Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
Welcome to our personal equestrian center, a hidden gem on approximately 6 hectares of private forest and pasture, located just 25 kilometers from the pulsating city of Sarajevo. Here, in the shadow of the majestic Ormanj mountain range, we open the doors to a riding experience that will capture your heart.
This trailride will take you on a journey through enchanting forests to open meadows that invite you to a canter, with a view of snow-covered mountains in the distance. Some trails may be challenging, and you may occasionally need to dismount and walk up or down steep slopes. But don't worry, our locally bred horses are experts in this terrain and will safely guide you through the adventure. The pace is mainly relaxed, with some cantering where the terrain allows.
Meet Rachel and Rasim, your hosts and guides. Rasim is a manager at a multinational pharmaceutical company, an adventurous explorer, and a competitive endurance rider. But what truly drives them is their love and passion for horses.
This beautiful country, the horses, and your hosts are waiting to make your journey memorable and full of adventure.
Choose between two well-arranged trail rides: Wine routes & Wild horses, where you will visit vineyards and taste a wide variety of wines, and the Via Dinarica Trail Ride, which will take you through beautiful landscapes with stunning views and thrilling riding.
Whichever ride you choose, the stunning countryside, the horses, and your welcoming hosts and guides will ensure a memorable stay filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation at the riding centre is in guest rooms located above the horse stalls. There are 3 double bedrooms (one with private bathroom) and one 4 bedded room (with shared bathroom). There is also a cosy kitchen and communal dining area with a lovely terrace overlooking the riding arenas. During the trail rides accommodation options are diverse, comfortable and usually in a beautiful remote forest location. Depending on the ride you choose, you stay three or four nights in the riding centre rooms, as well as in mountain lodges on the trail route. There are towels and bed linen on site.
Bosnia has had culinary influences from many sources over the centuries and the resultant traditional food offered here is mouthwatering. Dishes include many interesting combinations of flavours with roots from the middle east, Slavic countries and Mediterranean cuisines. You can enjoy unbelievably tender slow-cooked beef and vegetable stews, as well as the traditional snack food “Cevapi”, char-grilled ground meat served with fresh flatbread and chopped onions. Vegetarians are also well catered for with plenty of tasty stews and vegetable dishes available.
Vegetarian or other dietary needs can be accommodated if horseXplore is notified in advance.
Program - Via Dinarica Trail Ride
On this holiday, you will enjoy a unique trip combining rides through pine forests, fields, picturesque slopes, and paths along mountain creeks on the Via Dinarica trails, as well as a guided walking tour of Sarajevo and an afternoon spa visit too. The two first, and last night you will stay at the ranch and the other nights you will stay in mountain lodges.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival day
Riding: No riding.
Arrival Sunday afternoon, pick-up at the Airport or your accommodation in Sarajevo and transfer to the equestrian center, 30 min drive. Enjoy the afternoon settling into your accommodation, take a walk in the forest or watch the riding lessons taking place in the riding arenas. A group dinner will be served in the evening which will also give your hosts, Rachel and Rasim the opportunity to go through their pre-ride and safety briefing.
Overnight at the ranch tonight.
Day 2 - Monday
Riding: 2 hours
After breakfast, you will meet the horses and take part in a riding assessment to ensure the best horse-and-rider pairing for the week ahead. We then set out on a relaxed introductory ride of approximately two hours through the surrounding countryside. This ride allows riders and horses to become acquainted before embarking on the trail adventure. After lunch at the farm, we travel to Sarajevo for a guided walking tour through one of Europe's most fascinating cities. Discover centuries of history, diverse cultures, and remarkable architecture as your local guide brings Sarajevo's story to life. Dinner will be served at a traditional local restaurant before returning to the farm.
Overnight at the ranch.
