One-Day Trips for Kindergartens and Primary Schools

A day with horses, nature and history at Zdravets Horse Riding Centre in Skravena, in the Balkan foothills.

A real adventure isn’t measured in hours or curriculum points. It shines in children’s bright eyes, in shared laughter, and in that quiet moment of wonder when a small hand touches a horse’s velvety nose for the very first time.

The day when nature tells stories and children make new friends

Mornings at Zdravets begin with the clean, fresh air of the Balkan foothills, birdsong and the gentle rustle of green all around. As soon as they step off the bus, the little ones look out over a wide, safe and endlessly green world. A huge, well-kept lawn is theirs for games and running free, and it quickly fills with happy chatter as their feet carry them off into the magic of the day.

A quiet conversation with the horses

The first thrill awaits by the riding arena. Everything here happens calmly and with a smile, as an invisible thread of trust connects children and horses. The children fall quiet as they watch a horse follow its instructor completely freely, guided only by gentle body signals and deep respect.

Soon it’s the little explorers’ turn to join this magical conversation. They learn how to approach calmly, how to “read” the happiness in their four-legged friend’s ears and how to give a gentle stroke. And when they put on their safety helmets and sit in the saddle for the first time, always with an experienced instructor beside them, their eyes light up with a pure pride they will remember for a lifetime.

Laughter, adventure and a spirit of discovery

The day quickly turns into a colourful kaleidoscope of fun, where every minute brings joy:

A little farm safari: With happy cheers, the children climb into a farm cart lined with colourful traditional rugs for a merry ride across the meadows.
The path of the ancient archers: At the archery station, every child takes aim like a little hero while listening to captivating tales of our ancient ancestors.
The Hora-dzhagi pitch and crazy games: Everyone bursts out laughing on our special Hora-dzhagi pitch, where the children themselves become the players of a giant table football game and kick the ball together. The big lawn leaves plenty of room for team competitions, running and outdoor games in the sunshine.

Touching history and living wonders

The adventure continues with an easy, pleasant walk along a shady path to a nearby centuries-old monastery. Stepping through its gates, the children feel as if they have entered another age.

In the courtyard they are greeted by a true living giant: an ancient Turkey oak raising its majestic crown to the sky. Wide-eyed, the children try to hug its enormous trunk and listen in wonder to stories of the past, while back at the centre its young successor, the Iron Oak, awaits them. The day continues with a visit to the old monastery church and the first little souvenirs to take home.

A living classroom under the open sky

Here, learning comes naturally and easily, through play, smiles and curiosity. Children experience nature with all their senses: they learn to respect animals, discover the magic of history and build team spirit as they romp across the wide green spaces. For teachers, it’s a day when they see their pupils united, happy and enriched far beyond the pages of their textbooks.

Memories that last forever

Towards the end of the afternoon, gathered in a closing circle on the grass, the children share their favourite moments of the day. They leave happy from all the games, with glowing smiles, smelling of fresh air and grass, and proud of their first ride.

This is more than a school trip. It’s a day full of friendship, history and magic, and children talk about it excitedly long after they get home.