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Dalmatian Hinterland

Overview

This family-run farm is located in the village of Ogorje, a peaceful part of the Dalmatian Zagora and just a short way from Sinj. This rural region offers varied riding terrain from the mountains of Svilaj and Mosec to small villages, old Roman roads and cattle paths and stretches of unspoilt count…

Highlights

  • Warm Croatian hospitality
  • Plenty of chances to canter
  • Enjoy a cold beer by the ranch pool after riding
  • Authentic meals cooked by your host's mother
  • Exceptional value for money

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 6 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Description

This family-run farm is located in the village of Ogorje, a peaceful part of the Dalmatian Zagora and just a short way from Sinj. This rural region offers varied riding terrain from the mountains of Svilaj and Mosec to small villages, old Roman roads and cattle paths and stretches of unspoilt countryside. This is a peaceful location but easily accessible from the airport and also very budget-friendly. The riding is suited to confident riders who are happy to canter and gallop in open countryside and who love exploring - some horses are very forward-going but there are also some steady, kind mounts available for those who feel more comfortable with an easy ride.

Accommodation is in one of four guest rooms on the ranch, each with an en suite shower room, with access to WiFi and a swimming pool in the summer months. Stipe and his family serve traditional Dalmatian cuisine (plus homemade wine!) whilst lunches are eaten as picnics out during the rides, in a picturesque spot somewhere along the trail. Guests are able to groom and saddle their own horse each day in order to create a better bond with them, though help is always available.

Your host, Stipe, is a young man who gained experience at another Croatian riding stables before setting up on his own to offer an affordable but fun stationary programme with comfortable accommodation. He would like to welcome you to Dalmatia to share with you the local culture and of course some great days in the saddle!

Horses & Riding

Tack

English

Horses

Mixed breeds inc. Thoroughbred, Lippizaner, Croatian Warmblood, Arab and Holsteiner as well as some crosses.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Zagora Explorer is a based ride

Ages

16+ (riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult of 18 or over).

Health

Good health and fitness recommended.

Weight

90kg / 198lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All meals are included in the programmes and much of the produce is homegrown with a focus on Dalmatian specialities. Many of the fruits and vegetables come from their own garden and meat is locally-sourced, plus they produce their own wine. Your host's mother does a lot of the cooking and guests are welcome to see how the traditional meals are prepared.

Breakfast at the ranch usually includes fresh bread, eggs, cheese, ham/salami, jam, seasonal fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch may be eaten in the countryside during your riding day and is generally a traditional Dalmatian dish (fish or meat and vegetables) or perhaps cooked on a fire. Dinner is eaten back at the ranch and is another authentic Croatian meal.

One drink is included with each meal (juice, wine, beer, tea, coffee, milk or water). Different diets such as vegetarian and gluten-free can be catered for with prior notice - please inform us.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in five guest rooms on the ranch - there is one room with a double bed, one room with one double bed and a single bed, two rooms which have two separate single beds (ie. they are twin rooms) and one room which has only a single bed - this last room is available to solo travellers at no extra cost. All rooms have an en-suite shower room.

The ranch has an above ground swimming pool for use in the summer months and there is also free WiFi.

Itineraries

Zagora Explorer Basic accommodation.

Other Activities

The surrounding area is quite interesting for those who like history. Split itself features many nice sightseeing opportunities, such as Diocletian's Palace which is one of the world's most amazing Roman ruins. Trogir is also a beautiful place to visit, under UNESCO protection.

Travel

Split airport transfers can be organised for you through a private taxi company, at an additional cost. Taxis are available for up to 4 passengers with moderate amounts of luggage. If you are more than 4 people or have extra luggage to carry, then 2 cars may be needed.

Group pick-up will be as follows;
On arrival day all guests will be collected after 2 pm (later transfers can be organised if needed).
On departure, you can expect to be back at Split airport by 10 am (unless you have an early departing flight).

Those with very late flights may prefer to head into Split city or spend some time in Trogir (roughly 20 minutes from the airport). We can provide details about public transport options and ideas for things to see and do while you wait.

