Equestrian tourism as an offer of rural tourism - study on the selected examples from Podkarpackie Province (Poland) and Prešov Province (Slovakia)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the offer of equestrian tourism as one of leisure activities in rural areas in Poland and Slovakia. The applied methodology included office and field methods. Office methods related to the analysis of source material - literature, maps, yearbooks and Internet resources. The field study consisted in carrying out observations and interviewing selected owners of the centers offering services in horse tourism. The conducted analyses showed that both Podkarpackie Province and the Presov Province have great potential for the development of equestrian tourism which advantages have not been fully exploited, particularly in Slovakia. These limitations are due to confusing legislature, the lack of cooperation between the various entities and poor promotion of this activity.