Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
English bred, Arabian, Anglo Arab, Lipizzaner, Holsteins, Croatian Warmbloods, ponies and a Falabella
Nature of horses:
Kind temperament, well trained, sure footed, reliable. Every type of horse for every rider
Number of horses:
50
Height of horses:
Tiny (55cms) - 17.3hh
Weight limit:
90 Kg (can accommodate 2 riders just over 90 Kgs)
Tack type:
English, Western,Trail
Pricing
Plitvice Trail
Price of £795 per person (two or more persons) or £820 (single travellers) includes:
Six days of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Arrival day dinner and breakfast on departure day. All drinks with meals are included. Transfers from the Ranch to Gracac and to the Plitvice lakes, transportation of your luggage, six days of riding and an experienced English speaking guide is also included.
Please note accommodation changes: Tuesday and Wednesday nights are now spent in a hotel and Bed and Breakfast.
Dalmatia Trail
The price of £635 per person (two or more persons) or £660 (single travellers) includes:
Six days of breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks with meals; dinner on arrival and breakfast on departure day, an English speaking guide and also includes the transportation of luggage and six riding days.
Stationary Programme
The price of £405 per person (two or more persons) or £430 (single travellers) includes:
Six days of full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will receive dinner on arrival and breakfast on departure day, drinks with meals, an English speaking guide, six days of riding and transportation of your luggage.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Here you will find stunning varied landscapes. Most areas are unspoilt and surrounded by small cultural villages, fields, pastures, mountains, lakes and rivers.
Your host, Ivo has twenty years experience of running and guiding these trails and shows huge passion for his horses and guests happiness. He is a very wise, kind and caring individual.
There are two trails and a stationary programme to enjoy on this beautiful, almost untouched land, in two of the most stunning regions of Croatia. Here you can experience the hidden nature and treasured areas of Dalmatinska Zagora (the rural part inside of Dalmatia) and Lika (the continental part of Croatia).
The Dalmatia trail is suitable for riders with basic experience. In the summertime you can also refresh yourself by swimming in Peruca Lake where you can also take your horse for an enjoyable swim. The Plitvice trail, which is suitable for the more experienced rider, which is where you will get the chance to experience the most beautiful and well known part of the Croatian national park, the Plivice lakes. This is protected by the UNESCO Register of World Natural Heritage. There are sixteen little lakes interconnected with waterfalls, which create the main attraction of this unique park.
In the park you will find the spring of the Korana River, surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir and spruce, partly in the form of primeval virgin forest. Apart from the lakes and forests, the Park is ornamented with several caves, springs, flower meadows and is inhabited by brown bear, among other animal species. (The park can be entered at an extra cost during the ride).
Each day of your ride you can explore the natural beauty of the varied landscape. You will experience breathtaking rides; crossing and swimming through rivers (Dalmatia trail), galloping through open plains and climbing mountains.
These holiday programmes allow riders to take responsibility for their own horse during the trail (grooming/tacking up), however assistance is offered.
The rides will always be accompanied by a truck and/or car, so there is always the possibility to pick up important items such as waterproofs. You will also need to bring your own sleeping bag. Your luggage will be safe as the van follows the group and meets at regular check points.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The club is situated on a Ranch in the small village Radunic, in Dalmatian Zagora, 30 mins away from the town of Split.
The Ranch house has two floors. The ground floor offers a club room with a small western type bar which displays pictures and newspaper articles on trails and the club's history. There is also a kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom with a double and a single bed.
The top floor has five rooms with double and single beds and a bathroom. The rooms are simply furnished with two of the rooms having access to the balcony where you can experience the stunning views over the stables, surrounding forest and field.
All guests are taken care of in this friendly and warm environment, whilst having fun, making new friendships and enjoying a stress free time.
