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Kupres Farm

Overview

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 vast expanses of open space including fields, magnificent forests, mountain lakes and rivers to be explored and you will receive a…

Highlights

  • Fast riding opportunities through open country
  • Fun, welcoming hosts who treat guests like family
  • Authentic farm life and homemade produce
  • Non-touristy area of exceptional beauty
  • Private weeks available for groups of four or more

Essential Facts

  • 3 itineraries available
  • Max 6 riders per group (8 in camp)
  • Average of 2 - 3 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

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 vast expanses of open space including 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, a hidden gem for horse riders. For experienced riders there are forward-going horses and the chances for fantastic canters through the open country, but beginners are also welcome (they ride in a separate group) and steadier horses are available to show them the beautiful landscapes and help them learn the joys of riding.

The horses are mostly domestic Bosnian horses and Arab crossbreeds but there are a few other breeds as well, 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 (during winter they are often stabled more because of the snow). They are mostly small ranging between 14.2hh - 15.2hh on average. Mate and Marko grow their own hay and oats with which to feed the horses in the winter time.

This destination is a great option for those on a limited budget who want to explore somewhere new and who like adventurous riding. It is not a luxury option but although simple, it will show you the true region and the warmth of the people. The accommodation is comfortable, clean and cosy and you are really able to feel at home there. The countryside is stunningly green when there has been plenty of rain and there are many beautiful sights to see. Your hosts sincerely hope that you will want to visit them again and again. Other things to do in warmer months are swimming, hiking and cycling to name just a few.

Imagine cantering across carpets of wild flowers in different shades of pinks, purples, blues and yellows or foraging for sweet wild berries or mushrooms, heading out on horseback or by tractor to catch some crayfish for dinner, swimming in the beautiful natural lake, hiking or cycling through unspoilt nature, hiring a jeep to go off-road to find the herd of wild horses living peacefully in the hills. As one guest said, this holiday is truly "good for the soul".

Holly from Far and Ride has visited this destination ten times as it's arguably her favourite place in the world. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about this special place!

Horses & Riding

Tack

The tack is a mixture - some horses are ridden in English saddles and some in western saddles, but there are one or two endurance saddles too. They choose the saddles which best fit the horse, but if you have a strong preference please tell them.

Most horses are ridden in simple snaffle bridles or occasionally bitless.

Horses

A mix of Bosnian/Arab crosses, some pure Bosnian horses, some pure Arabs and some other crossbreeds. Only one or two are bigger than 15.2hh (they average around 14.2 - 15.2hh or so).

Riding

There are 3 itineraries:

  • Kupres Plateau Week Stay is a based ride
  • Introduction to Trail Riding is a based ride
  • Kupres by Bike is a based ride

Ages

12+ for riders out in the countryside.

Health

None specific.

Weight

90kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Food here is in the traditional style and homemade. Breakfast consists of items like bread, cheese, ham, jams and honey with juice and tea/coffee. You eat this in the accommodation cabin before you head to the stables or out to ski. Tea, milk and sugar are generally provided and they will buy you anything that you need. Lunch is a variety of pies, stews, goulashes and similar, always served with bread and sometimes with salad or vegetables. There are also local dishes like meat wrapped in cabbage leaves. Dinner is usually something grilled like fresh fish, chicken or sausages. The hosts are happy to find out what the guests like to eat and prepare something suitable but please bear in mind that this destination is fairly heavy on bread, meat and potatoes.

Occasionally picnics are taken for lunch (usually meat and bread of course but veggies can be catered for). You will find that the meals are freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients - you certainly won't go hungry here! They also make their own cheese and guests can sometimes get involved in crayfishing and mushroom picking during their rides (in warmer months). These goodies are then cooked up for your next meal.

A drink with each meal is included but other drinks can be paid for locally (you can pay in Euros). As a rough guide, a beer (0.33l) or juice is usually about 1€, a bottle of wine can vary from 2€ - 20€ depending on the quality. If there is something in particular that you prefer to drink then just let us know and Mate or Marko can get some in for you. You help yourself to drinks in the bar area and keep a tally and pay at the end of your trip, it's very casual and easygoing. You can try some local schnapps and other home-brews!

Accommodation

Accommodation is in one of two cabins (small houses on the farm) which have one double bedroom, one bedroom with two beds, a gallery area with single sofa bed and a double sofa bed in living area. There is also a mini kitchen area (fridge, sink and hob), 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 shower room and communal areas.