Day 3 - Tuesday
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
After breakfast, your luggage will be loaded into the trail support vehicle as we begin our journey along the Via Dinarica Trail. Riding northwest through forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes, we follow a route that offers excellent opportunities for relaxed trots and canters. The trail winds through peaceful woodland and open countryside, showcasing the natural beauty and tranquillity of the region. As we continue deeper into the mountains, riders are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes and a true sense of adventure along this historic long-distance trail. At approximately 2:00 pm, we stop at a beautiful mountain picnic location where a traditional Bosnian goulash will be freshly prepared. While the horses graze nearby, riders can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing the afternoon ride. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Mountain Lodge Lopata, our first overnight stop. Here, we enjoy local hospitality, hearty cuisine, and a comfortable evening surrounded by nature.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Riding: 5 hours
Following breakfast and strong Bosnian coffee, we prepare for another spectacular day in the saddle. Today's route steadily climbs through forests and mountain glades, eventually reaching elevations of 1,744 metres above sea level. As we rise above the tree line, the vast alpine landscape of Bitovnja unfolds before us. Open mountain pastures provide ideal riding terrain, with opportunities for exhilarating canters across the high plains. The panoramic views are among the finest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stretching across seemingly endless mountain ranges. After approximately 10 kilometres of riding, our support vehicle awaits with a traditional mountain picnic. A hearty Bosnian bean soup accompanied by local sausages is served while the horses rest and graze. The afternoon takes us across some of the most breathtaking scenery on the entire trail before descending towards Mountain Lodge Pogorelica, where another memorable evening awaits.
Day 5 - Thursday
Riding: 5-6 hours
With horses and riders now fully settled into trail life, we set off on one of the most rewarding days of the journey. Our route climbs towards Mount Zec, crossing vast alpine meadows where shepherds continue centuries-old traditions of summer grazing. Along the way, we pass traditional shepherd huts while enjoying spectacular views across the surrounding mountains.
The slopes of Zec are rich with wild blueberries and cranberries, and on clear days Sarajevo can be seen on the distant horizon. At a panoramic viewpoint, we stop for a saddlebag picnic lunch while the horses rest and graze freely. After our break, we continue across the magnificent Vranica mountain range towards the secluded mountain village of Vrtaca. Far removed from modern life, Vrtaca offers a truly authentic mountain experience. Surrounded by pristine nature and breathtaking scenery, it is the perfect place to spend our final night on the trail.
Accommodation – Mountain Cabins, Vrtaca
• 1 or 2 mountain cabins
• Shared bathroom facilities
• Traditional mountain setting
• Simple and comfortable accommodation in a remote alpine environment
After dinner, enjoy the silence of the mountains and a night beneath some of the clearest skies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Day 6 - Friday
Riding: 2 - 3 hours
After breakfast, we saddle up for the final ride of the week. Today's scenic route follows mountain trails from Vrtaca towards the village of Tovarište, offering magnificent views across the Vranica Mountains and surrounding valleys. This final riding section lasts approximately 2.5 hours, providing a relaxed and memorable conclusion to our trail adventure. Upon arrival, our horse transport will be waiting. Before loading the horses, we enjoy a final saddlebag picnic while watching them graze peacefully nearby. Both horses and riders are then transferred back to the Lazy Horse Equestrian Center. After freshening up, we head to a nearby wellness spa (five stars resort) where swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a relaxing massage await. Following a week of adventure and unforgettable landscapes, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the journey. In the evening, we return to the farm for a farewell dinner celebrating an extraordinary week on horseback.
Overnight at the ranch.
Day 7 - Saturday
Riding: No riding.
Departure after breakfast today.
Important
The riding times, distances, and routes described in this itinerary are intended as a guideline only. Due to the nature of mountain travel and the unpredictable weather conditions that can occur in Bosnia and Herzegovina's highlands, route adjustments may occasionally be necessary. The safety and wellbeing of both horses and riders are always our highest priority. For this reason, your guides may modify daily routes, riding times, overnight locations, or planned rest stops when required by weather conditions, trail conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Any changes made during the tour will be carefully considered to ensure the best possible riding experience while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Program - Wine Routes & Wild Horses
When there is wine, culture and good times often follow. Did you know that the wine tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina dates back to 2000 BC? From the time of the Slavs, through the Bosnian Banates, the Bosnian Kingdom, the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary to the present day, wine production has always been of the highest quality.