Whilst you are on the trails you will be sleeping in various places including tents and sleeping bags. On the Plitvice trail you will spend two nights in different farm houses with a friendly atmosphere. You will always receive tasty food including two hot meals (lunch/dinner), which is always freshly prepared mostly on open fires in the amazing countryside.
They prepare and cook tasty, traditional Dalmatian food made with homegrown, organic vegetables, fruit and meat. They also offer wines produced by local people, domestic cheeses, which are hand made 'the old way' from goat's, sheep and cow's milk. You can eat your meals in the club room or outside on the terrace around the big table.
Vegetarian dishes and special diets can be catered for.
Alcoholic drinks, such as, spirits and wine are locally produced. The most famous spirits include walnut, honey, grape and plum schnapps. Many guests ask to take a bottle of schnapps or some of their traditional cheese home because they are highly satisfying on the taste buds and prove very popular!! You will never go hungry or thirsty here!
Activities
The position of the Ranch makes it an ideal base to bike or go hiking around, exploring the local environment, visiting the nearby mountain of Svilaja (1509m), or you can just relax and read. There is also the option of exploring the nearby towns of Split and Trogir.
Further Details
Languages: English speaking host and German is spoken
Health requirements: No specific requirements
Age limit: 16 years for trails and 12 years if accompanied by an adult
Tuition: No Tuition is included. You have an assessment/horse matching day on the first day, there will be a chance to change tack or your horse, before the trail starts.
Included: Six days of full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner, dinner on arrival and breakfast on departure day, drinks with meals, an English speaking guide, six days of riding and the transportation of your luggage.
Not included: Flights, transfers to the ranch from the airport, buses, trains, tickets to the national park Plitvice lakes and any additional drinks.
Travel Information
There are several low cost flights going to Split. You can be transferred directly to the Ranch from airport Kastela or from the bus or train station in Split.
Transfer cost £40 (return), this can be paid in Kuna, euros or pounds.
Alternative airport:
Zadar, Dubrovnik – transfers are NOT included, you have to come to Split by bus where you can be transferred to the ranch.
Airport: Kastela (Split)
Programmes
Plitvice Trail
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In this rural and unspoilt region of Lika, Croatia, you are far, far away from a busy lifestyle. Here you can enjoy the natural, almost untouched beauty of the region, explore the magical Plitvice lakes and maybe even see some wild deer or birds of prey. There are bear's in this area, but are very rarely seen. You may not always keep to a strict time table, but hopefully you will enjoy Croatia's delicious traditional cuisine, wines, Schnapps and other drinks, as well as the endless and fabulous nature, without any stress. The Plitvice trail is suitable for more experienced riders. Here rides go through untouched forests, vast open fields and mountains where you can often see wild animals in their natural environment.. You are given the choice of the kind of horse you wish to ride and the type of tack (English, Western or trail). The horses are fit, some lively, some quiet, but all responsive. There is a horse for everyone. You will also ride the town closest to the Plitvice lakes, where the horses enjoy a well earned break in the shade, leaving you to explore the well known destination of the national park with its unique and stunning Plitvice lakes which are under UNESCO protection (you will be transferred to and from the lakes). After visiting the park the ride continues through further fantastic, varied landscapes, each day being longer with faster gallops. Each day you start your rides after breakfast, at around 09.30, you will have short breaks and water stops before lunch. After eating lunch, you have the chance to chat or as most do, get the mattresses out and take a two hour nap! The horses are always turned away on the pasture land and set free to roll and graze in enclosed areas over lunch breaks. Saturday: Guests arrive during the day. You may wish to explore the town of Split and it's Diocletian Palace, which is over 1700 years old and is under UNESCO protection, or the little town of Trogir which is also UNESCO protected. If you arrive during the day you will have a snack before eating dinner later that evening. Today is a chance to get to know the other riders, horses and people on ranch, making new friendships and enjoying the evening with a glass of locally produced wine. You can also try one of their delicious cheeses or their schnapps made from walnut, honey, plum or other delicious varieties. Sunday: After having a traditional breakfast on the ranch, you can make yourself familiar with your horse and