Next door to these cosy cabins, which have a log burner and TV, is another cabin which is the social area. This has a big coal cooking area, a bar and lots of seating. Here you eat your meals and socialise in the evenings - Mate and Marko will often go home before you go to bed and you can shut up the bar whenever you are done. PLEASE NOTE: you will find that the locals and other guests smoke heavily inside the bar area. There is a big extractor fan over the coal cooking area so it's not too bad, but you must be comfortable with this to enjoy the trip!

Outside there is a covered seating area with fireplace/cooking area and some chairs and a hammock.

Cabins now have free internet for the guests!

Itineraries

Kupres Plateau Week Stay Standard accommodation.

Introduction to Trail Riding Basic accommodation.

Kupres by Bike Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Your hosts can also organise cycling, hiking, skiing (winter only), swimming and a visit to try and find the wild horses. These activities are undertaken at your own responsibility and may incur extra costs (paid locally)!

Travel

***Please do not book flights arriving late in the day without consulting us first!***

Group transfers are included from either Split airport (150km, approx 2- 2.5 hrs) or the airport in Sarajevo (140km, approx 2.5 hrs).

NOTE: Transfers are grouped so you should be prepared to wait for the arrival of other guests. It is at least 2 hours each way from any airport to Kupres and the team make these transfers themselves, so each transfer is over a 4 hour round trip for them to drive personally. If you prefer not to wait then you can come by bus to Kupres or hire a car and we can help you.

Testimonials

Jenny S., Aug. 10, 2023

Fantastic in every way. we were so well looked after, I can't think of anything (to improve).


Sally R,, Oct. 19, 2022

Magical, fabulous, wild and free! All the long, fast canters and gallops - of which there were many! Especially the ones on Astrid, such a lovely horse. The wood burner in the cabin was lovely and cosy on an evening.


Amanda S., Sept. 28, 2022

Cantering along with the 5 baby foals of around 3 months old has to be the most stand-out experience I have had on horseback. I can't fault Bosnia as a riding destination or the team at Kupres. Nothing is too much trouble for Mate and Marko. Nada's food as ever was fantastic, the accommodations are quaint and comfortable and Kupres offers some of the best riding of anywhere.


Ilena C., June 7, 2021

A very different experience mainly as the weather was so bad but we were warned and prepared! Lots of good long rides on capable horses. Amazing scenery! I rode a number of horses and found them all to be perfectly suitable and enjoyable. Lots of lovely food and wine, gratefully received.


Kate A, Feb. 13, 2020

Absolutely amazing! I was grinning from ear to ear all week. Fantastic horses, hosts and scenery!!! Can completely understand why so many people return!


Glenys, Nov. 6, 2019

It was my birthday while we were away and they couldn't have done more to make it a special day, even riding in a blizzard!


Victoria, Sept. 25, 2019

Fantastic! This holiday was amazing - beautiful location, fabulous exciting riding. The people who owned & ran the farm were so friendly, welcoming & helpful. The food was excellent and Accommodation lovely.


Maria P., Nov. 2, 2017

An amazing trip and very memorable experience! The riding was great, very fast paced whilst testing your riding ability, which I loved! The scenery was beautiful and just seemed to never end. Cabins were so cute and had more than what we expected. Food was always nice and fresh. Very happy with Šila (horse) who I had during the mornings but I did like taking others out in the afternoons, especially baby Morocco. (Favourite memory?) I have 3 memorable moments: 1) the mountain trail - so much fun and breathtaking views 2) catering the whole way home from the bottom of the mountain - endurance experience 3) Falling off in a swamp - classic!


Kat M, Sept. 6, 2017

My new favourite destination. Exceptional riding and hospitality. Stunning views, delicious food and great gallops - the list goes on. Favourite memory was super fast gallops with Hector, sitting in the window with a beer and watching the beautiful sunset - laughing lots. The food was delicious and varied - particularly good vegetarian options. Accommodation was rustic and comfortable. I loved the views and the woodburning stove. Horses clearly well loved and cared for. Tack was adequate - some saddles more comfortable than others. Mate and Marco's were superb - great company, good fun and always seemed to be enjoying themselves.


Sonya D., Sept. 23, 2016

Brilliant. The people are wonderful and really make you feel welcome. Horses are fabulous (so well behaved, ready and willing) and the riding is exceptional. (Favourite memory?) Riding through the forest, long canters, the food!! Too many to mention. Tack is old, but understand that things are hard to come by there.


Charlotte W., Aug. 23, 2016

A retreat! It is so lovely to spend the mornings and evenings riding wonderful horses at speed through fantastically beautiful countryside and spend the rest of the time enjoying incredible food and hospitality, or just being in peaceful and beautiful surroundings. (Favourite memory?) Galloping across the top of the long mountain that sits behind the town - like having a big green runway all to myself. The visit to the wild horses was also a really fantastic experience. The last canter home with Sunčana riding Dora and trying to get out of the rain - so fun! |every meal was wonderful - freshly cooked and often using home produced ingredients. Plenty of vegetables as well as lots of meat - healthy and hearty.


Ross M., May 18, 2016

A fantastic experience. I was treated like family, the Kupres Farm team were all so welcoming, helpful and great fun too. Could not speak more highly of the time I had. Not just exhilarating horse riding through the snow and mountains, but also great skiing (gear included, and Mate is a great instructor!). I got to meet so many great people - family and friends, who all helped me feel at home despite travelling by myself in winter!


Sarah P., May 17, 2016

It was an incredible week, I felt utterly content the entire time. The horses were wonderful and the people so friendly and welcoming. I laughed constantly and wore a permanent smile.


Sue W., Dec. 8, 2015

Beautiful country, wonderful people, excellent company, stunning views - amazing holiday! Accommodation is first class and the food was amazing (and loads of it!) Beer was very good too! (My horse) Sheila was lovely - well behaved and lovely tempered. (Your guides?) Absolute nutcases and lovely fellas. Young Marco took me out and what a lovely lad, so polite and friendly! (Favourite memory?) Probably the trip up the mountain to see the "free" wild horses and be able to walk amongst them.


Debbie G., Dec. 8, 2015

Great company. Great riding. Great fun!


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Arrival at the airport with transfer to the cabin accommodation in Kupres, dinner and overnight

Day 2 - Sunday

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Breakfast followed by a trail ride to Mt Stozer, standing at 1758m. This ride is approximately 3 - 4 hours in duration and you will return to the cabins for lunch. In the afternoon there is the option of a shorter ride of around 1.5 hours.

Day 3 - Monday

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Breakfast following by their 'Jaram' trail route, 3 - 4 hours in duration. Lunch back at the cabins and the option of a shorter ride of around 1.5 hours.

Day 4 - Tuesday

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Same programme as yesterday but you will follow a trail they called 'Jezero' in the morning.

Day 5 - Wednesday

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Same programme as yesterday but you will follow a trail they called 'Crni Vrh' in the morning

Day 6 - Thursday

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Same programme as yesterday but you will follow a trail they called 'Javorac' in the morning.

Day 7 - Friday

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Same programme as yesterday but you will follow a trail they called 'Mongolia' in the morning.

Day 8 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Breakfast followed by transfer back to the airport

Accommodation

Each night is spent in one of two cabins (small houses on the farm) which have one double bedroom, one bedroom with two beds, a gallery area with single sofa bed and a double sofa bed in living area. There is a small kitchen and shared bathroom in each cabin.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Confident Intermediate - Experienced. Generally the rides out include all paces on a forward-going horse. Less experienced riders can ride one of the steadier horses but we generally recommend that you are comfortable at all paces in open countryside and up for an adventure!
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 6
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

At any time during: April 8, 2023 - Oct. 7, 2023  (Saturday arrivals and departures.)

Pricing

2023
Rider, sharing accommodation		 £1040 $1270 €1200
NB. All guests are required to pay €1 tourist tax per day.
2023
Non-Rider, sharing accommodation		 £520 $635 €600
NB. All guests are required to pay €1 tourist tax per day.
Included Group Split or Sarajevo airport transfers, 7 nights of shared accommodation, all meals and 6 days of riding (approx 4 - 5.5 hours per day in total).
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, extra drinks, extra activities (such as rafting), tips and personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Transfer from the airport in time for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 - Sunday

Riding: 2 hours

Breakfast followed by an introduction to riding equipment. This is followed by a groundwork session with the horses before you stop for lunch. After lunch you will have approximately two hours of riding instruction and then you can relax before dinner.

Day 3 - Monday

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Breakfast followed by a groundwork session and riding lesson. After lunch you will take a short walk on horseback in the surrounding fields. Dinner and overnight.

Days 4 to 7 - Tuesday - Friday

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Breakfast followed by a groundwork session and riding lesson. After lunch you will enjoy an easygoing trail ride. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Breakfast and departure to the airport.

Accommodation

Each night is spent in one of two cabins (small houses on the farm) which have one double bedroom, one bedroom with two beds, a gallery area with single sofa bed and a double sofa bed in living area. There is a small kitchen and shared bathroom in each cabin.
Experience Beginner

This programme is designed for beginner riders or for those who are new to trail riding. Children 10+ are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 6
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

At any time during: April 8, 2023 - Oct. 7, 2023  (Saturday arrivals and departures.)

