The valley seen from the saddle — at a horse's pace, over the uplands and forest roads.
Dărmănești has two equestrian tourism centres: "La Cai" and the Eghet riding centre. They offer trail rides through the surrounding countryside, riding lessons for beginners and carriage rides for those who would rather watch.
The breeds raised at the centres are spectacular: Friesians — the black giants with flowing manes —, purebred Arabians and Gypsy Vanners, the piebald horses with feathered "trousers" above their hooves, gentle and photogenic.
Schedule and bookings: the Eghet riding centre — tel. 0742 359 200 (the "Echitatie EGHET" page on Facebook). For "La Cai", ask at the Dărmănești tourist information centre (CNIPT).
The hot tub and sauna at the guesthouse work wonders. And the day's story gets told by the fire.