take part in a test ride to the little cottage near the top of mount Svilaja (1509m). This gives you time to see if you are matched with the right horse, if you not you can change. You will ride on a stoney road, walking and trotting and go through open fields where you will trot, canter and maybe gallop. You will be tested this day, riding over rocky terrain. You will then climb the mountain and experience the fabulous views on your way up. It takes around two hours to get to the cottage where you will unsaddle the horses and let them wander around in a natural enclosure. In the cottage you will have home-cooked lunch and refreshments. After lunch you can rest or if you would like to you can climb to the top of the mountain where the panoramic views over the River Cetina and Peruca lake are truly amazing and well worth the climb! This takes around 45 minutes to get to from the cottage. When you come back to cottage you will get your horses, saddle them up and return back to the Ranch where you will have a delicious, organic dinner and a well deserved rest. Monday: After breakfast you get ready for the trail. The horses will be transported and driven to Gracac (around two hours away from the ranch) where the trail starts. The group follow in the minibus, where you meet the horses, groom, tack up and prepare for the start of your trail. You cross fields and pastures in the direction of Udbina. A hot lunch is prepared on the pasture land where you have your break. You continue your ride further through the Krbavsko field, where you enjoy a good gallop! Today the ride is about 40 km. The night is spent on a small farm on the Krbavsko field where you put up your tents or sleep in the house and have a lovely dinner. If you want you can take shower and have a glass of domestic plum schnapps, which is quite strong!! Tuesday: After breakfast you start your ride over a 15 km field, with a fast gallop, here is were you really get to open up if you wish!. Your well deserved lunch time will be prepared by locals in their home on the Bunic hill. In the afternoon you ride through areas of lush pastures and small hills, picking your way through the roughage. You arrive at a hotel, where you can choose a delicious meal from there menu, enjoy a hot shower and comfortable beds. Wednesday: After breakfast you will ride a fast gallop towards another small bed and breakfast on the edge of the Bjelopolje, where you leave your horses to relax and get ready to visit the great Plitvice lakes. You can have a meal and drink in the restaurant just around the corner or fresh pork from the spit roast before your guide transports you in the minibus to the Plitvice lakes which are under UNESCO protection. Here there are several stunning walks to explore, with options of two, four, six or eight hours hours long, where you can explore the natural wonders and beauty of Plitvice. You can see the 16 breathtaking lakes which are combined with stunning waterfalls, with the Silver Lake being the most amazing of them all. Once you have finished, you will be driven back to the bed and breakfast, where you will enjoy a nice dinner (in the restaurant) and spend the evening at the restaurant or return to the B&B and relax after a hot shower. Thursday: Today is a long days riding. After breakfast you continue your ride towards Mount Licka Pljesevica (1613m). You will take regular, short breaks on you way up the mountain and there is a period, where you will have to get off and walk your horse up the rocky part of the mountain climb, before returning back to the tracks. On the top of the mountain you will enjoy having your lunch and a well deserved break in a beautiful, open, green and peaceful space. After you ride down the mountain covered with big forest land, over forgotten cattle ways, to the old farm where your host is already waiting for you with a glass of wine and home made schnapps! Here you spend your night in tents on the very traditional farm of "OK BABY", where you eat dinner, enjoy a drink and relax. The generous people here will show you what Croatian hospitality is about. Friday: Today is the last day of the trail and is also another long days riding. After breakfast you will leave the farm and ride through the fields where you can trot or canter. You will climb Mount Kremen, where you have lunch on top of the mountain, enjoying the fantastic panoramic views. After lunch you re-saddle your horses and continue riding down the mountain, where some of this is rocky and quite steep, passing through pastures towards the point where you load your horses and then drive back to the Ranch. Back on the Ranch you can have dinner and relax after your fantastic trail, enjoying a drink and sharing your experiences with your new friends during the evening. Saturday: After breakfast you will depart for the airport. If you wish you can stay for a bit longer on the Ranch or visit Split. |
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| Accommodation: |
