- Place
- Šiauliai District Municipality
- Region
- Kurtuvėnai Regional Park
- Type
- working stable, riding school and living museum visited by advance arrangement
- Address
- 6 Parko Street, Kurtuvėnai, Šiauliai District
- Coordinates
- 55.82540, 23.05136
- Visit duration
- 1-2 hours; longer for a trail ride or education programme
- Best time
- at a reserved time; riding activities can also take place in the indoor arena
Living Horse Museum, Girniukas Riding School
A living museum in historic manor stables
The museum occupies the stud stables of Kurtuvėnai Manor. The protected-areas service describes the estate as one of Lithuania's oldest manor sites, known since the fifteenth century; its restored ensemble includes parkland, utility buildings and equestrian spaces.
The word living is literal: the principal museum residents are about 30 horses, not inanimate exhibits. The number can change and should be read as the officially stated scale of the present herd rather than a permanent registry total.
A visit starts with learning to understand a horse
A guided visit introduces the stable residents and their individual stories. The educational aim is to observe body language, needs, daily care and safe ways to approach a horse, not simply to obtain a brief recreational ride.
Riding, pony rides, carriage trips and trail rides through Kurtuvėnai Regional Park are separate services. Availability depends on experience, weather, the horse's condition and the instructor's judgement.
An indoor arena and routes through the park
The stable has an indoor arena, allowing some riding sessions to continue in cold or rainy weather. That does not mean every outdoor booking moves inside automatically; the operator confirms the actual plan.
A self-guided alternative is the 6 km Šalia dvaro route. The official trail links the manor, hillfort, ponds, burial grounds and the Living Horse Museum itself.
Booking, prices and safe conduct
In July 2026, the official website listed a museum session from EUR 25 to 35 and carriage rides from EUR 20 for 15 minutes to EUR 60 for an hour. Prices, group sizes and programmes can change, so confirm everything directly.
Arrive only at the agreed time, wear closed shoes and follow the instructor. Do not feed, touch or lead a horse without permission, and supervise young children continuously.
