Kupres Farm, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reviews
“The nature there was so great with green pastures and hills wherever you look. You can ride for days and never cross the same route. Kupres is heaven for people who live in the cities covered with concrete. It is a place where you can rest your soul and enjoy the freedom.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Various breeds including Arabs, Lipizzaners, local breeds and cross breeds.
Nature of horses:
Ranging from calm and steady to more spirited.
Height of horses:
14 - 15hh
Weight limit:
90kg (approx 14 stone 2lb or 198lbs)
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Rain, 18 C
Forecast:
Thu - Light Rain Early. High: 27 Low: 16
Fri - AM Fog/PM Sun. High: 25 Low: 13
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Skiing and Riding Combination Week
£514 per person.
This price includes 7 nights of accommodation, food, ski tuition (if required), rental of ski equipment, ticket for the ski-lift, transfers to and from ski resort and horse riding. This package also includes airport transfer from Split to Kupres.
Kupres Plateau Week Stay
£247 per person.
Please note that the above is an introductory promotional rate which will be held until 25th December 2010.
Prices for 2011 will be as follows:
January, February, June, July, August and September: £514 per person.
March, April, May, November and December: £360 per person.
These prices include 3-5 hours riding a day (approx) for 6 days, food and accommodation.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This destination is set in the natural beauty of the Kupres Plateau and is a lovely way to see some untouched landscapes and a little known part of the world. There are fields, magnificent forests, mountain lakes and rivers to be explored and you will receive a friendly welcome from the hosts. This riding destination is extremely good value and an insight into the rural life of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
There are around 13 horses (though a few are too young to be ridden out yet) on the farm and several foals, all of which are well loved by the owners. The horses are mostly domestic mares and Arabs, with some cross breeds, all of which are sure-footed and excellent for the environment. Although life here is quite different to that which most of us know, the horses are well fed and kept on pasture in the day and in stables at night. They are only shod when necessary and you will find that mares are sometimes ridden with foals in tow, as the hosts find that this is a good way to get them moving and used to the terrain.
This destination is a great option for those on a limited budget who want to explore somewhere new. It is not a luxury option but although simple, it will show you the true region and the warmth of the people. The countryside is stunningly green when there has been plenty of rain and there are many beautiful sights to see. Riding is arranged according to the wishes of guests and your hosts sincerely hope that you will want to visit them again and again.
In May 2010, we sent our Croatian representative and friend, Goga, to visit this destination for us. You can read her full review by following a link on the left of this page, it really is as good as it looks!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in a cabin (small house on the farm) which has two double bedrooms and living room (with sofa and an extra bed), mini kitchen, toilet and shower. In addition, 2km further away there are three double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms available.
Please note that other guests may also stay in the cabin at the same time as you, unless you specify that you wish to be alone (something which may incur an extra cost). The two bedrooms are separated but in the case that there are other guests at the same time, you would be required to share use of the bathroom and communal areas.
Food here is in the traditional style and homemade. Breakfast consists of items like eggs, cheese and bread with lunch a variety of pies, stews and similar. Dinner is usually something grilled like some fresh fish. The hosts are happy to find out what the guests like to eat and prepare something suitable.
Food is usually served in a tavern along the riding route and sometimes picnics are taken for lunch.
Drinks are not included in the cost and the host is happy for you to pay for these in Euros. As a rough guide, a beer (0.33l) or juice is usually about 1€, a bottle of wine can vary from 10€ - 20€ depending on the quality.
Activities
Your hosts also organise paragliding (for those with experience who have their own equipment), motorcycling or just the usual cycling. These activities cost extra, unless someone in the group does not want to ride, in which case they can follow on a motorbike. There is also the chance to try shooting some arrows in a "Robin Hood" style competition.
Further Details
Languages: English, Croatian
Health requirements: None specific
Age limit: 14+ for riders
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, food and riding (approx 3 - 5 hours per day).
Not included: Flights, insurance, transfers, drinks, extras such as souvenirs and alcohol.
Travel Information
Transfers can be arranged from either Split airport (Croatia 150km) or the airport in Sarajevo (140km). The cost of this can be calculated and agreed before departure, depending on the number of people, but it is usually around 20 euros per person for a return ticket. It is about a 2 hour drive from either airport but we would recommend flying into Split, as these flights are more readily available in general.
Airport: Split
Alternative Airport: Sarajevo
Programmes
Skiing and Riding Combination Week
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This package offers a combination of skiing and horse riding. Kupres is a beautiful destination for riding but is also a well-known ski resort, with snow fall for 55 days a year on average, usually in January and February. This package includes seven nights of accommodation, food, ski tuition (if required), rental of ski equipment, ticket for the ski-lift, transfers to and from ski resort and horse riding. This package also includes airport transfer from Split to Kupres. In the event that there is no snow, the format will be the same as the Kupres Plateau Week Stay where you spend your days horse riding. The cost will remain the same but you have the added benefit that airport transfer from Split is included (it is not included in the Kupres Plateau Week Stay programme). There are no specific hours to this programme - if you want to ride one day then you can do so at your leisure and if you want to ski, your host will make sure that everything is prepared. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Strong Novice and above - riders must be capable of walk, trot and canter in open countryside. You can be of any level for skiing. |
| Type of ride: | Based stay with trail rides. |
| Total riding time: | Dependent on your wishes. |
| Departure dates: | Flexible in January and February |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Kupres Plateau Week Stay
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A seven night, six day holiday with riding on the 1200m Kupres Plateau, a beautiful area of Bosnian countryside. This is for intermediate riders and above who are looking for an extremely good value holiday with good horses in a little known part of the world. There is some lovely countryside to be seen and a warm welcome at the farm where you spend nights in a small cabin. If suitable for the riders, you may sometimes ride up to 40km in a day, passing through small picturesque villages and visiting some landmarks. The countryside is diverse and includes magnificent forests and mountain lakes. Landmarks include Kukavicko jezero (lake), medieval tombstones (stecci) and remnants of an ancient Roman basilica. Nights spent out in the wild can also be arranged. DAY 1: - Arrival at Split or Sarajevo airport, meeting at the airport - Coach transfer to Kupres (2 hrs) - Accommodation and supper DAY 2: - Breakfast - Getting to know the horses - Test ride (around 2 hrs) - Lunch - Riding - Supper DAY 3: - Breakfast - Preparing horses for a day long riding tour - Kukavicko jezero route (Lake route) - Break after 2 – 3 hrs ride - Lunch in the countryside - Riding back to the farm - Rest – supper DAY 4: - Breakfast - Morning departure to motor-bike panorama ride (or off road cars) to the top of the Mount Sto˛er (1758m) - Return to the farm – lunch - Optional activities (horse riding, walks, cycling...) - Supper DAY 5: - Breakfast - Preparing horses - Optional riding (woods, meadows, hills...) - Return to the farm – lunch - "Robin Hood" competition (shooting arrows) – party - Supper DAY 6: - Breakfast - Preparing horses for a ride through dense woods to Kupreška vrata (2-3 hrs) - Return to the farm – lunch - Optional activities DAY 7: - Breakfast – departure |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate (comfortable at all paces with experience of the open countryside) - Experienced. |
| Type of ride: | Based with trail rides out. |
| Total riding time: | 3 - 5 hours per day (approx) for 6 days |
| Departure dates: | Flexible dates all year round. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |