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Croatia, Dalmatia

In the middle of the beautiful Dalmatian countryside, about an hour's drive from Split, you will find this family-owned farm run by the young and driven Stipe. Enjoy a peaceful destination that is easy to get to and is also very affordable.

The landscape offers varied riding terrain with everything from lovely gallops across untouched landscapes, to walks through small villages, discoveries of old Roman roads and magnificent views from the Svilaj and Mosec mountains. The riding suits riders who feel confident with fast-paced gallops over open landscapes and long days in the saddle (on request, it is also possible to arrange private rides for families / groups with more inexperienced riders). Some of the horses are very forward, but there are also calmer horses for those who prefer it.

The accommodation is simple but comfortable and consists of a newly built part with five double rooms, located in the courtyard. There is also access to a small pool during the summer months. Stipe and his family serve traditional Dalmatian cuisine where they grow a large part of the ingredients themselves, including their own wine. The lunches are usually taken as cozy picnics during the riding tours, while breakfast and dinner are served in the common dining room.

Your host Stipe has previous experience from Croatian riding schools, but 8 years ago decided to start his own business where he offers an affordable and fun long-distance riding program with comfortable accommodation and very good food and drinks.

Here you will feel extremely welcome and get to experience both the local culture and fantastic days on horseback!

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Accommodation & Food

Guests stay with the owner and his family at their ranch in basic, but comfortable double or twin rooms. There are 5 rooms in total, 3 rooms have a private bathroom, and 2 rooms share a bathroom. 
The meals are homemade by your hosts family, and you can expect traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Guests are welcome to join the host's mother in the kitchen for an impromptu cooking demonstration to see how some Dalmatian specialties are prepared.

Breakfast includes home baked bread, cheese, jam, eggs and seasonal fruit (often home-grown). Lunch is usually eaten as a picnic at a picturesque spot on the trail and can include sandwiches, quiches, cold meats, fruit and bread. In case of poor weather, you will then return to the ranch for lunch which could be a Dalmatian dish (based on fish or meat, greens, olive oil, and seasonings). Dinner is eaten back at the ranch and is another authentic home-cooked meal freshly prepared by the family. The drinks that are included with each meal could be juice, wine, beer, tea, coffee, milk or water.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice to HorseXplore.
 


 

Horses & Riding

The horses at the ranch are specially trained for the trails and used to the terrain. There are 10 horses available aged between 6-12 years. With a maximum of six riders at any time, there are always spare horses available if necessary. The sizes of the horses range from 14.1hh to 16.3hh and English tack is used. Breeds are crossbreeds with  English and Arabian Thoroughbred and Croatian warm blood. They are willing and reliable but fit and forward-going.

The riding on this holiday is fast-paced and thrilling. Expect lots of cantering through flower-filled fields and quite a few gallops on the hills, mountain slopes and wide valleys that make up this remote region.

Rider requirements
This riding program is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. You must be comfortable at all paces including gallop and with experience of riding in open countryside. A reasonable level of fitness is required to cope with up to six hours a day in the saddle. You will be helping with feeding, grooming, and tacking up your horse but assistance is always available if required.

On request there is also the possibility to arrange private rides for families / groups with more inexperienced riders. Some of the horses are very forward, but there are also calmer horses for those who prefer it. If unexperienced riders come, they divide the group in 2 groups so everyone get the right pace for their ability.
 

Program

Preliminary program 

Day 1 - Saturday
Riding: No riding.
Transfer to the ranch from Split airport, bus or train station with time for a snack and some relaxation before dinner (depending on arrival time). The plan for today is to get to know the other guests and your host, to make new friends and to enjoy a traditional Dalmatian dinner with homemade wine.

Day 2 - Sunday
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
This morning starts with breakfast and a hot cup of coffee or tea to wake you up. After breakfast you will meet the horses and have a chance to get to know them, riding for 2 - 3 hours to discover the surrounding nature. You can try the horses at trot and canter as you ride along natural pathways. Lunch this first day is back at the ranch where you can relax and have a bit of a rest. Then it's back on your horse for another 2 - 3 hours of riding before you return to the ranch for a delicious dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Monday
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
After breakfast you will get ready for your first full day ride. Today you will groom and saddle your own horse (help offered if required!) and then you will ride up the hill Zelovo for a little over two hours. Here you can enjoy a lovely lunch and a rest. After the lunch break the ride continues for around 3 hours, exploring local villages and enjoying views of the fields, forests and nearby mountain scenery. You will eventually ride back to the ranch for dinner, drinks and a good sleep.

Day 4 - Tuesday
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
The ride today takes you to the Svilaja Mountain. During the morning you will gallop in the fields and ride into the typical Dalmatian villages of Ogorje, Leskur and Milesina. After the villages the ride leads onto ancient Roman roads and over to the mountain where you can relax during lunch. After your rest you will ride over the mountains to the villages Buzov and Pribude back to the ranch for dinner with your group.

Day 5 - Wednesday
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
After breakfast today you will tack up your horse for a ride through the fields at the foot of Svilaja mountain and on through the villages of Crivac and Čavoglave. Following on Roman paths you can trot, canter and gallop.
On reaching the village of Marinići you can pass by old wells with clear, cool waters before stopping for lunch. The hill above the village is famous for its caves and underground waters and you will have time to explore. Later that afternoon the riding continues into open meadows, perfect for faster paced riding, and then on through glades back to the ranch.

Day 6 - Thursday
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
Today's ride begins with some walk and gentle trots, riding for the top of the mountain Svilaja. About halfway through the trail you will stop for lunch and a refreshing drink (at about 1300m above sea level) before riding up to the mountain's peak at 1508m above sea level. Here you will take some time to enjoy views of the Perucko lake, Cetina river and even the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. The panoramic views up here are breathtaking!
After a break to rest the horses and yourselves and to enjoy this wonderful scenery it is time to mount up again and head for the ranch.

Day 7 - Friday
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
After breakfast today you will saddle up and ride to the mountain Moseć, following trails through beautiful fields and along streams. There is a stretch of gravel road to reach the lunch destination. After lunch you will make for the mountain canyon for your last riding adventure.
Later in the afternoon it's time to finish your ride by heading back to the ranch for a rest, a final dinner and good conversation and sharing of memories with your newfound friends.

Day 8 - Saturday:
Departure after breakfast.
 

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail Ride Level 2-3 >>

Included in the price: 7 nights shared accommodation, all meals and drinks from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, 6 days of riding.

Not included: Flights, personal travel insurance, airport transfers.

Travel: Book flight >>
Flight: Fly to Split Airport (SPU)

Transfer from Split Airport: €150/car, return transfer, max 3 passengers/car, approximately 1 hour.
Paid directly to the taxi driver in cash.
Split airport, bus or train station transfers at set times. 

Single room:  There is one room available for solo travelers at no extra cost - this is a smaller room with only a single bed. If this room is not available and you are not willing to share, then the supplement must be paid.

Season: April 22, 2023 - October 2023 (Arrive/depart on Saturdays)

Group size: 2-6 riders

Age limit: 16 years

Weight limit: 90kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2lbs

Currency: EUR

Wifi: Yes

Electricity jack: EU standard

Beach: No

Pool: A small one

Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet

Saddle bag available: Some saddlebags.

Special diet: Inform when booking.

Misc.: Bed linen, toiletries and towels are included.

Note: They can organize private rides for families or groups with less experienced riders, please ask.

Climate

Most of Croatia has a continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The coastal area has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild wet winters and warm sunny summers. Statistically speaking, Croatia is one of the sunniest countries in Europe.

Dates and prices

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
17/06/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
01/07/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
15/07/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
29/07/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
12/08/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
26/08/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
09/09/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
23/09/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
07/10/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
21/10/20238Croatia - Dalmatia ExplorerEUR 1,100Book on request
11/05/20248Croatia - Dalmatia Explorer
Private group
EUR 1,100Book on request

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