The direct objective of our project is to create a uniform, sustainable, “quality-proof” active equestrian tourism network in the Central-Hungary region, in order to present Hungary’s natural treasures and human-made values in an active and ecotouric perspective. A number of research supports the increasing demand for active leisure in nature and programmes that provide unique experiences. Equestrian tourism can also respond to all these needs by creating the right offer: on horseback, a very different world opens up to humans, and we can get into a close relationship with nature that is rarely possible. Analysing their own and other researches, it can be concluded that the Hungarian target audience choosing to ride as active recreation is in the order of 200 thousand people, of which more than 100 000 people regularly choose this form of leisure time. Quantifiable changes in the supply side in recent years (continuous increase in the number of registered equestrian operators) also point to positive changes in demand. It can therefore be shown that nowadays in Hungary an increasing proportion of adults and children are open to riding as leisure activities. In addition to the traditional equestrian demonstrations, the colts and the driving and jumping competitions, the demand for various riding programs that meet today’s requirements of active tourism is becoming more and more widespread. However, spending time on horseback riding has not yet been integrated into the habits of everyday life. The network of horse-riding routes planned within the project, as well as the diverse and affordable services associated with the network, can underpin the wider demand for horse-riding. Hungary is undisputedly important at international level as regards the rider traditions that underpin the horse-tourism. Hungary’s main attraction is terrain riding, which offers almost unlimited opportunities for riders. Our country’s climate, topography, Hungarian horse breeds are perfect for this. Worldwide, there are fewer areas where you can ride freely, without barriers and safe, without ban signs and fences. The professional foundations of horse-tourism are also available: the sector operates in a regulated manner, in addition to this, the Hungarian Equestrian Tourism Public Benefit Association has also operated a voluntary quality assurance system (patkó certification system) for more than 15 years. As the legislative environment changes, there has been a significant positive change in numbers and quality among riders. Compared to previous practice, not only the infrastructural background of the riding schools, the professional competence of the persons providing the service, but also the suitability of the horses participating in the service could be ensured and checked. However, in the field of equestrian tourism services, it is essential to develop a single range of products and to integrate fragmented rider services into the national system. The aim of the present project is to develop an active equestrian tourism network covering the Central Hungary region, to identify stop points, to develop common services by fulfilling the following milestones: a. Establishment of the horse-riding route: identification of routes, establishment of rider stops along the route b. Establishment of marketable product: uniform themes and the development and market introduction of a range of services of the same type and quality. 1. We will set up an information point at 15 stops and develop it into an equestrian rest area with uniform boarding, the appointment of benches, waste collections, and the location of an uncovered horseport. Of the 15 stops, we plan to develop infrastructure in 12 locations: the establishment of a rider stop point suitable for a minimum of 12 horses — by refurbishing or establishing resting places, stables, horse harbours. We strive to build stops on the basis of current service providers and relevant equestrian facilities, i.e. we build an active network primarily from existing equestrian and equestrian tourism services, thus ensuring the sustainability of the system. The rider will also be the operator of the given stop point. 2. Equipment purchases — we plan to house mobile stables in 4 locations. Mobile stables are designed to enable the network to adapt in a flexible manner to the capacity problems arising from demand mismatches during the maintenance period through their portability. They also create an opportunity to create the junctions of the Central Hungary Ring Road, thus ensuring easier interoperability with other regions’ route networks. — 6 containers are placed along the route to create social functions (washroom, changing room, saddle storage). — For the operation of the network for the provision of diversified service packages 24