Bosko's Ranch and Croatian Culture, Croatia
Reviews
“We swam in the river and raced around the race track (optional) - I so wanted to go faster but Bosko was very cautious - then we came to where the camera and Ivo shouted let felicity go - so i did - WOW wasn't that a great feeling!! Boskos' Ranch was nice and the food was great - his dad was lovely and looked after us all so well. The riding was lovely - beautiful meadows in May full of wild orchids.”
In the News
“We are pleased to announce an additional date of 14-21 August due to the popularity of this trail”
Horses
Type of horses:
Various types, all well trained.
Nature of horses:
Reliable, well trained, sure-footed and with a kind temperament
Height of horses:
13 - 16.2hh
Weight limit:
100kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 23 C
Forecast:
Fri - Rain/Thunder. High: 31 Low: 22
Sat - Rain/Thunder. High: 29 Low: 21
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Week Programme
2010 Prices:
£665 per person in the high season: 1 April - 31 October
£525 per person in the low season: 1 November - 31 March
Includes full board accommodation (7 nights) and 6 days of riding.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Roman Trail of Dalmatinska Zagora
2010 price: £750 per person 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 the transportation of luggage and six riding days.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This Croatian based ride is situated 2km from Sinj, a town in the continental part of Split - Dalmatia county. The region of Sinj is rich and diverse, and you will experience the magnificent views of the mountains, forests and the Cetina river. The base covers 20,000 square meters and includes a corral for the horses, pasture, lawn, sports court and restaurant. It is geared towards family holidays but offers riding to suit all levels, offering tuition to those who need it. It's particularly great for children riders and is also a chance to enjoy the food and drinks of the region - it provides a real cultural experience for adult guests as the area is rich with history.
Besides horse riding there is the chance to visit Sinj itself - a town with an interesting history and well known for the game called Alka. This was originally a knights' game which has been around for over 280 years and is featured in the Sinj museum. This town also has a swimming pool situated about 1km from the ranch and the area offers nice walking opportunities.
This destination is near to the towns of Split and Trogir (30km) which are under UNESCO protection. You can visit these for sightseeing, shopping and to experience more of the real Croatia. The food of this area is well represented on the ranch.
The ranch accommodation has a big suite with jacuzzi (the large yellow and blue room shown in the gallery) which is ideal for honeymooners or those travelling for a real treat. There is a programme here ideally suited towards entertaining children and the riding school is suited to both children and adults. Horses are available to suit absolute beginners or experienced riders looking for a Croatian adventure.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The accommodation here is pleasing and every room is en suite.
Food on the ranch is authentic of the region and is rich and diverse. Some Sinj specialities are arambasici (mince with spices wrapped in sour cabbage leaf or in wine grape leaf), home-reared lamb, trout of Cetina and pasticada (beef in a sweet and sour sauce with gnocchi). Vegetarian options are also offered.
Activities
There is nice walking in the area and also a football field. There is a swimming pool about 1km from the ranch.
Further Details
Languages: Croatian and English
Health requirements: Fit and healthy
Age limit: None within reason
Tuition: If appropriate
Included: Accommodation, food and riding
Not included: Transfers, visits to museums etc.
Travel Information
Fly into Split. Transfers are available from Split to the ranch at a cost of 50 Euros per person.
Airport: Split
Programmes
Week Programme
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This programme offers seven nights at a friendly and welcoming Croatian ranch. A great destination for families as well as single adults or groups, there is a good level of tuition offered as well as enjoyable rides out into the countryside. This is a wonderful chance to experience the culture as well as the beautiful outdoors. There are horses here to suit all riders and there are excellent options for children or nervous guests. For the experienced rider, each day will take you in a different direction around this area - you can head out towards the river Cetina, where it is possible to swim with the horses in warmer months, or explore the fascinating town of Sinj. The programme offers six days of riding with guests spending between 4 and 6 hours in the saddle each day. For the less experienced guests, those lacking confidence or children, the centre here is a well established riding school. The horses are calm and well-schooled with a kind temperament. Your hosts here are very proud of the history and culture of this area and want their guests to have the opportunity to learn something about it. There are various excursions and extras which can be arranged for you if you'd like and here are some of the options: - Trip to one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea - Tasting their homemade wines by the fireplace - Visit to a local racecourse to see how the horses are prepared and trained - Archery on Horseback competitions - Museum visits and a trip to an old fort in the centre of town where the inhabitants defended themselves against the Turks long ago - Trip to an old mill on the river Ruda where guests can mill the flour - Visit to a local valley where guests can harvest the medicinal plants growing there - A visit to Alkar stables where guests can view the horses used in the game of Alka - a traditional knights' game which originated in Sinj hundreds of years ago This is a flexible based stay to suit all riders. It is enjoyable both from a riding point of view and for the chance to absorb the warm Croatian culture - it is also excellent value and the hosts are friendly and accommodating. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Beginner - Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Trail rides but returning to base each night. |
| Total riding time: | 4 - 6 hours per day for 6 days. |
| Departure dates: | Saturday - Saturday by arrangement |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Roman Trail of Dalmatinska Zagora
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Ride the paths of the Romans and Napoleon where you will experience rich archaeological heritage. On your journey you will meet the welcoming, local people of Dalmatinska Zagora (the rural part of Dalmatia), experience the historically rich, romantic villages and remarkable nature of this land. There are many springs and lakes where you can enjoy swimming with or without your horse and drinking the clean, fresh water whilst you listen to the bees buzzing on the blossoming heather. Two significant mountains, Dinara and Svilaja, encompass the Dalmatinska Zagora which is an area rich with grassy fields and thick forests, watered by Cetina and numerous other streams. This ride provides some fabulous views as you will follow the paths of river Cetina and Peruca lake before arriving to one of the cleanest, natural water sources Europe. Itinerary: Day 1, Saturday: You will arrive during the day and a transfer can be arranged for you. If you wish, you can visit the town of Sinj and the remains of the 'fortress of Grad' (the Town) where you will find evidence of numerous battles throughout it's history. One of the most famous battles was in 1715 where the people of Sinj drove away the powerful Turkish army. There is also a popular annual festival held in Sinj to simulate the Turkish battle with the horses. Visiting Sinj is highly recommended. On arrival at the ranch you meet the other riders, horses and friendly staff. Dinner will be in the evening as the sun sets, drinking home-made wine and eating local, organically grown food. Day 2, Sunday: After breakfast on the ranch, you will head to the stables to meet the horses and discuss your abilities and requirements. Following your introduction you will set off for a test ride to check that you are matched with the right horse. If you are not satisfied with your horse, you can change it before the start of the trail. The ride begins as you head towards the big, open fields of Sinj, this is where you can try your first canter. After the mornings ride you head back to the ranch for lunch. After lunch you will be taken to Stobrec (30 km away) to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic sea, where you can swim and relax in the sun. Day 3, Monday: After breakfast you prepare for the trail. You start riding through the small village of Glavice and through its fields to the river Cetina where you have lunch. You can refresh yourself in the clean river and can also swim with horses. After lunch you cross the river by an amazing old stone bridge and enjoy a long, fast gallop. You ride to a small village called Citluk which was a millitary area in the time of Rome. You have dinner by the fire. Day 4, Tuesday: After breakfast you have a long ride where you cross the river Cetina over the bridge Panj and then get your adrenaline pumping with a long fast gallop. In the afternoon you come to Dabar place, one of the most beautiful canyons of the Peruca lake (it is one of the places where the Winnetou films were filmed, many people come to visit Dabar because of Winnetou legend and of course its remarkable beauty). You have lunch by the lake where you can relax, refresh and swim with horses. Early evening you ride on by the lake and Dinara mount. You will sleep near the lake. Day 5, Wednesday: In the morning when you start you have a canter through the beautiful fields up to the spring of the river Cetina where you have lunch. After lunch you can swim in the breathtakingly clean river or you can visit the old church of st. Spas which was built in IX century. In the evening you ride to a romantic place surrounded by trees where you eat dinner by the fire and listen to the whisper of the river. Day 6, Thursday: After a goodnight's sleep you start by walking through the river before having a long canter past the hills and beautiful fields of Vrlika. You come to the little town of Vrlika, where you can explore and refresh yourself with a cold drink in the local café. After visiting that little Croatian town, you climb up a small hill to the place where you have your lunch and can enjoy the view to Vrlika and Cetina river. Afterwards you ride down to the place where you will have dinner and sleep. Day 7, Friday: After breakfast you ride and cross the river Cikola, you will have plenty of trotting and cantering. After lunch you ride through the valley, where you can see the old mills, and later you come to a big field where you have a long gallop. In the evening you reach a friendly ranch at Radunic which is the end of your adventure. After the short break on the ranch you will go back (by car) to Bosko's ranch from where you started the adventure. You have dinner on the ranch, drinking some wine and home made schnapps, enjoying the food and talking with your new friends. Day 8, Saturday: After breakfast you prepare to leave, taking with you memories of your unforgettable trail. Due to the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, the route and programme may have to be adapted. |
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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 comfort of Bosko's Ranch. On this trail you will sleep in sleeping bags and tents (tents and mattresses provided). You are always close to the river where you can refresh yourself, and water tanks are carried by the support vehicle if you want to wash. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: |
Intermediate to experienced. You need to be confident and comfortable in trot, canter and at least willing to gallop. A basic level of fitness is needed, there may be occasions where you will have to walk alongside your horse due to the demands on the terrain. This trail is for adventurous people only, prepared for basic accommodation, good food and forward going horses. You will also be required to groom, tack up, mount and dismount from your own horse. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 days, 4 to 7 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 31 July - 7 August, 14-21 August |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |