerébi. This prominent landowner, who also acted as a benefactor of the poor, established a stud-farm in the manor that has been recognized internationally. As a certified farm manager he developed the estate into an exemplary farm. After his death the Mansion became neglected, its condition deteriorated, and it could not be used. In 1986 following a complete renovation it was reopened as a hotel.
The Mansion’s restaurant mainly offers customary Hungarian cuisine. The goulash soup and the stew prepared in a cauldron, the spit-roasted or barbecued poultry, pork or for that matter ox satisfy the tastes of even the best connoisseurs. Of course the selection also includes scores of gourmet dishes of international cuisine, including numerous vegetarian dishes.
On the last two nights you will be accommodated at the four-star Hotel Eger Park in the little baroque town Eger. In its leisure center you can find an indoor swimming pool, adventure pool, bubble bath, salt-cabin, aroma-cabin, light-cabin, infra-cabin, ice-cabin, steam-cabin, sauna, solarium, fitness club, and cocktail bar.
On the first three days Hungarian Halfbreds will be harnessed in the carriage. The horses are calm Hungarian Halfbreds. With a character close to that of the English thoroughbred, they are an elegant, noble and solid-bodied horses, which are also suited to light, harnessed work. Their heads are noble and lean, with a straight profile.
On the last two days you will meet the Lipizzaners! They are fabulous horses. On May 19th 1580, a decision was made to set up a prince’s farm at Lipizza, which is rocky and situated on top of the Karszt Hill. This is where they tried to produce outstanding, durable horses to display the economy in all its splendor for the Imperial Court. Breeding, in compliance with the fashion of the time, began with Spanish horses, but they searched the whole of Europe for any stallions and mares appearing to meet the required objectives. A total of 8 stallions took part in development of the breed and they founded some lines still recognized today (Pluto, Conversano, Favory, Maestoso, Neapolitan, Siglavy, Incitato, Tulipán).
They are a classical representative of the Baroque style and very willing to learn, very obedient, ready to work hard, and not too demanding. Their movement is distinctive, expressed in lithe and active motion.
The most important farms in Europe for this breed, listed by place of origin, apart from the Slovenian Lipizzaner, are in Piber, Austria, in Dakovo, Croatia, in Fogaras, Romania in Kistapolcsány (Topolcsansky), Slovakia an in Szilvásvárad, Hungary.
There will be theoretical and practical lessons during the five days.
Your Itinerary:
Days 1-3: You will travel 1-1, 5-hour long from Budapest to the Hotel Gerébi Mansion and Stables lying in the heart of the Great Hungarian Plain, a vast flat land 70 km south of the capitol in central Hungary.
After arriving you meet Sándor Fülöp, world champion in four-hand carriage driving. You will get acquainted with the carriages and horses.
You will take theoretical and practical lessons during the first two days. After handling the carriage with proficiency, you will have the chance to drive the carriage outside of the Mansion on wide roads and fields. The flat countryside is ideal for carriage driving for either a beginner or advanced driver. On the third day you take a whole day excursion in the area. You drive the carriage under supervision. Picnic lunch during the tour.
Outside of the carriage driving lessons you can use the Mansion’s facilities. In the new part of the main building there is a whirlpool bath, a Finnish sauna, an infra-sauna, a solarium, an insulated warm bench and a gym, which provide every possibility for recreation. On the lower floor there is a place for playing cards, table soccer, darts and billiards and also a bar.
The selectively designed park provides an opportunity for you to relax. A 16 x 6 m swimming pool, 2 hard-cover tennis courts, a soccer field, a basketball and a volleyball court ensure an enjoyable time.
During the 3 day you will see a Horse Show, where the cowboys present their horses and compete in horse riding skills. The most spectacular part of the show is the wild galloping of the Puszta five-in-hand, a feat of equestrian skill that involves three steeds in front and two in back, on which the csikós stands, steering with the reins.
Days 4-5: After traveling 2,5-3 hours up to the north you will reach the Mátyus Riding Inn near Eger. The owner comes from a traditional carriage driving family and breeds Lipizzaners. After getting to know the history of these magnificent horses, some of them will be showed for you. Afterwards, the lessons begin. These horses are more powerful than the Hungarian Halbreds and they need special attention. Driving a two-in-hand carriage with Lipizzaners will be a unforgettable experience!
On the fifth day in the afternoon you will have the chance to show what you have learned during the lessons in a splendid house-race. Overnight at Hotel Eger Park.
Day 6: After breakfast and check out in the morning, you will be driven back to Budapest.
Meeting Point: Sofitel Hotel in Budapest.
Saddles: English.
Other Activities: Sight-seeing, spa and shopping.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 5 days carriage driving lessons
- Instructor
- Daily transfers
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Hungary
Horse Riding
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