Equestrian tourism: organization and development in Russia

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

Equestrian tourism in Russia is only gaining popularity from year to year. More and more offers for those who want to relax actively, but outside the box. If you love horses and interesting routes, nature, then these options are designed specifically for you. Fortunately, there are a huge number of opportunities, and a rich variety of landscapes allows you to travel on horseback from season to season, getting new impressions.

All 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 developed in the Crimea and near Moscow. You can ride a thoroughbred horse in Bashkiria or Altai. Equestrian tourism in the Urals makes an incredible impression, when travelers are surrounded by ancient mountains decorated with snow caps, and a person overcomes all the difficulties of the way with his faithful friend - a horse.

You can ride horses, being in the Northern capital of Russia, in Buryatia or in the Caucasus - in a word, the geography of such tourist routes is completely unlimited. Although it is worth recognizing that the richest choice is in the Siberian regions. Some time ago thisthe type of travel practically disappeared, which was due to the economic situation in the country and the peculiarities of fashion - everyone was eager to get warm, to the beaches. But now the situation is changing radically. Do you doubt that equestrian tourism is really in such demand? Photos will convince you otherwise. On horseback, you can tirelessly travel many kilometers every day, marveling at the beauty and diversity of Russia's natural resources. Paths in the forests, mountain roads and steppe expanses will become available to you. Can this really leave you indifferent?

Pleasure for all

Equestrian tourism in Russia is such a pleasure that goes beyond the usual layman, and that is why it is so attractive. There is nothing more romantic than horseback riding through the incredible beauty of the forests and fields of vast 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 have never seen a horse up close before. Before starting the crossings, instructors will explain how it works: how to manage the animal, how to care for it and how to make the trip mutually enjoyable for both rider and horse.

Today, equestrian tourism in Bashkiria, Altai, the Caucasus is the best way to forget about the daily hardships and difficulties of city life and immerse yourself in the romance of a long passage, the starry sky above your head and a feeling of complete freedom - such that I want to sing, and as if even wings grow. Truly, in such a campaign it is impossible not to become a romantic.

The best is for you

There are people for whom equestrian tourism is something frightening. They believe that this is contact with practically wild animals, from which it is not clear what to expect. In fact, everything is not so: it is horses that are one of the most intelligent mammals tamed by people. They perfectly understand the person, are friendly and very subtly feel the attitude towards themselves. If you care about a horse, it will love you even if you don't have good riding skills.

So, the most interesting regions for equestrian tourism in Russia:

• Baikal;
• Altai;
• Kavkaz;
• Gornaya Shoria;
• Bashkiria.

What 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 be sure that you will be able to find something that is perfect for you.

There are trips:

• short-term;
• long-term.

In the first case, the route is very short. The rider only rides for a few hours. In the second case, the route stretches for several days at once. Features of equestrian tourism with a long trip duration:

• opportunity to see different landscapes;
• acquaintance with reserves, suburbs;
• a chance to spend enough time with a horse to make friends.

There may be stops along the route, although the shortest ones do without them. As a rule, h altsdo when animals need rest. Much depends on the degree of difficulty.

However, the described option is the easiest. But for those who already know how to ride a horse well, there are much more interesting opportunities for active pastime - these are equestrian tourism competitions. Such events 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.

Equestrian tourism in Khakassia

Speaking about the popular destinations of this active pastime in Russia, Khakassia should be mentioned first of all. This place is more suitable for those who are interested in history, love archeology, whose heart skips a beat when touching antiquities.

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

Buryatia and Altai

The organization of equestrian tourism in Buryatia is a real pleasure, as those who are engaged in this business admit. The local landscapes are beautiful and varied, making it possible to form a path for the group, regardless of their skill level. It is possible to lay very simple trails for those who are on horseback for the first time, or you can make a difficult route for real athletes. It is Buryatia that is the most popular destination in Russia among riders. Here moreMongolian breeds are most common, and all animals with low stature have remarkable strength and a calm disposition. Even those who are just learning horsemanship will be able to confidently stay in the saddle.

But the Altai trails are a completely different story. Here, most of the routes lie in the steppe. However, there is one common feature with Buryatia: an abundance of various routes. Since tourism in Altai has been on the rise in recent years, tourists from all over the world are invited here, so there is a large choice of both route directions (you can visit various parts of Altai) and difficulty levels. Rest assured, only experienced instructors will be at your service, able to train even those who see a horse for the first time.

Ural and Baikal

The organization of equestrian tourism in the Urals is no less attractive and interesting (but also profitable) than in the previously described places. It may seem to an inexperienced person a strange choice of place for traveling on horseback, but in fact the Urals are great for this type of tourism. True, there is one limitation: in winter, the routes are closed here. It is worth remembering that all trips take place in the taiga, and this is not the safest place on the planet, especially during the cold season. As a rule, only travelers over the age of 18 are taken on routes in the Urals, they must be included in the instructor's group.

But Baikal is more accessible for beginners and attracts with the opportunity not only to ride horses, but also to learn something else. Combined tours are popular here,when it is possible to overcome part of the route on animals, and part on boats, kayaks.

Kuban

Equestrian 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 of all. The most advertised are those tours that start from Sochi, but there are also many that depart from other cities in the region.

Statistics show that travelers prefer to choose short routes, designed for beginners or those whose level of riding is not high. Studying the various offers, be sure to pay attention to the Una-Koz ridge. From year to year, quite a lot of various attractive routes are traditionally opened here, which will definitely not leave anyone indifferent.

Where does it all begin?

As already noted, equestrian tourism in Russia is well developed, there are many opportunities. But it is not at all necessary, having caught fire with the idea of riding horses in beautiful landscapes, immediately rush to purchase a program. Professionals recommend: First, find out if there is an equestrian club in your home area, and sign up for a couple of lessons there. This will help you understand if spending time with horses will really bring you happiness.

Another option is to go on a small test drive without moving away from civilization. It is easy to do this, because there are many offers of simple routes near Moscow and St. Petersburg. And if you realize what you getreal pleasure from what is happening, then you can afford something more solid, serious, away from civilization.

Across Siberia on horseback

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

However, it is Belukha that starts it all. As a rule, when choosing a route, travelers want this mountain to be viewed at least from a distance, and if there is a chance to get closer, it does seem like a fairy tale. Despite its relatively low height, the mountain is considered very difficult to climb and attracts the attention of extreme people from all over the world. The rugged upland captivates with its glaciers and walls of snow, so steep that one's head spins just looking at them. However, when traveling on horseback, you do not need to think about what it will be like for those who decide to conquer such expanses - after all, you are just passing by. This route, unlike climbing, is accessible even to beginners.

Another charming Siberian place is the Karakol lakes. They are surrounded by impregnable cliffs, nearby there are many curious caves and waterfalls that make a strong impression. These placesconsidered a natural monument.

Combined Horseback Tours

As mentioned above, on Baikal most often travelers go on routes, some of which are on horseback, and some are on foot. But this is far from the only opportunity to go on a combined trip.

The prospects offered in the Krasnoyarsk Territory are no less pleasant. Local tourism programs combine hiking and animal trekking. You can enjoy the beauties of local nature reserves and meet friendly horses, see the beauty of the taiga and see how people live in our time in settlements far from civilization.

Historical Background

If it were not for the way our history has evolved over the past few centuries, equestrian tourism would not have developed now in the form in which we know it. The history of this direction is rich, curious, attractive, but most of all - its vicissitudes in recent times.

For a long time, horses tamed by people have been useful to people in a variety of situations. They were used to move goods, helped to plow fields, were indispensable comrades in war and even sports. Equestrian tourism simply could not fail to appear, because any he althy person, regardless of age and gender, can ride a horse.

Horse riding originated in ancient times, but to this day it is covered with romanticism and attracts people of all generations. Karl Marx wrote that man lives by nature, that it is she who is hisbody, and this must be recognized in oneself, and having recognized it, it is impossible not to enter into a dialogue. Ridership is such a dialogue with nature, a dialogue with oneself through the world around.

It so happened that in the 20th and 21st centuries, horse labor was practically not used - they managed to replace it with machines, due to which the life of these noble animals became easier 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, today such a statement, already refuted by the last decades, seems ridiculous.

Equestrian sport

Various types of equestrian tourism began to develop recently. Of course, certain competitions existed before, but only in recent years there have been so many of them. Equestrian tourism has become like a fever that gripped human civilization in the 60s of the last century, and has not let go since then.

Why is equestrian tourism so relevant? A city person gets tired of the concrete walls surrounding him the whole day 365 days a year, and the opportunity to ride a horse is the best way to forget about boring everyday life. Some run, others walk or do gymnastics, but there are always those for whom horseback riding is the best choice.

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

Prospects for the development of equestrian tourism

Some still doubt that they exist. However, there are very few such skeptics left, because the popularity of this sport is only growing. This is observed both in Russia and in other countries of the planet. New campsites appear regularly, updated routes are being worked out, allowing tourists to get acquainted with a large number of attractions, reserves, and natural beauties. Already in 1973 in France, equestrian tourism was the second most popular, second only to skiing.

Equestrian tourism also attracts those who seek to become famous. Since this sport appeared relatively recently as a tourist destination, those who wish have many opportunities to set records, which they use. The media constantly report on new and new conquered points, routes, about increasing the duration of the trip and its intensity. Who knows, maybe you will be able to achieve the fact that you will beat all the records known to us? Just get started!

There will be more opportunities

According to statistics, not only urban residents, but also rural residents are engaged in equestrian tourism in our country. These are tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people united by a common interest. This undoubtedly attracted the attention of the Federation of Equestrian Tourism, both international and Russian. This direction is actively sponsored, subsidized, the initiative of entrepreneurs who have chosenits for work.

Sport equestrian tourism is something that attracts special attention. To this day, activists are arguing with skeptics who believe that such a direction of sports is meaningless and empty. But in practice, it is clear that in our time amazing opportunities are opening up 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 there is an excellent base for this. By the way, it was in Russia that horses of the highest level have traditionally been bred for a long time, which then participated in various sports competitions around the planet. This means that there is an excellent base for sports equestrian tourism: smart, reliable animals with excellent character and physical endurance.

It has already been mentioned above that numerous routes for tourists wishing to travel on horseback are laid in Bashkiria. And this is not surprising, because since the times of the Soviet Union, some of the best horse breeding in the country has been concentrated here. In addition, special schools have traditionally worked and are still working here, teaching young people and adults how to ride horses. Strong instructors are trained here. This means that a tourist who has arrived from a big city can safely entrust their life and safety to them 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.