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Western Ranch (El Bronco)

Overview

This welcoming western ranch is situated in the south of Hungary, approximately 80km from Budapest and within the beautiful Kiskunsagi National Park. Two thirds of the 76,000 hectare park are considered a biosphere reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, offering a succession of sandy…

Highlights

  • Well trained Western Horses to enjoy
  • Experienced guides and western riding instructors
  • Sandy trails through diverse landscape
  • Small groups with plenty of personal attention
  • Groups are never of mixed ability

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 5 riders per group (6 in camp)
  • Average of 2 - 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg/198 lbs /14st 2lbs for beginners and novice riders.
    more info Experienced and capable western riders weighing up to 110kg may be accepted by prior agreement.

Description

This welcoming western ranch is situated in the south of Hungary, approximately 80km from Budapest and within the beautiful Kiskunsagi National Park. Two thirds of the 76,000 hectare park are considered a biosphere reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, offering a succession of sandy forests, sand and alkaline grasslands, lines of dunes, marshes, meadows and open fields. The sandy ground is ideal for long canters and relaxing trail rides. If you want to master western riding then this is the place to come and ride a real western horse!

The ranch is unique and offers western riding tuition and trail rides. The ranch breed and train their own Quarter Horses and Appaloosas which are successful in the local western shows, and the instructors are experienced horsemen who look forward to sharing their unique knowledge with the guests.

The ranch covers 60 acres with plenty of space to ensure the well-being of the horses. The unique beauty of the surrounding scenery is a delight for guests and the landscapes offer almost never-ending trail riding possibilities. Guests here can simply enjoy the trail rides or can take part in lessons, learning the fundamentals of western style horse riding.

This destination has been visited by Sue and Holly from Far and Ride and they would be delighted to talk to you about it. Don't hesitate to contact them through the website for more information.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Good quality Western saddles and bridles are used here.

Horses

Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paints (many homebred). There are about 16 horses that are actively in work and available for guests, although you may also meet foals, broodmares and retired horses too. The horses are all trained for both reining and trail riding making them a pleasure to ride.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Ranch Stay is a based ride

Ages

12+ years for riders. Private family groups with younger children may be accommodated depending on riding experience level.

Health

No specific requirements but good general health is recommended for riding.

Weight

90kg/198 lbs /14st 2lbs for beginners and novice riders. Experienced and capable western riders weighing up to 110kg may be accepted by prior agreement.

Food & Accommodation

Food

Meals at the ranch are served in the dining room for all guests.

Breakfast is usually continental-style with a choice of bread, croissants, cheeses, ham, vegetables, jam, yoghurt etc. Lunch will be a warm cooked meal such as Hungarian goulash, potatoes or meat and dinner is the same style, always served with bread and Hungarian salad.

A set menu is offered each day as the kitchen has limited capacity. If you require a special diet or have any requirements the kitchen should be aware of then please notify us in advance of booking to ensure your needs can be met. Generally, alternative meals can be prepared for you in these cases.

Drinks are ordered in advance of guest arrival, so if you have a particular preference for alcoholic (beer, wine, spirits) or non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, water, etc), then please let us know at the time of booking so that we can ensure there will plenty available for you at the ranch. Drinks are payable locally and you can either pay for each drink separately or you can keep a tab to be paid at the end of your holiday.

*Please note the ranch does not accept card payments so you will need cash!

Accommodation

There is a choice of accommodation on the ranch, which offers 4 recently refurbished guest bedrooms, each with its own en suite shower room and toilet. The rooms have TVs, a good sound system and air conditioning to make your stay more comfortable. These rooms can be made up as doubles (2 with king beds and 2 with standard double beds) but 2 of the rooms have the option to be made up as twins. Bed linen and towels are provided and rooms will be cleaned every 3 rd day during your stay (more regular cleaning can be requested)

Itineraries

Ranch Stay Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There are limited activities for non-riding guests, but they are very welcome and can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the ranch space. An outdoor, unheated swimming pool is available for guests to use during the warmer months between April-October. The exact opening of the pool will depend on weather conditions.

Travel

Guests are recommended to fly into Budapest (approx 120km from the ranch, or a journey time of 1.5-2 hours) and then either hire a car or we can arrange an airport transfer at an extra cost. Please note that airport transfers are paid locally at the ranch.

We can also organise transfers from/to Budapest hotels with advance notice - please ask us.

Please note that you will need to arrive at the ranch strictly by 12 pm if you would like to aide on arrival afternoon and depart after 1 pm to be able to ride on departure morning.

Testimonials

Jan S, Feb. 13, 2020

Great People, very nice accommodation, good spa, nice horses with long canters in the woods.


Daniel C., Jan. 17, 2018

The holiday was just what I was looking for as I learnt to ride at canter in a forest rather than just in a school. Accommodation was excellent and the guides were really good at instructing and giving tips.


Kim G., Oct. 17, 2017

Very good experience, lots of riding, lovely countryside, very friendly people. Accommodation very good and clean, food very tasty and filling. Plenty of it!


Jennifer T., Oct. 17, 2017

Awesome!! All aspects of this trip were amazing - right from pick up to drop off I felt well looked after. The ranch was intimate and beautiful. the rides, food, accommodation - everything was better than expected! the room was beautiful! Very clean, the design was lovely. the shower was amazing. The food was fabulous, great taste and variety. Pufi, my horse, was perfect for me. We were well matched and I loved riding him. the tack was well maintained and comfortable. The guides were excellent. They were patient and helpful. The instruction they gave was great and they addressed my needs very well.


Alex O., May 18, 2016

I don't know what else to say other than that everything was first class. I had such a great time and truly enjoyed every moment.


Mathew G., Dec. 8, 2015

An incredible experience. For someone who didn't have any experience or strong interest in horses, the whole trip was enough to convert me. That says a lot really. (The guides?) Are great teachers. I learnt a lot, especially as a beginner. Friendly and easy to talk to. I'm very happy with the accommodation and food. Amazing furnishings with a homely feel, a fantastic wellness centre and a different desert for dinner everyday (maybe I'm easily satisfied!)


Sue H., Nov. 6, 2015

A great chance to learn western riding on well schooled horses, with good instructors who can explain the technique so well. Gabor was brilliant - really enjoyed his instruction and thoughtfulness towards the horses. Fun rides out on the doorstep. (Favourite memory) The longest canter I have ever done after a peaceful long walk along the quiet reeded trails. As a vegetarian, I appreciated that a separate meal was made, often a meat-free version of what the other guests had.


Andrea R., Dec. 3, 2014

Fantastic fun, brilliant staff and wonderful surroundings.


Itinerary & Pricing

Days 1 to 8

Riding: 2 - 4 hours

Typically you will ride for around 4 hours on each full day you are staying at the ranch, split between a morning and an afternoon ride, as well as a short ride on arrival and departure days (c. 2 hours). The total riding hours will be about 26 hours for a 7-night stay, 14 hours for a 4 nights stay and 10 hours for a 3-night stay.

Guests should arrive at the ranch before 12 pm to be able to ride on arrival afternoon (flights landing no later than 10 am) and have a late flight home and depart the ranch after 1 pm, to ride on departure morning.

The itinerary for your stay is somewhat flexible and so a typical day may be as follows;

A tasty breakfast will welcome you to the day each morning. 

During your first riding session, you will be able to go over some Western horsemanship practices with your guides and meet your horse for the next few days. Depending on your preferences and level of experience, you will be matched to a suitable horse and you can get to know each other a little in the arena. Once everyone is happy with the tack and their horse, you will set off on a short introductory ride of around 2 hours in the surrounding countryside. 

Back at the ranch, lunch will be served in the dining room. In the afternoon you will head out for another 2-hour ride through the national park and along quiet rural tracks. 

The national park and surrounding countryside benefit from miles of beautiful and long sandy trails, which are ideal for enjoying pacey lopes or relaxed ambles. Each day you will be able to discover a new part of the region, perhaps through open countryside, woody groves or the lakes and reeded wetlands. The park is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, including deer, reptiles, herons, geese, hawks and eagles, to name a few. Each year it is also a temporary home for thousands of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise at these times!

Mealtimes are informal and relaxed, with one table where all guests eat together, interact and tell stories about the adventures of each day.

Novice and beginner-level riders can be accommodated at the ranch, but only on private weeks, in family/friend groups. In these cases, the riding will be limited to the ability of the weakest rider in the group and novice riders will ride just once per day.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Riders should preferably be of a strong intermediate to advanced riding level. You should ideally have some prior experience in western riding, but this is not essential if you are an experienced English-style rider. Less experienced riders can be accommodated on private dates and for group bookings. In these cases, the riding will be limited to the level of the weakest rider,
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 5
Accommodation for up to 6.
Departure windows

At any time during: March 1, 2024 - Nov. 30, 2024  (Dates available to suit dependent on availability.)

At any time during: March 1, 2025 - Nov. 30, 2025  (Please enquire for 2025 prices and availability)

Pricing

2024
Sharing; 7 nights (c. 26 hours riding)		 £1075 $1360 €1295
2024
Sharing; 4 nights (c. 14 hours riding)		 £615 $775 €740
2024
Sharing; 3 nights (c. 10 hours riding)		 £460 $580 €555
Included Accommodation in shared rooms, all meals and horse riding as per your chosen duration of stay.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, airport transfers, drinks, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Airport Transfer (1-3 passegers) €70
Paid locally
Price is per person, each way, paid locally.
2024 - Airport Transfer (4+ passengers) €60
Paid locally
Price is per person, each way, paid locally.
2024 - Single Supplement €13 per night
Paid locally
Riders who are willing to share do not have to pay the single supplement if a room sharer is found.
2024 - Non riders, 25% discount Non-riding guests will receive a 25% discount when sharing a room.
2024 - Child non-rider (aged 0-3), free of charge. Young children aged between 0-3 years can stay in their parents room, free of charge (no riding).
2024 - Child rider (aged between 12-15 years), 20% discount Child guests aged 12 - 15 will receive a 20% discount when sharing a room with their parent(s)
2024 - Child non-riding (aged 4-11 years), 40% discount Child guests aged 4- 11 are not able to ride but will receive a 40% discount when sharing a room with their parent(s)
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.