Shcherbati Zugli (Museum and Stables), Prybirsk

The Polissia horse had officially been declared extinct since the mid-20th century — until a man from the village of Prybirsk discovered that the mare he'd bought was, in fact, a living member of that "lost" native breed.

That's how Shcherbati Tsuhli came to be: a homestead in the Kyiv region dedicated to reviving the Polissia horse, while also showcasing real Polissia life — two century-old cottages, a working loom, and a wood-fired oven that turns out a hot lunch.

Quick Facts

What it is and why people visit

Shcherbati Tsuhli is part stable, part farm, and part living museum of Polissia rural life. At the heart of the story is the Polissia horse: a small, hardy breed that worked the marshy Polissia region for centuries before nearly disappearing.

People come here to ride, to join horseback treks through Polissia landscapes, to stay overnight in a small guesthouse, to taste oven-cooked dishes, and simply to enjoy the quiet of a real village. This is an "immersion" experience, not a quick photo stop — visitors get to touch the exhibits, try weaving on the loom, and join evening gatherings.

History

The project was founded by Yurii Yahusevych — a man who unexpectedly became the champion of an entire breed. After buying a mare, he discovered she was a Polissia horse, a native breed that experts had considered extinct since the mid-20th century.

A team of enthusiasts gathered around the idea, taking on the work of reviving Polissia's native animals. Over time, two Polissia cottages over a hundred years old joined the horses: they were turned into a living museum where visitors don't just look, but touch, taste, and try traditional crafts.

Tested by war

Prybirsk lies in the north of the Kyiv region, and in 2022 the village lived through occupation. Shcherbati Tsuhli has its own "before and after" — but the homestead survived and kept going. Today it's one example of how rural tourism in Polissia is rebuilding after what the region went through.

It all started with one mare who turned out to belong to a breed that science had already buried. Sometimes a revival begins exactly like that — with one animal and one stubborn person.

Polissia lore

Polissia is a region where folklore lives in every marsh and forest. At Shcherbati Tsuhli, these stories become part of the experience.

1. The horse that knows the way through the marsh

Polissia villagers used to say their local horses could find a path through a bog where a person would sink. The breed's hardiness and "marsh instinct" aren't a legend — they're a real trait that helped it survive for centuries.

2. The cottage that remembers several generations

Each of the century-old cottage museums has its own "biography" — owners, events, objects that outlived the people who used them. Guides happily share the stories behind specific items, and suddenly an ordinary chest or embroidered towel becomes a doorway into someone's distant life.

What to see and do

The stable and horseback riding. The heart of the homestead. Here you can meet the Polissia horses, go for a ride, or set out on a horseback trek through Polissia.

The living museum cottages. Two cottages over a hundred years old. Exhibits can be touched, not just viewed behind glass.

Crafts and the oven. Weaving on an authentic loom, traditional Polissia dishes from the wood-fired oven, beehives, and evening gatherings — the full rural-immersion package.

Boats and nature. Polissia's rivers and forests are right nearby — a great addition to the riding program for those wanting more active time outdoors.

How to get there

By car. Prybirsk is about 100 km north of Kyiv, toward the Polissia and Ivankiv districts. Driving your own vehicle is by far the easiest option — the road leads to a rural homestead that's much harder to reach by public transport.

Booking. This is a private homestead with programs and overnight stays, so visits should be arranged in advance — especially for groups, horseback treks, and overnight bookings.

Good to know. This is northern Kyiv region, an area that lived through the events of 2022. Before traveling, check with the hosts on current road conditions and the security situation.

Traveler's checklist

• Book ahead: your visit, horseback ride, or overnight stay.
• Pack: comfortable clothing and footwear for riding and walking.
• Try: oven-cooked dishes and weaving — they're part of the experience, not an afterthought.
• Ask: the hosts about programs for kids and beginner riders.
• Don't: show up unannounced — this is a working homestead with its own schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Polissia horse?

It's a native breed of the Polissia region — small, hardy horses adapted to marshy terrain. It was considered extinct from the mid-20th century, and Shcherbati Tsuhli is working to bring it back.

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes, the homestead has a family-friendly format: the animals, museum cottages, crafts, and oven all work well for children. Riding programs for young kids should be arranged with the hosts.

Can you stay overnight?

Yes, there's a small guesthouse on site. It's a good option for anyone wanting a horseback trek or a few days of full immersion in Polissia rural life.

How far is it from Kyiv?

About 100 km to the north. By car, that's roughly one to two hours depending on the route and road conditions.

Shcherbati Tsuhli is a rare example of tourism as rescue rather than consumption: it revives a horse breed, preserves Polissia's way of life, and gives city visitors a real village experience without the staging.

And if the Polissia horse is ever fully removed from the "extinct" list, the story will trace back to exactly here — to one stubborn mare near Prybirsk.