Join us on a unique adventure in search of the wild horses of the Eastern Rhodopes — the only place in Bulgaria where you can encounter the descendants of the ancient Eurasian wild horse, the Tarpan (Equus ferus). Although the original Tarpan horses disappeared from our fauna long ago, its genetics have survived in various domestic horse breeds. Through careful selection of these related breeds, conservationists in Europe succeeded in restoring a modern Tarpan-type horse. Historically, tarpans once roamed from Spain to Scandinavia and across Eastern Europe, and written sources indicate that they also lived on Bulgarian lands. The species’ modern story in Bulgaria began in 2011, when the first 12 Konik horses were brought from the Netherlands as part of the Bulgarian–Dutch project “New Thracian Gold.” Today, the reintroduction is considered a complete success: by 2016, around 70 horses were already living freely in the wild in the Eastern Rhodopes. These animals survive entirely on their own, sharing their habitat with wolves. Their monitoring is supported by our partners at Friends of the Rhodope Cows and the Rewilding Rhodopes Foundation. Currently, two separate herds live in different parts of the region — reaching them is a true adventure. The tracking tour takes approximately 5 hours round trip. The starting point can be either near Madzharovo or Dolno Cherkovishte (“Perpera” complex). After about an hour of travel by car or bus, the rest of the journey continues on foot. Along the way, we introduce you to the fascinating geology, wildlife, and natural history of the area. For groups of up to 5 participants, we can provide transport with a 4WD vehicle, which shortens the walking distance. Seeing wild horses roaming freely in the rugged Rhodope landscape is an unforgettable experience. You will learn about their behavior, social structure, survival strategies in wolf territory, and their ecological role in shaping the natural environment.