Your accommodation varies on this ride as you would expect on a trail of this kind through unspoiled countryside. Saturday, Sunday and Friday night is spent on the Ranch. Monday evening you stay on a farm where you will stay in tents. There you can use the bathroom in the farmhouse. On Tuesday night you stay in a nice farmhouse where you can sleep in one of three bedrooms, sharing a bathroom. Wednesday night is spent in a small farmhouse which has big room and a bathroom. Thursday evening you will spend the night on a nice farm where, again you sleep in tents. Friday evening you spend the night back on the Ranch. Due to the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, the route/programme may have to be adapted. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to Experienced. You need to be comfortable in trot, canter and gallop. This trail requires you to be reasonably fit because of the location, you will be required to walk alongside your horse for several metres because of the terrain. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 days riding, 4 to 7 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 23rd – 30 August; 6th – 13th September |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Dalmatia Trail
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The Dalmatia trail is suitable for riders with basic experience who can walk, trot, canter and gallop. You will ride on historically old tracks, Roman and Napoleon roads, old cattle ways and through the beautiful rural parts of Dalmatia known as Dalmatinska Zagora. You will follow the River Cetina and Peruca lake straight to one of the sources of the River where you can drink the clear, fresh and refreshing spring water. In the summertime you can also refresh yourself and your horse by swimming in the Peruca lake. You will also experience the local culture when passing through the small villages full of friendly and welcoming people. Saturday: Guests arrive during the day. You will be transfered from the airport, bus or train station to the Ranch. If you want to you can either explore the town of Split with UNESCO protected Diocletian Palace, which is over 1700 years old or the small town of Trogir, which is also under UNESCO protection. On the Ranch, if you come during the day you can have a snack before eating dinner later that evening. You will then have time to meet the other guests, your hosts, make friends and enjoy your evening with a glass of local wine, schnapps, or beer. Sunday: The morning starts with breakfast and a warm cup of coffee or tea. After breakfast you will meet the horses and take part in a test ride to the little cottage near the top of the Mount Svilaja (1509m). You get time to see if you are matched to the right horse, if you not you can change. You will go through open fields where you will trot, canter and gallop and ride along a sandy road. You will then climb the mountain and experience the stunning views on your way up, it takes around two hours to get to the cottage, where you will unsaddle the horses and let them wander around in the field. In the cottage you will have refreshments and lunch. After lunch you can either rest or climb to the top of the mountain where you can experience the panoramic view over the River Cetina and Peruca lake which is amazing and well worth the climb. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the top from the cottage. When you come back to cottage you will catch your horses, saddle them up and return back to the Ranch where you will have a delicious, organic dinner and a well deserved rest. Monday: After breakfast you will get ready for the trail. You will then gather your bags and put them in the truck which will follow you all the way. You will groom and tack up your horse before riding. The ride takes around two hours to reach the top of Mount Zelovo, where you can have a relaxing lunch and rest. After your rest the ride will continue for another two to three hours to a field close to the small village of Satric where dinner is enjoyed. You will raise your tents ready for a relaxing social evening. Tuesday: After breakfast you will continue riding towards the village of Bitelic where you will gallop through fields and cross the River Cetina next to the bridge (if you don’t want to get wet you can cross over the bridge). After crossing Cetina you trot alongside the riverbank and climb a small hill while riding towards the old village where you can then rest. After your well earned rest, the ride will continue towards Dabar and Peruca lake where you can enjoy a tasty lunch. The horses are unsaddled and set free to wander around a closed field. You can then enjoy a swim or just enjoy the fabulous view over the lake and surrounding mountain. Later that afternoon the horses are saddled up again and you continue riding towards the village of Koljane where a delicious dinner is enjoyed and the night is spent. Wednesday: Today after breakfast riding will commence through the beautiful scenery of Mount Dinara and pass through small villages. You will ride towards the spectacular source of the River Cetina. Here you have a