Testimonials

Niki D., July 12, 2022

I loved every moment and wouldn’t have changed a thing. I found it to be exciting each day, The nature was incredible, the horses were wonderful, the team were wonderful in every way. I feel like I have made friends for life. It was a delight to experience traditional Croatian food each day and to enjoy it with such warm and welcoming people. The accommodation was clear, quiet, comfortable and offered all that I needed during my stay. All of the horses that I rode were very well behaved, they had great
personalities and they were very well looked after. The tack was all perfectly adequate and I was a huge fan of the saddle packs - super handy for taking out bottles of water etc.


Celia, June 29, 2022

Fantastic riding - fast and engaging - wonderful hospitality and beautiful countryside & scenery. A really enjoyable trip! The food was some of the best I've had anywhere in the world and the accommodation was great too.


Ali, June 29, 2022

Fantastic riding in unspoilt countryside. Exhilarating canters and gallops on lovely forward-going horses. Food is amazing. Stipe's mum is a very good cook. Stipe looked after us well, nothing was too much trouble. Really lovely place to go.


Lauren P., Oct. 5, 2021

Great riding in a beautiful part of the world, with an almost ‘undiscovered’ feeling as it receives much less tourism than Split. Really lovely horses who are forward but sensible, a very relaxing week and a great first riding holiday as the riding is not too challenging.


Alexandria S., May 1, 2019

Absolutely brilliant riding; long mornings in the saddle getting up some speed and exploring areas of untouched Dalmatia (true Croatian country-life), with steadier afternoons as the shadows draw out and the sun gets low. Nothing was too much trouble for our kind host and his family who took care of guests with such fondness and ensured we felt part of the family.


Agata & Matt, Sept. 8, 2018

We just wanted to touch base with you regarding our stay with Stipe at the Dalmatian Hinterland ranch. Basically it was fantastic! The stay was by far the highlight of our European holiday. The country side was stunning the horses and animals at the farm were all beautiful and the hospitality was incredible. Stipe himself was an absolute legend and accommodated our every need, not only that, we actually found a great and hilarious friend in him! His mother and father cooked the best food, we just ate and laughed nonstop, hung out with animals and went riding. We also stayed with Stipes family friends, the Lesckuris who were beyond friendly, we tasted their home made honey, truffles, grappa and every other food item they grow themselves. Fascinating people! At night we even went out to see a concert of traditional folklore dancing from Croatia and surrounding countries. Horse riding was always great, there’s a horse to accommodate every kind of rider and each trail is as breathtaking as the next. Gallop, canter, walk, what ever we wanted every day. Our only regret was the state of our fitness level, Matt and I still can’t feel our legs a week later, haha! Still, we can’t wait to return!!!


Alison B., July 3, 2018

The holiday was very good. The riding was so good as such a good mix of paces, lovely horses and amazing countryside. The food was the best I've had on a riding holiday. The food was extremely fresh, the cherries amazing, very good. The rooms were lovely too. I had a gentle horse, she did everything I asked and she cantered/galloped just like my pony. We were both happy and the tack was comfortable. Stipe was very good, knew his rides.


Glayne S., July 13, 2017

It was great! horses were fantastic, the weather was great, accommodation lovely. (favourite memory?) Galloping through the flowers then coming back and showering my horse. (Were you happy with your horse?) Very much so! (Accommodation and food?) Yes - excellent!


Diana H., May 16, 2017

Fantastic holiday - the only fault was that I'd booked just the one week, not two! Stipe is a great host and an excellent guide. He really loves this part of Croatia and it shows. He also has a great sense of humour! And he takes very good care of his horses. My horse was Lana, a grey mare with a lovely, kind temperament who seemed to really enjoy her work. My room was spotless, airy and very comfortable. Stipe's mother cooked all the meals and what a superb cook she is! Everything she made was delicious.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Transfer to the ranch from Split airport, bus or train station with time for a snack and some relaxation before dinner (depending on arrival time). The plan for today is to get to know the other guests and your host, to make new friends and to enjoy a traditional Dalmatian dinner with homemade wine.

Day 2 - Sunday

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

This morning starts with breakfast and a hot cup of coffee or tea to wake you up. After breakfast you will meet the horses and have a chance to get to know them, riding for 2 - 3 hours to discover the surrounding nature. You can try the horses at canter and gallop as you ride along natural pathways.

