Type of horses:
Various types from Thoroughbreds to chunkier breeds, crosses and the occasional sturdy pony.
Nature of horses:
Very fit, forward-going and sometimes spirited!
Height of horses:
13 - 16.2hh
Weight limit:
100kg
Tack type:
English
This welcoming Croatian destination is situated 2km from Sinj, a town in the continental part of Split - Dalmatia county. The region of Sinj is rich and diverse featuring magnificent views of the mountains, forests and the Cetina river. The ranch itself covers 20,000 square metres and includes a corral for the horses, pasture, lawn, sports court and restaurant area. It is geared towards keen riders, offering riding opportunities for the intermediate to experienced rider who is happy to ride a forward-going horse. Whether you are a single traveller, couple or group, it provides a real cultural experience due to the rich history of the area and the warmth of its people. Bosko and Dijana work hard to make every guest feel truly welcome, providing them not only with the appropriate horse but with delicious food, a good drink and some fantastic company.
The riding here offers you an insight into the heart of Croatia, exploring untouched areas of beauty, interesting old villages and a variety of terrain. The horses are forward going and fun to ride, particularly notable for their stamina and spirit. Bosko is a true Croatian horseman and some of his horses have been rescued and rehabilitated to make them ideal for the trails. Besides horse riding there is the chance to visit Sinj itself - a town with an interesting history which is 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. The town also has a swimming pool, about 1km away from the ranch, and the area offers nice walking opportunities. The ranch is also situated not far from Split and Trogir (30km) which are under UNESCO protection and these are great places for sightseeing, shopping and to experience more of the real Croatia. The food of this area is well represented on the ranch.
The hospitality here is unmatched and whichever programme you choose, you are guaranteed to feel welcome and to enjoy the riding out. Lovely, long canters across open plains followed by wading through clear rivers and even swimming with your horse during the warmer months. The selection of loved horses means that you can be well matched to make the most of these unspoilt lands, quaint villages and spectacular views.
This destination has been visited by Holly from Far and Ride in 2015 so please just get in touch with any questions.
See Programmes.
The accommodation is provided at the main ranch and in family guesthouses on the trail nights. It is relatively basic but clean, comfortable and welcoming. You will need to be prepared to share a room during the trip as single rooms cannot be guaranteed, especially in busy times. Every room at the ranch is en suite but you may need to share bathrooms at the other accommodations.
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.
There is nice walking in the area and also a football field. There is a swimming pool about 1km from the ranch.
Languages: Croatian and English
Health requirements: Fit and healthy
Age limit: 16+
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, food and riding as per itinerary.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, drinks and extras not mentioned in the itinerary. Entry to Krka National Park during Krka Trail.
The nearest airport to the ranch is Split.
Transfers are available from the airport to the ranch at a cost of 25 Euros per person, each way (50€ round trip price, per person). We can also arrange collection or drop-off at a hotel in the city - there is an additional charge of 25 Euros per person for this (in each direction).
If you are staying in Split after your trail ride and have some time, then there is also a local bus service between Sinj town and Split city - please contact us for further information on this.
Airport: Split
The Krka trail is ideal for the riders that want to experience wild and unspoilt Croatian countryside. You will be dazzled by the quaint and romantic villages of Dalmatia, which await you at the beginning of your journey. Then as you make your way through lush fields and forests, the Dinara and Svilaja mountains will watch over you. There are many spectacular views of the Cetina river which runs through the valley, plus numerous streams and springs where you can refresh yourself and relax, listening to the sound of buzzing bees on blossoming heather or picking some of the sweet red cherries. Your trail follows the river and Peruca lake and you will pass the romantic old towns of Vrlika and Drnis. After passing Drnis you will arrive into the Krka National Park. The Krka river region was declared a national park in 1985. Here you will be able to enjoy the exceptional beauty of the Krka river, the special features of its natural phenomena and the history surrounding it. The Krka river hosts several amazing waterfalls and the park is characterised by an exceptionally rich flora and fauna, because of its distinctive position and diverse types of habitats, over 860 plant species and sub-species have been documented in the park. The Krka River area features many cultural and historical monuments representing traces of human activity from prehistory to the present day. Please note this itinerary should be used as a guideline and may be altered. Saturday: You will arrive during the day. If you wish you can visit the town of Sinj and the remains of the fortress of Grad (the Town) that are the only witnesses of the numerous battles though history. One of the famous battles was in the year 1715 when the people of Sinj, inspired by their faith in Our Lady of Sinj drove away the powerful Turkish army which had besieged the town. Another monument of victory over the Turkish conquerors is the " ALKA". The game called "ALKA" has been performed every year since 1715. Guarding the symbols of the victory with their original outfits, the people of Sinj simulate the battle with horses. People from all over the world come to Sinj just to see this amazing game. You will have the opportunity to get to know other riders, horses and friendly people on the ranch. Dinner will take place at sunset and you can relax, drink wine from their ranch's own vineyards, and eat delicious local food as well. Sunday: After breakfast on the ranch, you will set off for a test ride to see if you are matched with the right horse. If you are not satisfied with your horse you can change it before you start the trail. You can have an exhilarating gallop in the big fields of Sinj, and then a chance for you and your horse to cool off as you swim in the river. You will then head back to the ranch where lunch will be served. Monday: After breakfast you will tack up your horse and ride through beautiful fields up to the river Cetina where you can have a long gallop. Lunch will be prepared in stunning surroundings by the river. After a delicious lunch the ride will continue, climbing up rolling hillsides to the plateau named "Bitelic". You will ride on old Roman stone roads and enjoy the views of the mountains Dinara and Svilaja that surround you. The trail passes an old stone village called "Vucipolje" and will lead you to the lake Peruca where you can swim with your horse. After some relaxation time you will leave the horses by the lake and go back to the ranch by car (20 minute journey), where you will have dinner with a glass of home-made wine and enjoy traditional music played by your host on the guitar. Tuesday: After breakfast, you will be driven to the lake where you will saddle the horses and move on up to the river following the waters edge of the lake Peruca. With adrenaline pumping after some trotting and a long fast gallop, you can refresh yourself by the river and tuck into lunch. Moving on, the ride will cross the river and you can enjoy another long gallop through the lush open fields, arriving at a little Croatian town named Vrlika where you can learn about the rich history of the area. You will eat dinner and sleep in a family home here tonight with the opportunity to explore the town after your meal. Wednesday: The next morning, you will ride through Vrlika and start climbing up the mountains through the village of Maovice. At the top of the mountain you will be amazed at the breathtaking, panoramic views across the beautiful landscape of wild rivers, fields and hills. After a quick break, you will start the descent down to the foot of the mountain where you will have lunch. Then, the pace will pick up as you trot, canter and gallop through stunning plantations of vineyards to the town of Drnis. After unsaddling your horse you will walk to the motel in the centre of the town, where you can refresh yourself before a short walk to a nearby restaurant where you will have scrumptious Croatian cuisine and local wines. Afterwards you can enjoy a good night sleep. Thursday: Today you will start the adventure to the National Park Krka, you will gallop to the little village Bristane where lunch will be served at a family farm with local cuisine and schnapps. You will then leave the horses and travel by boat to see the island of Visovac whom is counted among the most important natural and prehistorical monuments of the Republic of Croatia. Since 1445 it has been the site of the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the church of Our Lady of Visovac. Together with the magnificent landscape of Visovac lake, this creates a unique setting. The monastery has an important archaeological collection, a collection of historical vessels, and a rich library of many historical manuscripts and valuable books. After seeing the island Visovac and its lake you will continue with the sightseeing tour to see "Roski slap". You will be able to swim in the river, enjoying the amazing surroundings and marvel at the beautiful waterfalls along the river. After sightseeing this breathtaking landscape you will go back to the lovely village of Bristane, to enjoy dinner in the company of the hospitable hosts, followed by a good nights sleep. Friday: In the morning you will continue trotting and galloping to the Canyon of the river Cikola. The canyon is one of the most beautiful places at the National Park Krka. As you continue, on your right hand side you will be able to see the river Cikola entering the Visovac lake surrounded with enormous cliffs, rich in colourful flora. You will then make your way down into the canyon and continue trotting and galloping to the Cikola river crossing. After climbing up the canyon you will have lunch and refresh yourself with a cold drink. After a lunch break you will carry on riding through the villages Goris and Konjevrate with a combination of trotting and galloping until you arrive at the entrance of the National Park Krka named "Skradinski Buk". That is also the end of this unforgettable trail, after you unsaddle your horse, you will be transferred back to the ranch. There will be time to go sightseeing and visit "Skradinski Buk" the longest and most widely visited series of waterfalls on the Krka river. It is the one of the best known natural beauties of Croatia. The waterfalls are composed of travertine barriers, islands and lakes, which can be viewed freely thanks to a network of paths and bridges that enable a comfortable and safe walk. At the bottom of the waterfalls you can enjoy swimming in the clean water whilst watching butterflies flutter around you. The travertine cascades of the Krka river are made of very delicate material and are sensitive to natural changes and all human activity. They can even be considered a living creature as they grow, develop and age and can die if there is no water. One of the interesting things that you will be able to see is the renovated water-mills of the Krka National Park, the presentations include the milling of grain, the washing and treading of cloth, the weaving of bags and rugs, the smithing of horseshoes, ploughing, sowing, and the preparation of the food in an old-fashioned kitchen. Saturday: After a final delicious breakfast you will prepare to leave taking with you many unforgettable memories of your magnificent trail. The horses used on this trail are English bred, Anglo Arab, Holsteins, Croatian Warmbloods, Bosnian horses. They have a kind temperament and are well trained, sure footed, reliable. These horses are fit and forward going but they know their job well. They act in a herd mentality which adds to the experience and reflects the natural environment that they live in. Due to the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, the route and programme may have to be adapted. | |
Accommodation: | Your accommodation Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Friday night will be at the ranch. Other three nights you will stay out at a family home, motel and a private family farm. |
Minimum group size: | 4 |
Maximum group size: | 10 |
Ability description: | Experienced riders only, confident and capable of controlling a fit and potentially spirited horse in open countryside. You need to be comfortable riding at all paces and physically fit as there are times when you may trot for up to 20 minutes or go for long canters. You may also need to walk beside your horse over rough terrain. You do not need to be a brilliant technical rider but should be balanced, confident and experienced at riding long distances on a forward-going horse. Riders must be 16 or over. |
Type of ride: | Trail |
Total riding time: | 6 days riding, 4 to 6 hours per day |
Departure dates: | 2021: 27 March-3 April, 3-10 April, 10-17 April, 17-24 April, 24 April-1 May, 1-8 May, 8-15 May, 15-22 May, 22-29 May, 29 May-5 June, 5-12 June, 12-19 June, 19-26 June, 26 June-3 July, 3-10 July, 10-17 July, 17-24 July, 24-31 July, 31 July-7 August, 7-14 August, 14-21 August, 21-28 August, 28 August-4 September, 4-11 September, 11-18 September, 18-25 September, 25 September-2 October, 2-9 October, 9-16 October, 16-23 October, 23-30 October, 30 October-6 November, 6-13 November. |
Pricing: | 2021: £1032 per person The price includes seven nights of full board accommodation (shared room), all meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure day, drinks with meals, six days of horse riding with an experienced guide and transportation of luggage. The price does not include flights, travel insurance, transfers to the ranch from the airport, buses, trains, tickets for the national park, boat trip and any additional drinks. 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. |