chance to open up and gallop through the field Suhopolje and cross a bridge, which is situated next to the old ruined bridge which is made from monolithic stones, dating back several hundred years, some people say that the bridge is made by druids in the time of Greek poet Homer. Nearby is the small village of Cetina, where you have lunch several metres away from the one of the natural, fresh water sources of the River Cetina, here you can drink the water whilst watching the fish, with the chance of seeing their variety of trout. After lunch you can explore the surrounding area, here you will find the Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity, which is a couple of centuries old. Several hundred meters away is the ruins of a very old church of Holy Saviour dating back to 9th century which belonged to the Templars. Later that afternoon the ride continues towards the field where you spend the night. The day is finished off by galloping across the Vrlika field before having dinner and spending a peaceful night in the middle of the field, surrounded by old willow trees and watching the stars. Thursday: In the morning you get ready to ride after breakfast. This is started off by having a gentle trot, riding through the river for a short while before stepping up the pace for a good gallop towards the end of the Vrlika field. You ride through the small historic town of Vrlika, where you can rest and enjoy a refreshing cup of espresso in one of the local coffee shops. Later you climb a mountain, where at the top you will enjoy lunch with a stunning view and take a deserved rest. Here the panoramic views really are amazing! After your rest you saddle up your horse and continue your way down the mountain towards a small farm, in the field is where you have your dinner, raise your tents and enjoy a quiet evening. Friday: After breakfast is where the longest part of your ride takes place. You will ride through the lovely fields and pastures close to the River Cikola. After lunch you ride through big fields and mountain cuttings. Late afternoon you arrive back to the Ranch where you can relax after the trail, have a very tasty dinner and a good chit chat, recalling your breathtaking experiences gained during your trail. The evening is spent relaxing with a glass of wine talking and having fun. Saturday: After breakfast you will depart, or if you want you, you can stay a bit longer on the Ranch or visit Split. |
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| Accommodation: |
Your accommodation varies on this ride as you would expect on this kind of trail. Saturday, Sunday and Friday night you will stay in the Ranch. On this trail you will sleep in sleeping bags and tents. You are always close to the river where you can refresh yourself, and they always carry water tanks if you want to wash. Due to the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, the route and programme may have to be adapted. |
| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Novice to experienced. You need basic riding skills for this trail and be comfortable in trot, canter and gallop. You also need to be fit because there are few occasions where you will have to walk alongside your horse for several meters due to the terrain. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 days, 4 to 7 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 27th September-4th October; 11th -18th October; 25th October–1st November |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Stationary Programme
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This programme is ideal for people who don’t want to sleep in sleeping bags and tents. You arrive during Saturday and after a drink and a snack you get the chance to settle in. In the evening you will have a tasty dinner and a glass of local wine or any other drink (Schnapps, beer, tea or cold drink) with your hosts. After breakfast you will groom, saddle up and ride your horse each day with your guide for several hours in different locations, where you can explore the natural beauty and ever changing landscapes of the Dalmatian region known as the Dalmatinska Zagora. There is also the possibility to go and explore the beautiful towns of Split and/or Trogir on the Adriatic coast. Both towns are under UNESCO protection. During the rides you will stop for delicious lunches and breaks. In the evenings, you return back to the Ranch where you can enjoy a tasty dinner and socialise with your host and other guests followed by a well deserved, relaxing rest. |
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| Accommodation: | Breakfast and dinner is served in the Ranch and lunch is served on trail. You spend each night in one of the rooms on the Ranch. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Novice to Experienced. Basic experience, you need to be comfortable to trot, canter and gallop. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 days riding, 4 to 6 hours on saddle |
| Departure dates: | To Suit. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |