Welcome to Horsenook Stables
Prepare yourself to enter a different world, just a short 20-minute drive away from Sofia, Bulgaria's capital.
In a world of piece and quiet, where fresh mountain air fills your lungs, linger a while and take in the magnificent views over rolling heights and evergreen forests.
Come by in the evening hours and you will witness the entire sky reveal it's starry constellations.. or ride with us in moon-lit nights.
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Located at 1000 Meters elevation, our horse nook is surrounded by four of Bulgaria's mountain ranges:
Rila, Vitosha, Lozen and the Balkan mountains are the views you take in while riding out or by simply observing horses graze on rich meadows, enjoying their life naturally, in a herd.
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We combine authentic North American Western living and riding with the beauty of Bulgaria's natural treasures.
Our horses are started and trained through Natural Horsemanship - a method which during our decade long experience in horse training has been proven to be the most effective and supportive way of creating a trusting, mutually respectful and save relationship between horse and human.
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Local History
Once part of the Roman Empire, the Thracian region is rich in ancient archaeological findings and some of those areas can be easily reached from our ranch on horseback.
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There is evidence of sedentary life from the Copper Age (V-IV BC) near Paunovo village on the right bank of the Baba River. There, on a small hill overlooking the river, remains of a small prehistoric settlement were found.
In the Vakarel region exist more than 30 Thracian tumuli with an average size of 15 - 20 m in diameter.
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Findings of diverse objects such as clay dishes, coins, fibula, stone axes, carpenters, chisels, wedges, spindles and others are dating up to 5000 years BC or older. The ancient Roman road "Via militaris" has passed through this area leaving traces of archaeological importance behind.​
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Just a few hundred meters from our ranch, fibulae from the time of Empress Faustina and coins from John I Tzimiskes were discovered during the construction of St. Peter and Paul's Chapel.
This chapel and other historic landmarks make out for charming little day rides and picnics.
Natural Horsemanship & Horse Training
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As years' long and certified trainers, we have a wide range of experience working with horse & human of all ages in western as well as classical disciplines.
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More information on Natural Horsemanship and our approach
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Chris Shalliev
Colt Starting
Natural Horsemanship - Ground work / Saddle
Rehabilitation of Behavioral Problems
Reining
Dressage
Jumping
Nadia Reid
Colt Starting
Natural Horsemanship - Ground work / Saddle
Rehabilitation of Behavioral Problems
Reining
Kids & Horses
"Confident Rider" Program