On horseback, you will ride through beautiful regions and vineyards, enjoying the Mediterranean climate that characterises the coastal and lowland areas of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along the way, you will discover the region’s winemaking traditions first-hand.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of the entire riding holiday is the encounter with the wild horses of Herzegovina. You will ride towards their grazing grounds, always keeping a respectful distance so as not to disturb the herds. You will then leave your horses behind and continue on foot, quietly entering their world – observing them at close range and, when they allow it, gently touching them. It is a truly moving experience to be among these free-roaming horses, surrounded by their calmness, strength and quiet presence. These are the rare moments when you simply stop, observe and feel completely connected with the wild beauty around you.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1 – Sunday (Arrival)
Arrival on Sunday afternoon. You will be picked up at the airport or at your accommodation in Sarajevo and transferred to the equestrian ranch, approximately a 30-minute drive.
Spend the afternoon settling into your accommodation. You can take a walk through the surrounding forest, explore the vineyard located on the ranch or watch the riding lessons taking place in the riding arenas. In the evening, you will join the group and your trail guide for dinner, followed by an introduction to the week ahead and a detailed riding and safety briefing.
Accommodation – Equestrian Ranch House
3 double bedrooms, one with a private bathroom
One four-bed room with shared bathroom
Kitchen and terrace
Day 2 – Monday (2 hours riding)
After breakfast, you will be introduced to the horses and the riding skills of the group will be assessed. You will then saddle up for an easy morning ride of approximately 2 hours.
The aim of this introductory ride is to get you familiar with the horse with whom you will hopefully spend an unforgettable riding week.
After lunch at the ranch, you will travel to Sarajevo for a guided two-hour walking tour, learning about the history of this beautiful city.
After the sightseeing tour, you will visit the first winery on your wine-tasting journey – a beautiful winery located on the slopes above Sarajevo, offering wonderful views over the city. Dinner at a local restaurant in Sarajevo’s Old Town.
Accommodation – Equestrian Ranch House
Day 3 – Tuesday (3–4 hours riding, lunch by the lake)
Today, spectacular Blidinje is your destination. After breakfast, you will set off by minibus while the horses are transported separately by truck. The journey takes just over an hour and leads through beautiful mountain scenery, past a large lake, a wild river valley and the dramatic slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Today’s accommodation is hidden away in a peaceful pine forest – a secluded base camp that is also home to a local riding club dedicated to trail riding and exploring the surrounding wilderness on horseback. The camp consists of two mountain cabins with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. Once the horses are saddled and ready, you will set off for a full day of exploring the spectacular landscapes of Blidinje.
Blidinje is a vast and wild plateau with kilometres of open terrain inviting you to enjoy a canter and gallop beside its beautiful lake – the largest natural lake in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Around 1,500 different plant species have been identified so far in this unique area, with more than 200 of them being endemic, relict or sub-endemic species. Blidinje Nature Park is also known as the largest habitat of the endemic Bosnian pine with its distinctive white bark.
After a long day of riding and a freshly prepared meal by the unique lake, weather permitting, you will return to the base camp for a short rest and some time to freshen up. Later, you will take the trail riding vehicle on a short, approximately 30-minute drive to one of the wineries in Herzegovina.
Herzegovina has 22 active wineries and many different grape varieties, making it difficult to choose between Žilavka, Traminac, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and others. Tonight’s selected winery is Knebu Winery, with Knebu meaning “towards the sky” in English.
This is one of the region’s most distinctive wineries, with vineyards rising to almost 1,000 metres above sea level. The dramatic mountain climate, organic viticulture and carefully limited yields produce wines of remarkable freshness, intensity and character, making a visit here a truly unique wine experience.
Accommodation – Mountain Lodges
4 single bedrooms
3 double bedrooms with shared bathroom
Kitchen and terrace
Day 4 – Wednesday (3 hours riding and wild horse watching)
Today is a very special riding day. After approximately an hour’s drive, you will arrive at the foot of Mount Cincar, where you will ride and have the opportunity to observe numerous herds of wild horses from a safe distance.
