PLN
For many riders, holidays are the best time of the year. Finally, you can leave the indoor arena behind and head to where riding tastes best: off-road. Poland has a lot to offer in this respect: from the wild pastures of the Bieszczady Mountains, through the Masurian forests and lakes, to wide, empty beaches outside the bathing season. Each of these regions offers something different, but they are united by one thing: that sense of freedom that no arena training can replace.
We have gathered seven places in Poland that are particularly worth considering for a riding holiday. At the end, we also advise on how to prepare for such a ride to ensure it is first and foremost safe.
Table of Contents
- Bieszczady and Beskidy, a paradise for lovers of mountain rides
- Roztocze, wild landscapes and Polish Konik horses
- Warmia and Masuria, lakes, forests, and open spaces
- Tuchola Forest and Kashubia, endless forest paths
- Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, rocks, castles, and the Trans-Jura Horse Trail
- Pieniny Mountains and Dunajec River, views of Trzy Korony
- The Coast, horse riding by the sea
- Before you head out – what to remember
- Comfortable attire for a full day out
- Young or spooky horse? Pheromones can help
- Summary
Bieszczady and Beskidy, a paradise for lovers of mountain rides
If you dream of a true mountain adventure, the Bieszczady Mountains are unrivaled. This is where the Trans-Beskidy Horse Trail PTTK, the longest mountain horse trail in Poland, ends. It spans about 600 km and leads from Brenna in the Silesian Beskids all the way to Wołosate in the Bieszczady Mountains, home to a renowned Hucul horse stud farm.
It is the Huculs, small, incredibly resilient, and sure-footed horses in mountainous terrain, that are the stars of Bieszczady rides. For experienced riders, a multi-day trek through the pastures, with overnight stays in various stables, is an experience remembered for years. The raw, wild nature and horizons-spanning views here do a better job than any promotional brochure.
Roztocze, wild landscapes and Polish Konik horses
Roztocze is one of Poland's most underrated regions, and for a rider, it's a true gem. Gentle hills, beech forests, ravines, and picturesque villages create a landscape ideal for calmer, yet long rides. The region is also famous for its conservation breeding of the Polish Konik horse, conducted within the Roztocze National Park.
Polish Koniks are our native, primitive breed with an exceptionally balanced temperament. Encountering a semi-wild herd in its natural environment is an attraction you won't find in many other places in Europe. Roztocze will prove particularly suitable if you value contact with nature and a relaxed pace of travel.
Warmia and Masuria, lakes, forests, and open spaces
The land of a thousand lakes is primarily associated with sailing, but it's also excellent terrain for horse riding. Extensive forests, country roads, and lake shores provide plenty of space for longer rides, and a dense network of agritourism farms and equestrian centers makes it easy to plan routes with overnight stays.
This is a region that can be easily adapted to your abilities. You can choose a calm, several-hour ride through forest paths or a multi-day trip from stable to stable. In summer, there's also the option of combining riding with swimming, both for you and your horse, in one of the clean Masurian lakes.
Tuchola Forest and Kashubia, endless forest paths
One of the largest forest complexes in Poland is a true labyrinth of sandy roads, paths, and clearings where you can ride for hours. Tuchola Forest and neighboring Kashubia have developed equestrian tourism, and the terrain here, mostly flat and soft, is friendly for both horses and less experienced riders.
This is a good choice if you want to calmly gain confidence in the field. The forest shade provides relief on hot days, and the lack of large altitude differences makes riding less strenuous for the horse. The region is also excellent for a family trip, where riding is one of many attractions.
Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, rocks, castles, and the Trans-Jura Horse Trail
The Jura is a uniquely picturesque area: white limestone inselbergs, caves, ruins of medieval castles, and pine forests. The region is traversed by the Trans-Jura Horse Trail, which connects the most interesting corners of this land and allows for planning a multi-day trip full of views.
This is an option for those who enjoy combining riding with sightseeing. The castles of the Eagles' Nests passed along the way make even a shorter section a small journey back in time. The varied terrain can be challenging, so the Jura is best suited for riders with at least basic off-road experience.
Pieniny Mountains and Dunajec River, views of Trzy Korony
The Pieniny Mountains are one of the most photogenic corners of Poland. Horseback rides in the area offer stunning views of the Dunajec River gorge, the Trzy Korony massif, and Sokolica. It's mountainous terrain, but on a gentler scale than the Bieszczady, making it a good compromise between scenic views and a demanding route.
In summer, the region bustles with life, so it's worth planning trips with local centers that know the most beautiful and safest routes. The combination of a crystal-clear river, steep rocks, and green slopes creates a landscape that is hard to forget.
The Coast, horse riding by the sea
Galloping along the seashore is a dream for many riders, and the Polish coast offers this opportunity. The wide, sandy beaches of Pomerania are most beautiful outside the peak bathing season, when they are empty and peaceful. However, it's worth remembering that riding on beaches is only allowed in designated areas and at specific times, so it's best to use local stables that are familiar with the applicable rules.
The sound of waves, the wind, and soft sand under hooves are sensations that cannot be compared to anything else.
It's also a great idea for a riding holiday for the whole family, combining riding with a classic seaside vacation.
Before you head out – what to remember
Off-road riding differs from arena work. Variable terrain, longer distances, and unpredictable stimuli mean that safety and preparation are even more important. The basis is a well-fitting riding helmet, and for faster gaits and unfamiliar terrain, it's worth considering an airbag vest, which protects the spine and chest in case of a fall.
Comfort over longer distances also matters. A well-chosen, comfortable all-purpose saddle reduces strain on the horse's back and your own during hours of riding.
It's also worth taking care of your own fitness and stable seat, as these determine safety in unpredictable terrain. We write more about why protective equipment alone is not enough in the article on safety and exercises in the saddle.
Comfortable attire for a full day out
A full day of off-road riding is a different challenge than an hour-long lesson, so attire is extremely important here. The foundation is good breeches with a comfortable, non-chafing full seat, which will prove effective for many hours in the saddle. On hot days, it's worth opting for a breathable shirt, and often sleeveless models turn out to be the most comfortable as they don't restrict movement. Be sure to bring UV sunscreen, as in the field, especially near water or in open spaces, sunburn is easy to get.
The weather can change in a few moments, so it's good to have a light rain cape with you, which you can quickly put on if it starts to rain.
Clothing made of technical fabrics requires proper care to maintain breathability and its properties. For washing such materials, it's best to use a dedicated product, like Hey Sport Tex Wash, and for clothing made of elastic fibers, the antistatic Hey Sport Micro Wash will work well.
Young or spooky horse? Pheromones can help
If you're heading out on a young, uncertain, or easily spooked horse, it's worth thinking about their mental comfort beforehand. New stimuli, strange sounds, and an unfamiliar environment can unbalance a sensitive horse, and a spooked horse off-road poses a real safety risk. In such situations, pheromones for horses can be helpful, as they support calming and help the animal adapt more easily to stressful situations.
Of course, this doesn't replace calm preparation and gradual acclimation of the horse to new terrain, but it can be good support, especially at the beginning. A calm horse means a safer and more enjoyable ride for both of you.
Summary
From the Bieszczady pastures, through Roztocze, Masuria, Tuchola Forest, and the Jura, to the Pieniny Mountains and the wide coastal beach, Poland offers riders a huge variety of terrains. The choice depends on what you're looking for: a wild mountain adventure, peaceful contact with nature, or a gallop by the sea. Regardless of your destination, ensure good preparation and proper equipment, and your holiday ride off-road will become one of the best memories of the season.