Lunch this first day is back at the ranch where you can relax and have a bit of a rest. Then it's back on your horse for another 2 - 3 hours of riding before you return to the ranch for a delicious dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Monday

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast you will get ready for your first full day ride. Today you will groom and saddle your own horse (help offered if required!) and then you will ride up the hill Zelovo for a little over two hours. Here you can enjoy a lovely lunch and a rest. After the lunch break the ride continues for around 3 hours, exploring local villages and enjoying views of the fields, forests and nearby mountain scenery. You will eventually ride back to the ranch for dinner, drinks and a good sleep.

Day 4 - Tuesday

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

The ride today takes you to the Svilaja Mountain. During the morning you will gallop in the fields and ride into the typical Dalmatian villages of Ogorje, Leskur and Milesina. After the villages the ride leads onto ancient Roman roads and over to the mountain where you can relax during lunch. After your rest you will ride over the mountains to the villages Buzov and Pribude back to the ranch for dinner with your group.

Day 5 - Wednesday

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast today you will tack up your horse for a ride through the fields at the foot of Svilaja mountain and on through the villages of Crivac and Čavoglave. Following on Roman paths you can trot, canter and gallop.

On reaching the village of Marinići you can pass by old wells with clear, cool waters before stopping for lunch. The hill above the village is famous for its caves and underground waters and you will have time to explore. Later that afternoon the riding continues into open meadows, perfect for faster paced riding, and then on through glades back to the ranch.

Day 6 - Thursday

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today's ride begins with some walk and gentle trots, riding for the top of the mountain Svilaja. About halfway through the trail you will stop for lunch and a refreshing drink (at about 1300m above sea level) before riding up to the mountain's peak at 1508m above sea level. Here you will take some time to enjoy views of the Perucko lake, Cetina river and even the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. The panoramic views up here are breathtaking!

After a break to rest the horses and yourselves and to enjoy this wonderful scenery it is time to mount up again and head for the ranch.

Day 7 - Friday

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast today you will saddle up and ride to the mountain Moseć, following trails through beautiful fields and along streams. There is a stretch of gravel road to reach the lunch destination. After lunch you will make for the mountain canyon for your last riding adventure.

Later in the afternoon it's time to finish your ride by heading back to the ranch for a rest, a final dinner and good conversation and sharing of memories with your newfound friends.

Day 8 - Saturday

Riding: No riding.

Departure after breakfast with optional transfer to Split.

Accommodation

Accommodation is at the ranch.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Confident intermediate riders - you should be able to ride at all paces, including gallop, in open countryside and be fit enough for long days in the saddle. Guests should also be able to prepare and saddle their own horse (help given as required). Note: we can organise private rides for families or groups with less experienced riders, please ask.

Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

April 22, 2023 - April 29, 2023

May 6, 2023 - May 13, 2023

May 20, 2023 - May 27, 2023

June 3, 2023 - June 10, 2023

June 17, 2023 - June 24, 2023

July 1, 2023 - July 8, 2023

July 15, 2023 - July 22, 2023

July 29, 2023 - Aug. 5, 2023

Aug. 12, 2023 - Aug. 19, 2023

Aug. 26, 2023 - Sept. 2, 2023

Sept. 9, 2023 - Sept. 16, 2023

Sept. 23, 2023 - Sept. 30, 2023

Oct. 7, 2023 - Oct. 14, 2023

Oct. 21, 2023 - Oct. 28, 2023

Pricing

2023
Sharing
£940 $1180 €1100
Included 7 nights shared accommodation, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, one drink with each meal, 6 days of riding.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, airport transfers, extra drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer €150
Paid locally
Split airport, bus or train station transfers at set times; costs are per car, return transfer. Max 3 passengers per car. This is paid directly to the taxi driver in cash.
2023 - Single Supplement £86 $108 €100
Paid to Far and Ride
There is one room available for solo travellers at no extra cost - this is a smaller room with only a single bed. If this room is not available and you are not willing to share, then the supplement must be paid.
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.