Horseback Riding in Rila Range, Bulgaria: Private & Self-Guided

You pick the pace and the company on mountain trails built for your skill level.

Private or self-guided horseback riding in Bulgaria's Rila Range on gentle trails suitable for all fitness levels, led by professional instructors on East Bulgarian and Shagya Arabian horses. Transport from Sofia hotels and equipment rental are included in the privately-guided option. The self-guided version lets you ride independently with horse and helmet provided. Both run about five hours.

The experience

The ride starts from Sofia with hotel pickup if you choose the privately-guided option, then heads into the Rila Range on trails designed for beginners through experienced riders. A professional guide leads the way on the private version, tailoring the pace and route to your experience. The self-guided option gives you the same horse and equipment but you navigate the trails on your own terms. Either way, you're mounted on an East Bulgarian or Shagya Arabian horse fitted with Western or military tack, and a helmet comes with the rental.

Five hours in the saddle covers enough ground to feel like a real escape from Sofia without demanding advanced horsemanship. The trails themselves are gentle enough that the activity works for riders of all levels, and the horses are chosen to match that brief. Children from age seven can ride, so it's not a solo pursuit if you're bringing younger family along.

The self-guided and privately-guided versions differ in one concrete way: the private option includes a professional guide who shapes the day to your group and handles transport both ways. The self-guided version means you arrange your own route and get yourself to the trailhead. Both include the horse, helmet and five hours of riding time. Meals and drinks are not part of either option, so plan accordingly if you're riding through lunch.

What’s included

• Professional guide (on the privately-guided option).
• horse rental with saddle and bridle.
• helmet.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (on the privately-guided option).

Options for this experience

2 options

Self-guidedGuide in English or Russian · 09:00Pickup is included, with your transport and our logistics handled

Privately-guidedGuide in English or Russian · 09:00Pickup is included, and everything is on us

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by VisitBulgariaOn Bespoke Experiences

Is this one for you?Choose the privately-guided option if you want a guide adjusting terrain to your riding level and hotel pickup included. Pick self-guided if you prefer setting your own pace and navigating independently.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The trails are designed for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders, and the professional guide on the privately-guided option tailors the pace to your group. The horses themselves are calm and suitable for first-time riders.

What horses will I be riding?

The operation uses East Bulgarian and Shagya Arabian horses, both breeds known for steady temperament on mountain trails. Tack comes in Western or military style, and you get a helmet with every rental.

Does the private option really include hotel pickup from Sofia?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the privately-guided option. The self-guided version does not include transport, so you'll need to arrange your own way to the trailhead.

How long does the whole thing take?

The ride itself is about five hours. If you book the privately-guided option, add travel time from Sofia to the Rila Range and back.

What's the difference between private and self-guided?

The privately-guided option includes a professional guide who leads the ride, shapes the route to your level, and handles all transport from your hotel. The self-guided version gives you the horse and equipment but you ride independently and arrange your own way to the trailhead. Both include the horse, helmet and five hours of riding time.