Ottoman Explorer

8 Days | From £999pp

Bosnia ( Best airport: Split)

Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life with this based stay riding holiday at a family run ranch in Herzegovina. Enjoy daily rides surrounded by nature, wildlife and forests, and then relax in the evenings at the comfortable guest house which has a swimming pool for you to enjoy during your stay. Open year round, this holiday caters for intermediate to experienced riders, but beginners can sometimes be accommodated on request.

The Riding

There is between 3-4 hours of riding per day. Each season brings something different to enjoy, but highlights of your week include a trail ride to Lake Krenica, travelling through Herceg Stjepan’s middle age trade route; a visit to Ravlića pećina cave and the ancient Roman tombstones on route, and canters through the Artemisia herb fields.

During the summer months there is an option to ride bareback to Lake Krenica. Your stay will be made up of either two rides a day, returning to the ranch for lunch, or you will go out for the day and enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail.

There is also a 20x40m outdoor arena at the ranch which is offered to guests to use, and there are riding coaches on site to assist.

Level of Riding and Fitness

Riders need to be of intermediate level and capable of controlling a horse at all paces over open ground. There are many opportunities to canter, and riders should have a good level of general fitness due to long hours in the saddle.

Beginners can be catered for on request. There is no minimum age requirement for this ride. The weight limit is 90kg.

Guides and Group Size

You’ll be guided by experienced and qualified guides who offer a bespoke riding experience. Riding groups are a maximum of 8.

Any questions?

The Horses

The horses are mainly Arabians, which is the traditionally used breed in Herzegovina; they are well schooled and suitable for both beginners and more advanced riders. Many of the horses have been at the ranch since they were foals, they are well looked after and considered to be part of the family.

English tack is used on most of the horses, but there are also western and trail saddles available.

Accommodation and Dining

There is a guest ranch house with 3 bedrooms, all of which have en-suite bathrooms, a kitchen/dining room and large living room. There is also a heated swimming pool with views of the horses and the ranch.

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 Upon arrival to the ranch riders will have time to settle in and meet the other guests. Before dinner there will be a short introduction from your hosts, who will explain what to expect from your stay and answer any questions. Dinner will be homemade local cuisine. A snack will be provided to early arrivals.

Day 2 Each morning starts with a cup of tea or coffee and breakfast at 7am. After breakfast riders will be introduced to their horses, and after getting them ready there will be a test ride to make sure you are happy with your horse and that you are a good match for each other. Lunch at the ranch will be followed by some free time, and in the afternoon you will enjoy another ride before dinner.

Day 3 After breakfast you will get ready for your trail ride. Riders are encouraged to groom and tack up their own horses, but help is always at hand if you need it, and your guide will give everything a final check before you head out. Today’s ride will take you uphill through the village of Blaževići where you will pass the local church of St.Luke, who is the patron saint of horses and animals. Lunch will be served back at the ranch. Your afternoon ride will be to Lake Krenica; during the summer months this can be ridden bareback, so you can stop at the lake for a break, take some photos and have a relaxing afternoon. It is a straight-forward ride to the lake over hay fields with amazing views of Herzegovina, and you will see wildlife such as rabbits, wild ducks, pheasants and other birds. Riding around Krenica Lake is well known in local legendary stories. Dinner will be at the ranch with traditional food and drink with your hosts.

Day 4 After a restful night’s sleep and a good breakfast you and your horse will head out for the day, crossing the river to the open fields of Artemisia - this is a very interesting riding route through aromatic herbs and is the perfect terrain for some canters. Lunch will be a picnic out on the trail, where you can rest in the shade of the trees and the horses can enjoy some grass. During the afternoon you will head back in the direction of home, riding alongside the river and passing vineyards on your way. Back at the ranch all the riders help with untacking their horses and settling them in for the night. Dinner is served at the ranch.

Day 5 This morning sees you passing more vineyards, orchards, and crop fields. You will ride through a village and follow the route over a hill called Svetigora. After crossing the hill you will arrive in the valley of Omerovac, which is surrounded by four hills - Svetigora, Krstina, Ograda and Orlov Kuk. Here you will stop for a picnic lunch and a rest amongst the peace and quiet of the valley. If you wish you can play a game of football, or try out some traditional games of Herzegovina. On your way back home you will stop to visit a necropolis of ancient Roman tombstones, some of which still display carved symbols. Dinner will be served back at the ranch.

Day 6 Today’s trail is called Matica River - this is a very special riding day as this route was used for the National Endurance Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2010. You will follow the well-known river, which changes its name as it passes through each village and eventually ends up in the Adriatic Sea. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed by the river where the horses can cool down after the morning exertion. The afternoon ride will see you return to the ranch for dinner.

Day 7 Today is arguably the highlight of your riding week, as you will be following an interesting route around the beautiful Lake Nuga. After taking in the views you will climb the hill to the entrance of the famous Ravlića pećina cave, and after enjoying a look around you will continue on your journey to the spring of the Matica river. This area is well known for the old watermills that were used to flour grain for bread over the past centuries. Nowadays there are just the derelict buildings and some pieces of the mills left to see. A picnic lunch will be served by the river, followed by a short visit to the Peć Mlini park. After your break you will mount up and head back to Lake Nuga following a different route, and then continue on to the ranch. Once home you will say goodbye to your horses and make them comfortable for the night in the barn. A farewell dinner is served at the ranch.

Day 8 Departure after breakfast. Late departures can enjoy a snack before they leave.