It is estimated that the total number of wild horses has already reached around 1,000. The surreal landscapes of the Krug Plateau invite you to enjoy a leisurely canter. At a nearby wetland, you will have the opportunity to watch the wild horses and set up camp with your horses.
After riding, you will walk directly towards the largest herds. This gives you plenty of time to observe their behaviour within the herd and take unforgettable photographs. The horses often approach out of curiosity or because they are accustomed to receiving carrots and apples from visitors.
After an unforgettable day, you will settle into a charming village house – one or two houses depending on the number of guests. Your horses will be comfortably accommodated right beside you in the courtyard.
This evening, you will enjoy dinner on the banks of the beautiful Sturba River, tasting local specialities as well as the famous Livno cheese – widely regarded as one of the finest cheeses in Bosnia and Herzegovina and exported to countries around the world.
The day ends around the campfire, where you can share stories from the day and enjoy local Livno wines.
Accommodation – Village Houses
One or two village houses depending on the number of guests
Double and triple bedrooms with two shared bathrooms
Kitchen, living room and terrace
Day 5 – Thursday (3 hours riding)
Today, you will ride through the beautiful countryside around the town of Livno, situated in the Livno Field – the largest karst field in the world and the place where the famous Herzegovinian cheese is produced.
After breakfast, you will set off on horseback through the mountainous regions towards Buško Lake, the largest lake in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Today’s special highlight is the beautiful Sturba River, which you will follow during the first part of the ride. You will then continue your ascent into the surrounding mountains, riding through dense forests before reaching open clearings with beautiful views over the Livno Field stretching endlessly around you.
After your final day of riding in Herzegovina, you will load the horses onto the horse truck and return to the equestrian centre, your home base.
Today’s wine experience is Pejčinović, a small family winery devoted to producing distinctive Sauvignon Blanc wines. It is a young and ambitious winery run by its host, Goran, together with his family. They spend much of their time in the vineyard, carefully exploring the local terroir and the grape varieties best suited to the area.
Their story is deeply personal – Goran’s first wine was named after his daughter, Lana. Together with his wife, he continues to develop the vineyard with great passion and a clear ambition: to create wines that reflect this unique landscape and gain recognition for their quality, character and taste.
Accommodation – Equestrian Ranch House
Day 6 – Friday (5 hours riding, fish picnic, spa and massage included)
After breakfast, you will set off on horseback, heading northwest through the beautiful mountain landscape. With well-rested horses and gentle, open stretches of trail, there will be opportunities to enjoy a relaxed trot or canter.
You will then descend towards the Lepenica River, where you will ride through the shallow water and admire its small waterfalls. Over the next two hours, the route follows peaceful forest trails, mainly at walk and trot through the woodland, with occasional clearings. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery and the soothing sound of the Crna Rijeka (Black River) flowing through the mountains.
For lunch, you will stop beside the river and enjoy freshly grilled trout. The sound of the water and the shade of the surrounding trees create the perfect setting for a short rest in the hammocks, while those feeling more adventurous can take a refreshing swim in the clear, cold mountain river.
After riding back to the base camp, you will take a 10-minute drive to a beautiful international five-star spa resort, where you can enjoy swimming, sauna, steam rooms and a well-deserved full-body massage.
The evening is reserved for a farewell dinner and wine tasting. The wines will be paired with a selection of traditional local cheeses produced by a small family dairy in the town of Fojnica.
Each guest will receive two bottles of their preferred wine as a gift to take home. It will be a relaxed and memorable evening, with plenty of time to share the highlights of your riding adventure, exchange photos and enjoy wine, local flavours and great company beside the crackling fire in the outdoor fireplace, right in the heart of the vineyard.
Accommodation – Equestrian Ranch
Day 7 – Saturday
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to the horses before being transferred either to Sarajevo Airport or to your accommodation in the city if you choose to extend your stay.
Before the transfer, you will visit the fascinating Tunnel of Hope Museum, located next to Sarajevo Airport. The museum tells the story of the historic tunnel that once ran beneath the airport runway.
Horses
The horses are a lovely mix. They include Bosnian horses, Arabian thoroughbreds, Lipizzaners, Anglo-Arab crosses, and several Haflingers (150-160 cm). They are selected for their temperament and endurance. They are all considered a part of the family, and some compete in endurance riding, some in dressage and show jumping, and are also used in the riding school for children from 8 years of age.
So, you'll find for sure a horse that is a perfect match for you.
Climate
Most of Bosnia-Herzegovina has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. In those areas close to the short coastline in the south, you will find a Mediterranean climate.
Travel Information
Ability description: Trail Ride level 2-3
Included in the price: 6 nights, 5 days riding, fullboard, all drinks and refreshments, spa visit and airport transfer
Not included: Flights, insurance, other activities not mentioned, tips and other personal expenses. The wine tastings are not included but are charged at appr. 25 EUR per person at each winery (cash only).
Travel: Fly to Sarajevo.
Transfer: Transfer is included from Sarajevo airport or from hotel in Sarajevo.
Single room: No, single rooms can unfortunately not be booked.
Season: Set dates
Group size: Minimum 2 on Via Dinarica and min. 3 on Wine Ride. Max 8.
Age limit: Minimum 18 years
Weight limit: 85-90 kg
Currency: BAM. It is also possible to pay with EUR
Credit card: No
Wifi: There is wifi on ranch but the nights on the trail out in the mountains there is no wifi and hardly any cell phone coverage at all. They carry a satellite phone for emergencies.
Pool: No.
Misc.: Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag available: Yes
Special diet: Inform when booking.
Feedback from our travellers
Superb service and organization
Super everything from the person who handled the packing, grilled, and cooked much of the food, including lunch and sometimes dinner. Great guide, pleasant group, and wonderful gallops. Excellent care. I can really recommend this trip. Everything was well-organized, well-planned, and there was great care for both people and horses.
– Yvonne Thomson
Fantastic experience in Bosnia
The owner Rashim was holding a sign outside the arrival hall. He had already created a WhatsApp group with information before our arrival. Simply fantastic! Clean and comfortable. The cabins were simple but functional. Plenty of food. Delicious! One lunch by a river consisted of freshly grilled fish. Another was a delicious stew, all with plenty of vegetables and bread. There was meat on the menu in the evening, and vegetarians had no trouble getting well-prepared meals. We did a lot of climbing at a slow pace, but we were richly rewarded with fantastic gallops on the plateau at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. We had an incredible view in all directions. Bosnia is incredibly beautiful. The owner had "personal profiles" on each horse and matched me perfectly with the right type of horse. All the horses were forward-going, well-muscled, and confident. They were well cared for. As with all my riding trips, I’m super satisfied. Everything was well-organized. Just the fact that we had a spa and massage on the last day made all the difference for our tired riding muscles.
– Anna Hellberg
Amazing horses and fun riding
All accommodations were great and fresh. The food was incredibly good. Some days felt like festive meals, while other days were simpler, but always soooo tasty! Never had to go hungry. Super fun riding in varied nature. Some climbing on certain days, many fast gallops on open ground with amazing views. I felt pure joy on every ride! The horses were well taken care of and in good shape for their tasks. They were confident but had their own characters, which made the experience even more fun!
Incredible trip. I loved that there was a lot of riding, but also other activities! The wine tastings were excellent. I’m so sad the week went by so quickly—I could have stayed longer! I highly recommend this trip to those who want to experience fun riding and taste many good wines.
– Maija Reveny
Perfect care for a vegan traveler
As a vegan, I was very pleasantly surprised that all the meals on the trip were so well adapted. I’ve never been so well taken care of on a trip from start to finish. Everyone was very attentive to ensure we had a fantastic experience.
– Amanda Gustafsson
Great accommodations and horseback riding
All accommodations during the week were very good. Varied and exciting riding in beautiful terrain. The horses were perfect for trail riding and in great condition. All the staff were very friendly, competent, and service-oriented. The horses were well taken care of during the trip. I’m very satisfied and would love to go back to ride their mountain tour next summer.
– Eeva-Riitta Leppänen
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