Pricing

2023
Rider, sharing accommodation		 £1040 $1270 €1200
2023
Non-rider, sharing accommodation		 £520 $635 €600
Included Group transfers from and to Split or Sarajevo airport, 7 nights of shared accommodation, all meals and 6 days of riding and instruction.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, extra drinks, extra activities (such as rafting), tips and personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Arrival in time for dinner and overnight. In case of early arrival there is time for a cycling tour around the town. Your guide will show you what makes this place unique and what you can expect during your vacation.

Day 2 - Karst Phenomena of the Japage (31km)

Riding: No riding.

Start around 10 am after breakfast. On this tour you will cycle to the huge holes in the middle of Kupres plateau, but will first visit the ghost village in the place which the locals call ’’Little Mongolia’’ - you’ll see why. Ghost village is an abandoned place from the war, now known as a touristic attraction. Japage are karst phenomena - huge holes full of rocks and trees, six of them. There will be a rest for some refreshments and after you will head back to Kupres for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit natural honey production (you’ll be able to buy natural Kupres honey for yourself as well as propolis and other healthy products if you want).

Day 3 - Black Peak (34km)

Riding: No riding.

The start time will be the same as the day before. Black Peak is that one special day when you have picnic time. First you will cycle to the stunning natural lake called Kukavičko, a mountain pearl, where you can swim during hot days in summer. It is a truly beautiful place. You will stop here for a break before getting back on your bike and reaching an interesting phenomenon - a rock in the ground, popularly called ‘Asteroid’, during our short climb to picnic place. Picnic time - 2 or 3 hours of beautiful enjoyment in the middle of the forest. You will have a BBQ there and have a short nap in your hammocks! Why not! After that, there is a cool sightseeing downhill - an easy one. Back to the hotel for some rest and just before the night you will visit wild horses in the valley nearby (top recommended - you can thank us later, additional cost - 10€ ).

Day 4 - Plazenica Tour (27km)

Riding: No riding.

The start time will be the same as the day before. You will first cycle through a few villages where people mostly live from agriculture and cattle, so you will see that part of Kupres too. Then it's an easy climb on top of Kupres gate and after that, deserved downhill time around Plazenica mountain. A short break will be on top of Kupres gate, the local Hollywood! You will see some hidden places during your ride and after that, you will arrive at the horse ranch and meet some beautiful people from around the world who are on their trip too (of course you may be staying at the ranch if you have come with horse riders!). Afternoon rest time - cyclists can have a go at horse riding this afternoon or can play traditional games.

Day 5 - Ski Resort Tour (40km)

Riding: No riding.

The start time will be the same as the day before. This tour will lead you to the place where thousands of people come every winter to enjoy their favourite sport! You will climb on half of that ski resort and follow the road around it. After some downhill you will visit a monument of Kupres defenders during the war and cycle through fields with thousands of balls of hay. Back to the accommodation for lunch and some rest time. In the afternoon you will visit some old monuments, experiencing a rich part of Kupres' history and old tradition that goes back in the 14th century.

Day 6 - Stozer Tour (25km)

Riding: No riding.

Despite the number of kilometers, this route might be the hardest one. You will be climbing the Stozer mountain, located next to Kupres town. When you finally arrive at the top at 1758 meters above sea level you will get a beautiful view over the area and will see far away in the distance to the nearest town. One hour break. Back to Kupres for lunch and some rest. Afternoon you can give a try with ATV rides (additional cost - 25€) or if not you can go for a swim in the lake (you can go before/after your ride too).

Day 7 - Rama Lake (50km)

Riding: No riding.

This tour is the longest one - it is not so hard but it's really worth the distance. You will cycle over Kupres plateau all the way up to the place called Zahum in Rama, where you will get in touch with the sad history of a young girl called Diva Grabovčeva, and then well-deserved beautiful sightseeing over magnificent Rama Lake. Pause for some rest and lunch enjoying the view. After lunch, there is an additional option to go on a boat ride around Rama Lake and after visit to the old Rama museum where you’ll get to know about Bosnian tradition (not only Kupres, because every place has different tradition). Back to Kupres for your dinner.

Day 8 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Departure after breakfast.

Accommodation

Each night is spent in one of two cabins (small houses on the farm) which have one double bedroom, one bedroom with two beds, a gallery area with single sofa bed and a double sofa bed in living area. There is a small kitchen and shared bathroom in each cabin.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All levels of bike rider welcome!
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 6
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

At any time during: April 8, 2023 - Oct. 7, 2023  (Saturday arrivals and departures.)

Pricing

2023
Cyclist, sharing		 £1040 $1270 €1200
NB. All guests are required to pay €1 tourist tax per day.
Included 7 nights of shared accommodation, all meals, Split or Sarajevo airport transfers, bike hire and 6 days of cycling.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, extra drinks, extra activities (such as rafting), tips and personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.