Horse tourism: organization and development in Russia

Equestrian tourism in Russia from year to year is only gaining popularity. More and more offers for those wishing to have a rest are active, but non-standard. If you like horses and interesting routes, nature, then these options are designed specifically for you. Fortunately, there are a lot of opportunities, and a rich variety of landscapes allows you to travel on horseback from season to season, getting new impressions.

Everything for tourists

It is very difficult to imagine a modern Russian tourist cluster without horses. This pleasure is available in various parts of the country. Equestrian tourism is developing in the Crimea and near Moscow. You can ride a thoroughbred horse in Bashkiria or Altai. An unbelievable impression is made by horseracing in the Urals, when travelers are surrounded by ancient mountains decorated with snow caps, and all the difficulties of the way a person overcomes with his faithful friend - a horse.

You can ride horses by being in the northern capital of Russia, in Buryatia or in the Caucasus - in short, the geography of such tourist routes is accomplished by no means limited. Although it is worth acknowledging that the most rich choice in the Siberian regions. Some time ago this kind of travel practically disappeared, which was due to the economic situation in the country and the fashion features - everyone was eager for warmth, for the beaches. But now the situation is radically changing. Doubt that the truth is so demanded horseback tourism? The photos will convince you otherwise. On horses you can tirelessly walk many kilometers every day, marveling at the beauty and diversity of Russia's natural resources. Trails in the forests, mountain roads and steppe open spaces will be accessible to you. Can this leave you indifferent?

Pleasure for everyone

Equestrian tourism in Russia is such a pleasure that goes beyond the habitual habitual man, and that is why he so beckons. There is nothing more romantic than horseback riding in the incredible beauty of forests and fields of immense Russia.

Who can take part in such a transition? Yes, almost everyone! Do not be afraid if you do not have special training, and you've never seen a horse before. Before the beginning of the transitions, the instructors will explain how it works: how to manage the animal, how to care for it and how to make the trip mutually agreeable for both the rider and the horse.

Horseback riding in Bashkortostan, Altai, and Caucasus is the best way to forget about the daily hardships and complexities of city life and immerse yourself in the romance of a long transition, the starry sky above your head and the feeling of complete freedom - that you want to sing, and like Even wings grow. Verily, in such a campaign one can not but become a romantic.

The best for you

There are people for whom horseracing is something frightening. They believe that this is contact with almost wild animals, from which it is unclear what to expect. In fact, everything is not so: it is the horses - one of the most intelligent mammals tamed by people. They perfectly understand the person, are friendly and very thinly feel the relation to themselves. If you care about a horse, then she will love you even in the absence of good riding skills.

So, the most interesting regions for horse tourism in Russia are:

• Baikal;
• Altai;
• Caucasus;
• Mountain Shoria;
• Bashkortostan.

How does it look like?

Although in our time the development of equestrian tourism in Russia is in full swing, this does not mean that there are still few opportunities for travelers. When choosing your route, you can rest assured that you will be able to pick up something that is perfect for you.

There are trips:

• Short-term;
• Long-term.

In the first case, the route is very small. The rider is only a few hours away. In the second case, the route stretches for several days at once. Features of horse tourism for a long duration of the hike:

• Opportunity to see different landscapes;
• Acquaintance with nature reserves, suburbs;
• The chance to spend with the horse is enough time to make friends.

On the route there may be stops, although the shortest ones do without it. As a rule, halts are done when animals need rest. Much depends on the degree of complexity.

However, the described option is the simplest. But for those who already know how to ride a horse, there are much more interesting opportunities for active pastime - these are horse riding competitions. Such organizations are organized both in Russia and in some other countries of the world. As a rule, routes are laid in very picturesque areas, and the winners receive good prizes.

Horseback riding in Khakassia

Speaking about popular directions of this active pastime in Russia, first of all it is necessary to mention Khakassia. This place is more suitable for those who are interested in history, loves archeology, whose heart is freezing from touching the antiquities.

The trails of the Khakass routes pass near ruins that have been preserved for a long time, past the mounds and caves with which ancient legends are associated. As a rule, all routes are simple enough, but complicates their need to cross the rivers in the mountains and small streams from time to time.

Buryatia and Altai

The organization of equestrian tourism in Buryatia is a real pleasure, as recognized by those who are engaged in this business. Local landscapes are beautiful and diverse, so you can form a path for the group, regardless of its level of skills. There is an opportunity to lay absolutely simple trails for those who are on horseback for the first time, and it is possible to make a difficult route for real athletes. It is Buryatia - the most popular destination in Russia among the rider masters. Here, the Mongolian breeds are most common, and all animals with low growth have an uncommon force and calm disposition. Even those who only master riders can confidently stay in the saddle.

But the Altai trails - this is a completely different story. Here, most of the routes lie in the steppe. However, one common feature with Buryatia is: the abundance of various routes. Since tourism in the Altai has been going uphill in recent years, tourists from all over the world are calling here, so there is a wide choice of directions (you can visit different places in Altai) and difficulty levels. Do not doubt, at your service will be only experienced instructors, able to train even the one who first sees the horse.

Ural and Baikal

The organization of equestrian tourism in the Urals is no less attractive and interesting (however, more profitable) than in the places described earlier. Maybe for an inexperienced person it will seem like a strange choice of a place for horseback riding, but in reality the Ural is excellent for this kind of tourism. True, there is one limitation: in winter the routes are closed here. It is worth remembering that all trips are in the taiga, and this is not the safest place on the planet, especially in the cold season. As a rule, only 18-year-old travelers take routes to the Urals, necessarily include an instructor in the group.

But Baikal is more accessible for beginners and attracts the opportunity not only to ride a horse, but also to master something else. Combined tours are popular here, when you can cover part of the route on animals, and a part - on boats, kayaks.

Kuban

Horse tourism in the Krasnodar Territory has long been one of the "chips" of the region. It is here that the season of horseback riding opens first. The most advertised are those tours that start from Sochi, but there are a lot of those that are sent from other cities of the region.

Statistics show that travelers prefer to choose routes of small length, designed for beginners or those whose level of ridership is low. Studying the various proposals, be sure to pay attention to the Una-Koz ridge. From year to year there are traditionally opened quite a lot of various attractive routes that will definitely not leave anyone indifferent.

How does it all begin?

As already noted, equestrian tourism in Russia is developed quite well, there are many opportunities. But it is not necessary, having sunbathed with the idea to ride horses in beautiful landscapes, immediately rush to acquire the program. Professionals recommend: first find out about the presence in your home area of the interest club dedicated to horsemanship, and sign up for a couple of lessons. It will help to understand, whether really pastime with horses will bring you happiness.

Another option is to go on a small test drive, not moving away from civilization. To make it easier is simple, because there are many offers of simple routes near Moscow and St. Petersburg. And if you realized that you get real pleasure from what is happening, then you can afford and something more thorough, serious, far from civilization.

By Siberia on horseback

If the most attractive for you types of equestrian tourism are those that are offered to travelers in the Siberian regions, then you should allow yourself to go there exactly. There are a lot of tourist programs from different companies, but they all necessarily cover the key points of Siberia, the most popular among travelers. And that's true: how can you deny your clients the opportunity to see Belukha or dive into the taiga?

However, it is Belukha that is how everything begins. As a rule, travelers, choosing a route, want this mountain to be seen at least from afar, and if there is a chance to drive closer, it does seem like a fairy tale. Despite its relatively small height, the mountain is considered very difficult to climb and attracts the attention of extreme people around the world. The harsh elevation enchants with its glaciers and the walls of snow, steep so that the head is spinning only from one glance at them. However, traveling on horses, you do not need to think about what will happen to those who decide to conquer such expanses - because you just pass by. This route, unlike climbing, is available even for beginners.

Another charming Siberian place is Karakol Lake. They are surrounded by impregnable rocks, nearby there are many curious caves and waterfalls that make a strong impression. These places are considered a monument of nature.

Combined tours on horseback

As mentioned above, on the Baikal most often travelers go on routes, some of which pass by horse, and some pass on foot. But this is not the only way to go on a combined trip.

No less pleasant are the prospects offered in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Local tourist programs combine walking and animal trips. You can enjoy the beauties of local nature reserves and get acquainted with friendly horses, see the beauty of the taiga and see how people live in our time in remote settlements.

Historical background

If it were not for how our history has been developing for the last few centuries, it would not have developed as we know it today, horse tourism. The history of this direction is rich, curious, attractive, but most of all - its ups and downs recently.

For a long time horses, tamed by people, were useful to a person in a variety of situations. They were used for moving loads, helping to plow fields, were irreplaceable companions in war and even sport. Equestrian tourism simply could not not appear, because a horse can ride any healthy person, regardless of age and sex.

Horse riding originated in ancient times, but to this day it is covered with romanticism and attracts people of all generations. Karl Marx wrote about the fact that man lives by nature, that it is his body that must be recognized in himself, and acknowledging that it is impossible not to enter into a dialogue. Ridership is and is such a dialogue with nature, a dialogue with oneself through the surrounding world.

It so happened that in the 20-21 centuries horse work is practically not used - it was replaced by cars, due to which the life of these noble animals became simpler and more pleasant. Some even said that now the horses will need to be entered into the Red Book, since they are no longer needed for plowing! However, in our days such a statement, already refuted by the last decades, seems ridiculous.

Horseback Riding

A variety of types of equestrian tourism began to develop recently. Of course, certain competitions have existed before, but only in recent years there have been so many. Equestrian tourism became similar to the fever that swept the human civilization in the 60s of the last century, and since then has not let go of it.

Why is horse tourism so topical? The urban man gets tired of the concrete walls surrounding him all day 365 days a year, and the opportunity to ride a horse is the best way to forget about boring everyday life. Someone is running around, others are walking or doing gymnastics, but there are always those for whom horse riding is the best choice.

Riding a horse is useful for health and gives a correct load for the human body. During a hiking trip, such physical activity, when the rider is surrounded by virgin nature, produces a particularly strong impression - it is not only useful but also pleasant for a person, he treats his psyche and improves his mood not only momentarily, but also in the future.

Prospects for the development of equestrian tourism

Some people still doubt that such exist. However, these skeptics are very few, because the popularity of this sport only grows. This is observed, both in Russia and in other countries of the planet. Regularly there are new camping sites, updated routes are being worked out, allowing tourists to get acquainted with a large number of attractions, reserves, natural beauties. Already in 1973 in France horse tourism was the second most popular, second only to skis.

Equestrian tourism also attracts those who seek to become famous. Since as a tourist destination this sport has appeared relatively recently, those who wish have many opportunities to set records, which they use. Constantly the media reports on new and new conquered points, routes, on the increase in the duration of the trip and its intensity. Who knows, maybe you can achieve that you beat all known records? It is only necessary to begin!

There will be more and more opportunities

According to statistics, not only urban residents are engaged in horse tourism in our country, but also inhabitants of rural areas. These are dozens, if not hundreds of thousands of people, united by common interest. This, of course, attracted the attention of the Federation of equestrian tourism, both international and Russian. This direction is actively sponsored, subsidized, and encouraged by the initiative of entrepreneurs who chose it for work.

Sports horseback riding is something that attracts special attention. And to this day, activists are arguing with skeptics who believe that such a direction of the sport is meaningless and empty. But in practice it is clear that it is in our time that amazing opportunities open for those who are passionate about such an active pastime.

Of course, in equestrian sport there are many such tasks that have yet to be solved, but for this there is an excellent base. By the way, it is in Russia that horses of the highest level have traditionally been excavated for a long time, which then participated in various sports on the whole planet. This means that for sports equestrian tourism there is an excellent base: smart, reliable animals with excellent character and physical endurance.

It has already been mentioned that numerous routes for tourists wishing to travel on horseback are laid in Bashkiria. And this is not surprising, because even from the time of the Soviet Union, it was here that some of the best horse breeders of the country were concentrated. In addition, traditionally worked and working here are special schools, teaching youth and adults riding horses. Here train strong instructors. This means that a tourist who has arrived from a large city can safely entrust them with his life and safety and have no doubt that the trip will leave only positive impressions. All this creates an excellent prospect for the development of equestrian tourism in Russia and beyond.