Western Ranch (El Bronco)

Hungary

Overview Description Horses & Riding Food & Accommodation Other Activities Travel Testimonials Itineraries

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… read more

Highlights

Well trained Western Horses to enjoy
Experienced guides and western riding instructors
Sandy trails through diverse landscape
Other non-riding activities available locally
Excellent accommodation with Wellness centre

Essential Facts

2 itineraries available
Max 7 riders per group
Average of 3 hours riding per day
Weight limit: 95kg/210 lbs /15st

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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, whilst carriage driving tours and lessons are also a superb option for the non-rider or simply as an additional activity. 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. There are two reining courses of good size, two corrals and a covered riding hall so that work can continue in the case of bad weather.

The ranch welcomes all types of guests from single travellers to families, groups of friends and even pets. They offer wine tasting and bird watching, There is a swimming pool and wellness centre which allows guests to relax and make the most of their holiday. Rooms are modern, clean and comfortable, ideal for a peaceful rest after a day well spent in the saddle.

This destination was visited by Sue, Managing Director of Far and Ride, in 2012 to ensure its suitability for our clients and she was delighted to return again for another visit. Holly from Far and Ride also went with a group of ladies in May 2013 and would be delighted to talk to you about it. Don't hesitate to contact them through the website for more information.

The ranch wellness centre is now able to offer Shiatsu massage with a fully qualified Masseuse!

Horses & Riding

Tack

Good quality Western saddles and bridles are used here.

Horses

Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paints (many homebred).
There are more than 60 horses on the ranch but only about 20 are actively in work and available for guests - the rest are foals, broodmares or retired/resting. The horses are all trained for both reining and trail riding making them a pleasure to ride.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

Ranch Stay is a based ride
Beginner Riding Week is a based ride

Ages

No Age Restrictions

Health

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

Weight

95kg/210 lbs /15st

Food & Accommodation

Food

Food at the ranch consists of a continental style breakfast with bread, croissants, cheeses, ham, vegetables, jam, yoghurt etc. Lunch is a warm cooked meal such as Hungarian goulash, potatoes, meat. Dinner is the same style, always with bread and Hungarian salad.

Special diets can be catered for including vegetarians, vegans, and those lactose or gluten intolerant. Fresh fruit is available at the bar when it is open and bottled water is always available free of charge.

Meals are not a la carte but consist of a set menu and the kitchen has limited capacity. If you request a special diet then special meals will be prepared for you, but you cannot decide on that day to eat the same as everyone else as there won't be enough. If there are foods that you do not eat then please let us know in advance so that the kitchen do not inadvertantly prepare a meal you aren't happy with.

NB. All drinks are ordered from the bar at an additional cost - (bottled mineral water is free of charge), juice, sodas, tea/coffee, wine, beer, palinka (Hungarian schnapps) etc. are available and prices are very reasonable (around 200-600 Hungarian Forints). Drinks start from one euro. 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 credit cards.

The ranch is proud to be able to offer great quality Sicilian coffee by MOAK for their guests to enjoy.

Accommodation

There is a choice of accommodation on the ranch. The main accommodation is in excellent boarding houses which feature twelve double and family rooms, each with their own en suite shower room and toilet. The rooms have TVs and a good sound system to make your stay more comfortable. These rooms are suitable for 1 - 4 people. Bed linen and towels are provided. Guest rooms are cleaned every third day after the guest's arrival but the housekeeper will answer guest's requests daily.

There is a 3.5m x 7.5m swimming pool which is open to guests in the summertime. There is also a Wellness centre on site, offering jacuzzi, Finnish, Infra and Steam saunas and salt wall. Massages and other treatments are also available! Gowns and towels are available at reception. Bath robes are available with a deposit of 38 euros which will be returned at the end of your stay.

If you are travelling with a baby or young child then the following can be provided: travel bed for babies, potty, toilet seat for children, nightlight to be plugged into the wall and a selection of Mattel toys. Dogs and other pets are welcome so that the whole family can enjoy a holiday together!

Itineraries

Ranch Stay Standard accommodation.

Beginner Riding Week Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The following optional activities are on offer and payable locally.

Visit to local cheese factory: late afternoon option and depends on the factory's production schedule. Recommended to reserve at least 2-3 days before if you are keen to do this. Price is 30 euro per person and includes cheese tasting. In good weather you may approach the factory by carriage and return by car.

Carriage Driving: Maximum of 2 hours through the national park surrounding the ranch. Under the supervision of the driver you may be able to try your hand at driving the carriage. Subject to local conditions. Price is 50 euro per carriage per hour carrying 1-4 persons. Price is 100 euro per carriage for 5-15 persons per hour.

Bird station visit: either early morning for bird ringing, or afternoon for bird-watching on a boat trip on Lake Kolon. Programmes subject to weather and park rangers schedule. Must request a couple of days in advance. Price is 30 euros per person (min 2 pax).

Wine Tasting: The local vineyard is only 40km away. As the vineyard accepts large groups you must book 4-5 days in advance. Price is 30 euro per person plus 45 euro per car transfer fee (min 6 pax).

Massage: 30 euros for 30 minutes
35 euros for 45 minutes relaxing massage
45 euros for 60 minute full body massage

Archery: 10 euros per person

Free activities are cowboy lasso, darts, table tennis, board and card games.

Travel

Guests are recommended to fly into Budapest (approx 80km from the ranch) and then to either hire a car or we can arrange an airport transfer. 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.

Guests may also take a train from Budapest (Keleti) station to Soltszentimre where transfers can be arranged (again payable locally).

