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Sarajevo Mountains

Overview

The riding centre is located in an area of approximately 6 hectares of private woodland and pastures, roughly 25 kilometres away from Sarajevo. It is nestled at the foot of the Ormanj mountain range, offering sweeping views of the peaks and the Bjelašnica mountain. It is in an ideal location for ea…

Highlights

  • Discover beautiful untouched forest & mountain trails.
  • Relax with an afternoon spa experience.
  • Discover the historic city of Sarajevo on a guided tour
  • Taste delicious & hearty local meals.
  • Just 30 mins from Sarajevo, cultural centre of Bosnia

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 6 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95 kg / 210 lbs / 15 st

Description

The riding centre is located in an area of approximately 6 hectares of private woodland and pastures, roughly 25 kilometres away from Sarajevo. It is nestled at the foot of the Ormanj mountain range, offering sweeping views of the peaks and the Bjelašnica mountain. It is in an ideal location for easy access to hundreds of kilometres of riding tracks, through unspoiled nature, along forest roads, through meadows, to mountains and through mountain villages. The team offer a structured but fun environment for riders of all levels, in a friendly atmosphere and with facilities adjusted to all members of your family. The team also aims to offer a safe and healthy home for the horses that they take care of.

The trails include clear paths through forests that lead to canter-inviting glades, together with views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stones with strange and ancient carvings border your path. A few of the routes are not as easy: at times you may need to dismount to walk with your horse up or down steep inclines. However, the horses were born and raised here and so they are able to take most undulating terrain in their stride!

Your hosts, Selma and Rasim, are both trained doctors and fluent in English and German. When she isn't caring for patients at the hospital, Selma is also a talented writer, riding camp manager and mother. Rasim is an executive in a multinational pharmaceutical company, an explorer, a competitive endurance rider, a university professor, a riding instructor, a facilitator of equine-assisted learning and a pilot. But most importantly, the couple are passionate horse people.

The horses you will ride on this trip are both spirited and kind and kept to the best of your hosts' abilities. They are considered part of the family and compete in endurance, dressage and show jumping, as well as being used in the riding school for children at the weekends. The breeds vary from Bosnian Arab horses, Lipizzaner, Anglo – Arab mixes and some Haflinger too.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English saddles (GP or endurance style) and simple English snaffle bridles.

Horses

The horses you will ride on this trip are both spirited and kind and kept to the best of your hosts' abilities. They are considered part of the family and compete in endurance, dressage and show jumping, as well as being used in the riding school for children from 8 years of age. The breeds vary from Bosnian Arab horses, Lipizzaner, Anglo – Arab mixes and some Haflinger too.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Via Dinarica Trail is a trail ride
  • Ride & Ski (Winter) Programme is a based ride

Ages

12+ for Discovery stays. 18+ for the trail. Those aged under 16 should be accompanied by an adult,

Health

None specific, but you should have a fair level of fitness to take part in the trail.

Weight

95 kg / 210 lbs / 15 st

Food & Accommodation

Food

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.

Accommodation

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 may stay a night or two in the riding centre rooms, as well as in mountain lodges on the trail route.

There is a private house which sleeps 8 located just 50 metres from the ranch. If you are a group or family then please enquire as this may work well for you.

Itineraries

Via Dinarica Trail Standard accommodation.

Ride & Ski (Winter) Programme Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The riding centre has a lovely friendly atmosphere which guests can truly enjoy. When you are not riding, you might like to sit out on the terrace with a drink and to watch the horses working in the arena. Alternatively, there is a busy little town, Ilidza, nearby and you may like to take a taxi ride here. The cost for the journey is approx. 20€ (EUR) each way. Sarajevo - the capital of Bosnia - is also approx. 30 minutes away and so you may like to spend an afternoon here exploring the city.

Travel

The closest airport is located in Sarajevo (roughly 25km from the riding centre).

There are a limited number of flights in and out of the city airport and so it may be necessary to take a connecting flight. Alternatively, you may choose to fly to Split over the border in Croatia and take the bus to Sarajevo instead. The bus journey can take around 6-7 hours but ticket prices start from as little as 23€ (EUR) each way.

Airport or bus station transfers are included in the package prices.

For this wishing to hire a car and drive themselves; driving directions can be provided.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival day

Riding: No riding.

You will be met at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) or bus station and transferred to your accommodation at the ranch (c.30 min drive). If you arrive early, then the afternoon will be free to explore the local area or to meet the horses at the riding centre. A group dinner will be served in the evening which will also give your hosts and guides the opportunity to go through their pre-ride and safety briefing. In the summer months, this might be a tasty BBQ!

Overnight at the ranch tonight.

Day 2 - Monday

Riding: 2 hours

Following a hearty Bosnian breakfast - the first of many - you will have an introduction to horses and a ride evaluation. This will be a short 2 hours ride on one of the local trails. Your hosts and guides like to pay special attention to your comfort on the trail and will discuss the equipment you will need for the ride and ensure everything is adjusted for you - it is important that everything is in place before you set off. The aim of this ride is for you and your horse to get used to one another and be able to enjoy what is hoped will be an amazing week!

You will return in time for lunch at the ranch, followed by an afternoon trip into Sarajevo for a guided 2-hour walking tour. Here you will learn all about the history of this beautiful city. Dinner at a local restaurant in Sarajevo before returning to the ranch for the night.

Day 3 - Tuesday

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Setting off in the morning after breakfast you will follow a trail to the northwest. Well-rested horses and plenty of flat sections will invite some light trots or canters. You will then continue slowly downhill towards the Lepenica river where you will find a shallow place to ride through and enjoy several pretty waterfalls. For the next 15 or so kilometres, you will mainly walk and trot on forest paths and through a few glades, enjoying the sight and sound of the mountain river Crna Rijeka (the Black River).

You will stop for a lunch of fresh grilled river trout and a quick rest in hammocks with the sounds of the river all around. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Mountain Lodge Lopata in time to take a quick rest before another delicious local dinner this evening.

Day 4 - Wednesday

Riding: 5 hours

After a good breakfast and strong coffee, you will prepare the horses for the day of riding ahead. Moving further northwest, the elevation will continue to rise until you will take your first stop on a high plain which is located at an altitude of 1,744 meters. You will often pass small natural water springs by the trails. The incline to the plain is gentle and mostly through forest paths as well as open glades.

Eventually, you will climb above the forest belt and here you will see the amazing spectacle of Bitovnja mountain. The vast mountain pastures invite you to enjoy some good canters and the scenery is breathtaking on all sides. From this point, it seems as if you could see from one end of Bosnia to the other! After some good riding, you will be met by the support crew and stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch on Bitovnja.

In the afternoon, you will continue through vast pastures and, arguably, the most beautiful section of your adventure. A few more hours of riding will see you leave beautiful Bitovnja behind and descend down to your next overnight destination, Mountain Lodge Pogorelica. After another tasty dinner, there will be a chance to discuss the day of riding and make a plan for tomorrow.

Day 5 - Thursday

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

With both horses and riders well-rested, you will begin your journey on the next demanding riding day. You have around 25 kilometres of riding ahead of you, including some good ascents. You will start by climbing up towards the Mountain Zec, which will take about three hours of riding. Crossing mountain pastures where shepherds graze thousands of sheep during the summer months; in the valleys, you will spot their huts and sheepfolds too.

All around you, the slopes of Mount Zec are covered in crops of cranberries and blueberries too. On a clear day, you can see as far as Sarajevo from this position. Stopping on this beautiful lookout, you will enjoy a well-deserved break with refreshments and a picnic lunch. Once everyone is full and well-rested, you will continue on to your next destination – Prokoško Lake.

Many have written about the beauty of this fairytale lake, calling it the "eye of the mountain" or a "natural gem". It is located in the heart of the Mountain Vranica, which is recorded as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Again, there are many wood-built shepherd huts located around the lake and you will be staying in one of these huts tonight.

Dinner and overnight in cabin Jezero.

Day 6 - Friday

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

After breakfast this morning, you will prepare your horses and will leave the beautiful scenes of Prokoško Lake, riding towards the village of Tovarište. The final morning ride will take approximately 3-4 hours and there will be transportation waiting in Tovarište to take the horses back to the ranch.

Before loading the horses in the trailer, you’ll have a final saddle-bag picnic watching the horses graze. After lunch, both horses and riders will transfer by vehicle back to the ranch. On arrival, you’ll change and take the short drive to a beautiful local spa for swimming, sauna, steam rooms and a massage!

Once fully relaxed and after a fabulous week’s riding, you’ll head back to the farm for a wonderful farewell BBQ dinner. Overnight at the ranch.

Day 7 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Departure after breakfast today.

Accommodation

3 nights will be at the main ranch accommodation in shared rooms (2-4 beds)
3 nights will be spent in serviced mountain lodges with shared rooms (some dormitory style)

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Best suited to intermediate and advanced riders who are physically fit and comfortable riding over a variety of terrains.

Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

Sept. 10, 2023 - Sept. 16, 2023

Sept. 24, 2023 - Sept. 30, 2023

Oct. 8, 2023 - Oct. 14, 2023

June 16, 2024 - June 22, 2024

June 30, 2024 - July 6, 2024

July 14, 2024 - July 20, 2024

July 28, 2024 - Aug. 3, 2024

Aug. 11, 2024 - Aug. 17, 2024

Aug. 25, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2024

Sept. 8, 2024 - Sept. 14, 2024

Pricing

2023
Sharing
£955 $1165 €1100
2024
Sharing
£1040 $1270 €1200
Included 6 nights shared room accommodation, full board meals, soft drinks with meals, 5 days of riding, spa entrance fee with a full body massage and return Sarajevo airport transfers.
Not included Flights, insurance, alcoholic drinks, other activities not mentioned, tips and other 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 - Sunday

Riding: No riding.

** Please note that this itinerary is subject to prevailing weather conditions - severe snow and high winds may affect riding possibilities and lead to ski slopes being closed**

You will be collected from Sarajevo airport or bus station and transferred to the ranch. If you prefer to drive, then that is not a problem as directions can be provided. For those who arrive earlier in the day, you may like to enjoy a short walk in the forest or a chance to meet the horses. In the evening, a group dinner will be the perfect opportunity for a pre-ride and safety orientation as well as a chance to discuss your preferences for the winter activities.

Day 2 - Monday

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

After a hearty breakfast (the first of many on this trip!) you will saddle up the horses and, depending on the weather, see where the day takes you! For example, you may take a ride out to see the 11th-century Stecci (ancient tombstones) and enjoy long canters in grassy - or snowy - fields. A short break will be taken with hot tea or coffee served around a campfire to keep warm. On return to the ranch, you will have a free afternoon to explore the beautiful old town of Sarajevo if you wished. A taxi costs about 30 EUR each way for up 3 people. Or just relax back at the ranch until dinner is served this evening.

Day 3 - Tuesday (non-riding)

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast today, you will head off for a day of winter sports and activities at Bjelasnica. You will be able to choose from a range of activities, including; downhill skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, Nordic Skiing, Cross-country skiing. For those who have little winter sports experience, you might like to take a ski lesson (extra charge payable directly to the ski school) or just go sledging and relax in the sun (if you are lucky with the weather!). As with all the activities offered in this program, the weather, the conditions of the slopes and the wishes/preferences of the group will dictate the events of the day. It is not necessary for all guests to choose the same activities and some may wish to stay back at the ranch instead.

Dinner and overnight back at the ranch tonight.

Day 4 - Wednesday

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today - depending on the weather conditions - you may enjoy another beautiful ride of discovery in the area surrounding the ranch. Your guides have ridden hundreds of kilometres of trails in the area and will be delighted to show you as much of them as they can! There will be no real "set" route and so you may come across unexpected challenges, such as fallen trees or blocked paths and will enjoy the adventure of negotiating these with your fellow riders. Highlights of this day may include steep climbs, passing natural springs and spectacular views of the mountains, of course. In the late afternoon, you might like to relax at the ranch, take a walk, read a book or catch up with the world (free Wifi available). However, if you have some energy left to explore the nearby town of Ilidza, then your hosts will be happy to call you a taxi. Prices are very reasonable, starting from about 20 EUR.

Day 5 - Thursday (non-riding)

Riding: No riding.

Today you will head to a favourite winter destination for local Sarajevo residents, the Olympic slopes of Jahorina. The resort was used for the 1984 winter games when it was hosted by Sarajevo. You will be able to enjoy Olympic standard downhill skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing and a host of other activities too. A good friend of your hosts is an excellent backcountry guide and knows all the off-the-beaten-path trails in this region - they will gladly show anyone who fancies a little off-piste action around. He will also ensure you have a safe and fun day of exploring! In the afternoon, you will again have some free time at the ranch to relax, or to take the horses out for a walk if you have energy left over. Dinner and overnight at the ranch.

Day 6 - Friday

Riding: 4 hours

Today (weather depending) will be an opportunity to enjoy a longer ride to a mountain lodge. This is an amazing ride, with truly magical scenery. Starting from the ranch, you will travel through the forest, before climbing macadam and forest roads up to the mountain lodge where a healthy and hearty warm meal will be waiting for you. The lodge is the base of the local hiking club, which clear and maintain most of the trails in this region. The horses will also enjoy a good meal during your stop, which will have been transported by vehicle on the “secret” way to the lodge. You will return to the ranch through the afternoon by a slightly different route. Dinner and overnight back at the ranch.

Day 7 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Breakfast at the ranch, after which your departure transfers will be scheduled in accordance with your booked flight time. Typically, there will be two transfers offered to the airport, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Accommodation

All nights will be at the main ranch accommodation in shared rooms (2-4 beds)

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Best suited to intermediate + riders. You do not need to have prior ski experience as tuition is available locally (at extra cost).

Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

Jan. 7, 2024 - Jan. 14, 2024

Jan. 21, 2024 - Jan. 27, 2024

Feb. 4, 2024 - Feb. 10, 2024

Feb. 18, 2024 - Feb. 24, 2024

March 3, 2024 - March 9, 2024

Pricing

2024
Sharing
£1040 $1270 €1200
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, full board meals, soft drinks with meals, 5 half days of riding (weather dependent), transport to the ski slopes on 5 days (slope passes, equipment hire & tuition not included) and return Sarajevo airport transfers.
Not included Flights, insurance, alcoholic drinks, other activities, slope passes, ski equipment, tips and other 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.