Horseback Riding Rila National Park: Beginner & Advanced Routes

Pine forest and river crossings on horseback, tailored to your skill

Horseback riding in Rila National Park guided by experienced riders through forest, meadows and rivers, with routes scaled to beginner or advanced level. Helmets are provided. Children from age 9 are welcome. The ride lasts around an hour, and guides photograph the route on your phone. Lunch or drinks at the on-site restaurant are available after the ride at extra cost.

The experience

You start with instruction on horse control and helmet fitting, then mount a horse matched to your experience. Beginner riders get a calm, gentle horse built for confidence. Advanced riders partner with a horse that responds to a faster, more dynamic pace. The guides lead you through Rila National Park's pine forest, across open meadows and over rivers: the route itself changes based on what your horse and your skill can handle.

The ride takes around an hour. Guides carry your phone and photograph the route as you go, so you have images without stopping to take them yourself. When you return to the starting point, you can rest and order lunch or a drink at the restaurant if you want one before heading out. Those are paid separately.

What’s included

• Helmet.
• guide in English.
• photographs taken on your phone during the ride.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (9 to 13 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adventure House Rusaliite

Is this one for you?The ride is shared with other guests and led by a guide who sets the pace. Choose this if you want instruction and company on the trail. If you need private transport to or from the starting point, that's arranged separately at checkout.

Traveler reviews

3.67★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (9 to 13 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the beginner and advanced rides in Rila National Park?

Beginner riders are paired with calm, gentle horses and take a pleasant, confidence-building route through the forest and meadows. Advanced riders get horses that move faster and respond to more experienced handling, with a route that matches that energy and skill level.

Do I need to bring my own helmet?

Helmets are provided for all riders. If you have your own helmet and prefer to wear it, you're welcome to bring it.

What happens after the ride ends?

You return to the starting point where you can rest. The on-site restaurant offers lunch and drinks if you'd like to eat before you leave. These are paid as extras and not included in the ride price.

Will the guide take photos during the ride?

Yes, guides photograph the route using your phone so you have images of the experience without needing to stop and take pictures yourself.