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: 4 hours

Typically you will ride for around 4 hours on each full day you are staying at the ranch. For those who arrive to the ranch before 2 pm, or have a late flight home and depart the ranch after 12 pm, you may have the opportunity to enjoy a short 2-hour ride on either arrival or departure day as well.

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

A breakfast buffet will welcome you to the day in the ranch bar 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 bar area or out by the pool if the weather is good. 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 through 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 ornithologists paradise at these times!

You may also have the opportunity to watch a demonstration of horseback archery by instructors Merse & Anna.

Mealtimes are informal and relaxed, with long tables designed to encourage guests to eat together, interact and tell stories about the adventures of each day. Those staying for the week will be treated to a wine dinner one evening, which is comprised of traditional Hungarian dishes that have been paired with local Hungarian wines!

Experience	Intermediate / Experienced Riders should be of a strong intermediate to advanced riding level. You should ideally have some prior experience of western riding, but this is not essential if you are an experienced English style rider.
Minimum group size	3
Maximum group size	7
Departure windows	At any time during: Jan. 2, 2022 - Dec. 18, 2022 (Dates available to suit with arrival and departure any day of the week. High Season pricing operates between the 1st May - 30th September.)

Pricing

£ $ €

2022 Sharing; 7 nights (c. 26 hours riding); High Season	£920 $1165 €1085
2022 Sharing; 7 nights (c. 26 hours riding); Low Season	£770 $975 €910
2022 Sharing; High Season	£132 $167 €155 per night
2022 Sharing; Low Season	£111 $140 €130 per night
Included	Accommodation in shared rooms, all meals, use of ranch facilities and horse riding as per your chosen duration of stay.
Not included	Flights, personal travel insurance, airport transfers, drinks, extra activities (such as carriage rides, wine tasting etc.), tips and personal expenses.

Extras

£ $ €

2022 - Airport Transfer (1-3 passegers)	€70 Paid locally Price is per person, each way, paid locally.
2022 - Airport Transfer (4+ passengers)	€60 Paid locally Price is per person, each way, paid locally.
2022 - Single Supplement	€13 per night Paid locally Riders who are willing to share do not have to pay the single supplement.
2022 - Soltszentimre Station Transfers	€10 Paid locally Price is per person, each way, paid locally.
2022 - Non riders, 25% discount	Non-riding guests will receive a 25% discount when sharing a room.
2022 - Child Non rider (aged 11 years and under), 40% discount	Child guests aged 11 or under will receive a 40% discount when not riding and sharing a room with their parent(s)
2022 - 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).

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.

Days 1 to 8

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

The itinerary for these riding programmes is somewhat flexible and will be tailored to accommodate the groups experience level and goals for their stay. A typically daily routine might be as follows;

A breakfast buffet will welcome you to the day in the ranch bar 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. You will be matched to a suitable horse and proceed to the arena where you will be able to take a 1-hour lesson on the basics of western riding principles.

Lunch will be served in the bar area or out by the pool if the weather is good and in the afternoon you may head out for a 1-hour trail 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. Each day you will be able to discover a new part of the region, perhaps through open countryside, woody groves or through 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 ornithologists paradise at these times!

You may also have the opportunity to watch a demonstration of horseback archery by instructors Merse & Anna.

Mealtimes are informal and relaxed, with long tables designed to encourage guests to eat together, interact and tell stories about the adventures of each day. Those staying for the week will be treated to a wine dinner one evening, which is comprised of traditional Hungarian dishes that have been paired with local wines!

Experience	Beginner This programme has been designed specifically to accommodate beginner level riders. More experienced riders will be welcome to join but will be limited to the riding level of the weakest member of the group.
Minimum group size	3
Maximum group size	6
Departure windows	March 5, 2022 - March 12, 2022 March 12, 2022 - March 19, 2022 April 9, 2022 - April 16, 2022 May 1, 2022 - May 8, 2022 (High Season) June 19, 2022 - June 26, 2022 (High Season) July 9, 2022 - July 16, 2022 (High Season) Aug. 6, 2022 - Aug. 13, 2022 (High Season) Aug. 13, 2022 - Aug. 20, 2022 (High Season) Aug. 20, 2022 - Aug. 27, 2022 (High Season) Sept. 3, 2022 - Sept. 10, 2022 (High Season) Oct. 23, 2022 - Oct. 30, 2022

Pricing

£ $ €

2022 Sharing; High Season	£132 $167 €155 per night
2022 Sharing; Low Season	£111 $140 €130 per night
2022 Sharing; 7 nights (c. 12 hours riding); High Season	£920 $1165 €1085
2022 Sharing; 7 nights (c. 12 hours riding); Low Season	£770 $975 €910
Included	Accommodation in shared rooms, all meals, use of ranch facilities and horse riding as per your chosen duration of stay.
Not included	Flights, personal travel insurance, airport transfers, drinks, extra activities (such as carriage rides, wine tasting etc.), tips and personal expenses.

Extras

£ $ €

2022 - Airport Transfer (1-3 passegers)	€70 Paid locally Price is per person, each way.
2022 - Airport Transfer (4+ passengers)	€60 Paid locally Price is per person, each way.
2022 - Single Supplement	€13 per night Paid locally Riders who are willing to share do not have to pay a single supplement.
2022 - Soltszentimre Station Transfers	€10 Paid locally Price is per person, each way.
2022 - Non riders, 25% discount	Non-riding guests will receive a 25% discount when sharing a room.
2022 - Child non-rider (aged 11 years and under), 40% discount	Young guests aged 11 or under will receive a 40% discount when not riding and sharing a room with their parent(s)
2022 - 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).

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.

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Western Ranch (El Bronco)