About us · Vâlcea

Our story Vâlcea

Ecvestria Ranch — born from a love of animals and nature

Farm in Vâlcea — Ecvestria Ranch: restaurant, riding, pool and 9,000 m² of experiences. We look forward to welcoming you.

Read the story

The beginning

What we’ve prepared for you across these 9,000 m²:

The story behind Ecvestria Ranch is one of dream — and hard work.

It all began in childhood, when the dream of living on an animal farm took shape in the imagination of those who wanted to be closer to nature.

Over the years, this dream was nurtured with passion and determination,

and at last, it became reality.

Restaurant with outdoor terrace:

Savour your favourite food while watching the lake with colourful fish, swans and ducklings, right beside you.

Fun for little ones and grown-ups:

Zip line, trampolines, slides, swings, climbing wall, table tennis, fitness area and relaxation spaces.

Fun with Ecvestria's "Mocăniță":

An electric little train with 6 colourful barrels that takes us on a smile-filled "off-road" through the orchard. A delight for the little ones — and a joy for grown-ups too!

Riding: We offer gentle connection experiences:

  • Relaxed rides in the ring.

  • Guided rides through our orchard, where you can take in the scenery at the horse's pace.

Out of care for our horses — to give them longer, more relaxed lives and not overwork them — from January 2025 we decided to stop classic riding lessons.

Our little farm:

We have 8 horses, 12 goats, rabbits, pheasants, pigeons, black swans, ducklings, colourful fish and our best friends, Yuri and Kaya (our two dogs). We're not an industrial farm, but a home where every animal is treated like one of the family.

Raluca Rizea — founder of Ecvestria Ranch, Vâlcea farm

The founder

Raluca Rizea

Host of Ecvestria Chalet & Ecvestria Ranch

Languages spoken: Romanian, English

Hello everyone! I'm Raluca Rizea and I'm your host at Ecvestria Chalet, part of our farm, Ecvestria Ranch.

I always dreamed of creating a special place, a refuge for everyone who loves nature and animals. At Ecvestria Chalet, you'll discover exactly that: an oasis of calm and joy, where you can meet our four-legged friends and reconnect with nature.

Discover Ecvestria Chalet, a unique property at the heart of Ecvestria Ranch. Enjoy a memorable stay with our friendly horses as neighbours. Surrounded by nature and animals, you’ll find peace and a genuine connection to the countryside.

It's the perfect place for animal and nature lovers — a relaxing escape from everyday rush. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable equestrian experience.

Ecvestria Chalet sits in a storybook setting in the heart of Ocnele Mari — a town rich in history and striking natural scenery. Just a few kilometres from Râmnicu Vâlcea, Ocnele Mari is known for its old salt mines and the therapeutic properties of its salt waters.

Here you can explore the salt mine, with impressive galleries and a microclimate good for your health, saltwater swimming spots and hiking trails through nature. It's an ideal destination for anyone looking for a mix of history, relaxation and outdoor activities.

I'm so glad to welcome you and hope your stay here will be a memorable one.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers

Everything you need to know about Ecvestria Ranch — location in Vâlcea, our story and what’s on the farm.

Where is Ecvestria Ranch?

In Vâlcea county — about 10 km from Râmnicu Vâlcea. On site: farm, restaurant, riding, pool and play areas.

Who created Ecvestria Ranch?

The ranch was created from a love of animals and nature by Raluca Rizea — host of Ecvestria Chalet & Ecvestria Ranch. It is a family farm, not an industrial one.

What can I do on the 9,000 m²?

Restaurant with terrace, playground, the Ecvestria Mocăniță, gentle horseback rides, time with the farm animals and, for overnight guests, the Vâlcea pool (Serenity by Ecvestria).

Why a farm in Vâlcea?

Vâlcea offers beautiful landscapes and is easy to reach from Râmnicu Vâlcea — ideal for a nature escape, with open air and farm experiences.

Can I visit the farm without staying overnight?

Yes. You can come for the restaurant, activities or a day visit. Individual restaurant guests do not need a reservation. Some areas (such as the Vâlcea pool / Serenity) are reserved for overnight guests — details are on the dedicated pages.