Your Horse Riding adventure starts at our ranch (700 m elevation) taking roads up the mountain, through valleys and canyons.

We will match you with a horse according to your riding abilities, teach you our style of horsemanship, how to saddle your horse and pack the gear. We will have a test ride and answer your questions before rides and have a dance party at the end of the adventure to celebrate a week to remember.

Whether you are an experienced rider or just learning, this is the perfect horse riding adventure for you!

Horse Riding Holiday Includes:

• 7 Nights accommodation
• Introductory and bareback riding lessons
• 4+ Days of guided riding with historical and natural interpretation
• Horse and gear rental
• Two-hour wagon/sleigh ride
• Transportation to and from destination on day 4
• All meals from dinner on the first day until breakfast on the last day (see below section for exception)
• Skilled English speaking guide and assistance
• Use of all facilities

Our horses are trained in western style of horsemanship.

This package is also available staying in Dancing Moon chalet on the ranch. Click here to book!

Not included in the price:

• Ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Drinks or food at the beach bar
• Travel insurance and occupancy tax
• Optional activities on day 6 (prices start at 20 EUR per activity)
• Lunch and dinner on days 4 and 6
• Alcoholic drinks, freshly squeezed juices and herbal infusions
• Transportation to and from Linden Tree Retreat & Ranch
• Riding hat – you can buy one at the ranch or bring your own

Your Itinerary:

Day 1 - arrival in the afternoon. Explore the ranch and the valley. Meet the horses.

Day 2 - learn how to catch a horse, groom, saddle and ride using horse’s natural language.  Our wranglers will show you the gear, its history and function, give you an introductory lesson and take you on a 2-hour trail ride in the afternoon.

Day 3 - is a full-day ride (7-9 hours) where you will visit an old ghost village, preserved in time.

Day 4 - we will take you to either the beach on the Adriatic Sea, to Plitvice Lakes or to visit Zadar, where you will have an opportunity to explore this ancient Mediterranean city. Destination will be chosen based on the preference of your group.

Day 5 is ride up the mountain, through valleys and canyons, retracing old trade routes used by merchants and caravan robbers alike. These are intensive rides, covering some rough terrain, often going through bush and unmarked territory. A real adventure for real cowboys and cowgirls! High chance of spotting bear, deer, or wolf on this day.

Day 6 is leisure day where you have time to recover from rigors of day before of to explore the area on your own. If you want to continue with activities, you can choose from several offered at the ranch. These activities are seasonal and consist of (but are not limited to) guided cave hikes, mountain bike rides, rock climbs, fishing and swimming, photo safari, riding lessons, massage, meditation, yoga classes, mushrooms picking, snow-shoeing , cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, old-fashion logging and whiskey making. In the evening old cowboy movies will be shown in our cinema.

Day 7 is time for bareback riding lesson in the morning and in the afternoon we will go in our restored horse-drawn wagon to a village pub to sample locally made beers and meet the locals. That night we will have a country-western dance party. Bring your dancing shoes!

Day 8 Lazy morning breakfast and departure by 11 am.

Accommodation: 

Single travelers are allowed, prices are on request.

Minimum and Maximum Group Size:

We consider 5-7 to be optimal group size for our back-country trips, but can handle groups as large as 10 if booked together.

Recommend Gear List:

Listed below are the items that we feel you should wear and bring for a safe and comfortable trip in the Velebit mountain. Please bear in mind that the mountain weather can change quickly and without warning, and the night-time temperature can drop near freezing even in the summer. During the day it can reach temperatures in the high twenties Celsius (80-85 F).

Items:

2 Pairs of jeans or riding pants
3 Long sleeve shirts
Fleece or sweater (fleece is lighter)
Jacket or vest as wind breaker
Bandana or lightweight scarf –available for purchase at the ranch
Brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches) –available for purchase at the ranch
Healed, ankle-high, water-repellent boots
Gloves - available for purchase at the ranch
Toque (warm hat)
Warm socks (1 pair per day)
Underwear (1 set per day)
Beach towel and swimsuit (optional)
Personal hygiene items
Comfortable camp shoes
Warm underwear
Camera
Flashlight
Pocket knife - available for purchase at the ranch
Chaps (if available)
Rainwear (oil-skin slicker works best)

Saddle bags:

Your horse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rainwear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle

Restrictions:

The minimum age for pack trips is 13 years old. Anyone under 18 should be a regular and enthusiastic rider, have a keen sense of adventure and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We have had people in their 70's on pack trips, but again, they were fit, in good health and rode regularly prior to their holiday. We ask that you judge yourself (and your children) honestly in this regard, as we will take your word for it and plan the trip accordingly.

For all age groups: it is important that you feel fit and healthy before going on the trail. We are traveling in the wilderness, where medical services (beyond first aid) are not readily available. The maximum weight for riders is 100 kgs (220 lbs). Exceptions may be made for very experienced/athletic riders.

No previous riding experience needed. 

Notes on the itinerary:

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Our guides will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.