1. Equestria Equestrian Club (Tâncăbesti) – Only 17 km from the bustle of the city, in the village of Tâncăbesti, is probably the most famous equestrian center in Romania. Equestria impresses with its top-notch infrastructure (modern stables for 50 horses, indoor arena and outdoor grounds) and the varied range of equestrian services. Riding lessons are available both for beginners – who learn to maintain their balance and to walk, trot or gallop – and for advanced riders, who can practice jumping over obstacles up to 50 cm and advanced dressage. Prices are affordable considering the quality: an individual session starts from 50–60 lei/30 minutes for children or ~55 lei for adults, and 10-lesson subscriptions bring discounts (around 600–750 lei). Many trainees praise the professional yet warm atmosphere at Equestria – the horses are gentle and well-trained, and the instructors extremely attentive. The club also hosts major equestrian competitions (the famous Salon al Calului is held here annually, attracting international participants). “The coolest riding club! The walks in the forest are perfect, the horses are friendly – I love this place” confesses one enthusiast, confirming Equestria’s reputation as a favorite place for horse lovers. At the end of a lesson, you can even take a horseback ride through the Snagovului forest, adjacent to the club, for a dose of nature. (More details on the official Equestria website).
2. Tărâmul Zmeilor (Săftica) – A place with a fairy-tale name, Tărâmul Zmeilor is, in fact, a charming equestrian leisure center located just 11 km from Bucharest, near the Pustnicu-Brănești forest. Originally designed as a shelter for rescued or abandoned horses, this center has turned into a destination open to the public, in a delightful natural setting, between the forest and fields of wheat and sunflowers. You don’t just come here for riding lessons, but for the whole experience: horseback riding on forest trails, equestrian day trips, photo shoots with horses and even occasional outlaw-themed shows. Children (and adults too!) can interact with the horses even outside the saddle – visitors are encouraged to pet them, feed them a carrot or an apple, under the supervision of the staff. The rate for a standard tour is 80 lei/45 min on horseback (or subscription packages, e.g. 3 sessions for 210 lei), and appointments must be made by phone in advance. What are guests saying? “This place really encourages you to relax: you are surrounded by nature and gentle horses, and for a moment you forget all the stress of the city.” The atmosphere is family, without pretensions – exactly what you need for a weekend getaway close to Bucharest.
3. Pony Express – Snagov Riding School – Hidden among the oaks by Lake Snagov, Pony Express is an equestrian center dedicated especially to training young riders. The school, open all year round, offers lessons structured by levels: from children’s initiation (starting at 5-6 years old) to performance training for juniors. In the summer, lessons are held in the open-air stables, and in the winter they continue in the heated covered stables – so the progress is not interrupted regardless of the season. What makes Pony Express special is the team of instructors: they are all internationally certified trainers, specialized in different styles of dressage (classical, Spanish, jumping). School horses are versatile breeds (Anglo-Arabs, Romanian thoroughbreds, etc.), known for their gentleness and patience with children. A 30-minute session costs 70 lei for adults and 110 lei for children (extended session 45 min) – although it seems paradoxical, the lessons for the little ones are longer and a little more expensive, as they also include playing in the manger. Parents greatly appreciate the center’s approach: children learn not only to ride, but also to care for ponies and horses, developing responsibility. A parent reviewer said in 2023 that “after a few months at the Pony Express, our little girl is not only already trotting without fear, but has developed a huge love for these animals – the place has a very special energy”. The school also organizes guided horseback rides in the Snagov forest, so that more advanced students can taste adventure in nature.
4. Mogoșoaia Equestrian Academy – Located just 12 km from Bucharest, near the famous Brancoven palace, Mogoșoaia Equestrian Academy is the place where the passion for riding meets rigor and tradition. This is not just about recreational rides, but a real equestrian training center: thoroughbred horses are raised and trained, dressage courses, show jumping, harness and even camps are organized for children interested in the whole world of riding. What makes the Academy special is the opportunity to actively participate in the life of the stable: visitors can witness or help care for the horses, learning about feed, farrier, fur care, etc. – a unique educational experience, especially for the little ones. The rates for the lessons are kept in the market average (approx. 100 lei/hour for a private lesson, with discounts on subscriptions), and interactive visits to the stables can be organized for groups of children. “It’s the place where you can learn everything about horses, not just how to ride”, writes one reviewer, emphasizing the academic but friendly atmosphere there. The location near the Mogoșoaia estate adds charm – after a ride on horseback, you can walk through the palace’s historical park. Another advantage often mentioned in the reviews is the variety of horses: from ponies for the little ones, to Lipizzans and thoroughbreds for the advanced, each student finds the “partner” according to his level. If you want to combine riding with a lesson in local history and culture, the Mogoșoaia Academy offers both.
5. Arkadia Horse Club (Snagov-Ciofliceni) – 30 km north of the capital, on the edge of the Snagov forest, Arkadia Horse Club offers the people of Bucharest the perfect escape in nature, “on the wings” of horses. Here, the focus is on outdoor recreational riding: Arkadia organizes scenic horseback riding trails, of various durations, through the glades and forests of the Snagov area. Imagine a ride at sunset, on horseback, by the lake or among the trees – that’s how customers describe the experience at Arkadia. The club also has an open-air riding school for technical lessons, but most people who come here are looking for “free riding” in nature, away from the classic riding school. The horses are well trained for varied terrain and for beginners there is always a guide to lead the group safely. The schedule is flexible, operating Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 – 19:00 (Monday being a rest day for horses). Rates start from 100 lei/hour for horseback riding per person, with discounts for larger groups or longer routes. What are customers saying? “A peaceful getaway very close to Bucharest. Beautiful horses and suitable for all experience levels. I especially recommend the trail through the forest – you immediately feel immersed in nature!” – says one delighted visitor. In fact, many families choose Arkadia for weekend outings with children, combining an hour of riding with a picnic on the green grass in the surroundings. The club also has relaxation areas where you can sit after your shift, admiring the horses grazing quietly. In short, Arkadia Horse Club offers the experience of riding “in freedom”, in a dreamy natural setting, a stone’s throw from the city
This article is an English translation and adaptation of the original Romanian article on Lista Scurtă. Read the Romanian version.
