The Museum of the Horse and Equestrian Sport belongs to Thracian University in Stara Zagora and is housed in the rectorate building. Its exhibition is tied to the royal family of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom and to the development of horse breeding in the country.
The museum has two halls. They hold carriages from the royal stables, harness, saddles used by members of the royal family, horse cloths and horseshoes. Among the carriages are the pram of Simeon II, made by Peyko and Todor Orozov — sons of Mito Orozov of Vratsa, the first carriage maker in Bulgaria — a carriage drawn by four horses, and a phaeton of Tsar Ferdinand made in London.
Also on show are the riding whip of General Vladimir Stoychev, a personal gift from Tsar Boris III, photographs of horse breeds, books about them and a collection of equestrian awards.
The museum opened on 6 March 1971. In 1975 the exhibits were moved to Stara Zagora, and Thracian University has looked after them ever since. The restored and fully renovated museum reopened on 20 May 2010, for the university’s 15th anniversary.
Visits are by advance booking with Thracian University.
Museum of the Horse and Equestrian Sport is located in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
Museum of the Horse and Equestrian Sport is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Museum of the Horse and Equestrian Sport can be visited year-round. Verify current opening hours directly with the museum before your visit, as schedules change seasonally and on public holidays.
Opening hours and admission fees vary, and most Bulgarian museums close one day per week (commonly Monday). Verify current schedules and prices directly with the museum or the local tourist information office before visiting Museum of the Horse and Equestrian Sport, especially on public holidays.
