FAIRYTALE CASTLES
Take a trip back in time to a land so lush in vegetation and so rich in history you’ll feel the past as you pass through it. The older generation in this part of Slovenia have lived in four countries within one lifetime. The borders have changed so that they have been in Austria, Yugoslavia, Italy, and now Slovenia. The landscape tells the story with military roads and bunkers carved into the karst rock of the mountains. Giant bears and wolves still roam these forests and you’re more likely than not to come across their paw prints.
The agricultural history of Slovenia is rich with knowledge that we have forgotten in Western Europe and the Americas. Farming moves in the rhythm of the zodiac. Every grandmother (Nonna) knows which sign to plant her seeds by, when to harvest and when to make her schnapps by the phases of the stars and moon. On the longest riding day you will visit a castle whose throne room holds a beautiful surprise with each of the signs of the zodiac - bar one - painted on the walls of the great room. Will you be able to spot which is missing?
Let’s go back in time!
Overview
RIDE GUIDE
Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
Cost: 2023 from €780 | 2024 from €880
Where: Bač, Slovenia. One hour drive from the capital Ljubljana.
Riding Level: You must be comfortable cantering in open countryside in a group of horses.
Pace: Slow, mostly walking with some cantering each day
Maximum Riders: 8. The small group size means this is a great ride to come with friends on as a private group.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 85kg
Time in the saddle: 2 to 8 hours a day
Languages: English, Italian, Slovenian, Croatian.
HORSES
The horses are a mix of quarter horses and warmbloods and are ridden in western tack. The horses are forward and fit and while the riding is mostly at walk as you explore the countryside you will get to canter each day.
Borut’s wife has a love of Icelandic horses and there are two in the herd that you can ride if you would like to. Fruc has a very cheeky personality and has no problem keeping up with the larger horses. Askia is very beautiful, with a thick luscious mane and a grey/blue and white paint coat. She famously has a very smooth canter and is nicknamed the ‘Magic Carpet’!
ACCOMMODATION
This is a centre based ride with comfortable accommodation in the village of Bač. The guest house, Pri Požarju, is located in the centre of the village with accommodation upstairs above a restaurant serving local food like a traditional Slovenian ‘Nonna’.
Rooms are either double or twin with ensuite bathrooms.
GET IN TOUCH
Fill in an obligation-free Rider Form and we will get back to you with ride availablity.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodation, horse-riding, guides, meals and a drink with every meal.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, transfers, travel insurance, additional drinks on top of that with your meal. Single supplements for riders who don’t want to share a room is €90.
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers from Ljubljana to Trnje can be arranged for €60 per vehicle each way.
If flights arrive at similar times, you can share the cost of this with other riders.
RIDING
You will ride out from the horses’ stable over the karst hills in different directions each day. There is a combination of riding dirt roads, grass pathways, fields and road riding.
The riding is at a steady pace, mostly at walk, with some canters each day making this a great first riding holiday or a ride for intermediate or mixed groups of riders.
Horses are ridden in western tack and you will help tack up your horse.
MEALS
All food is authentically prepared by the guest house’s Nonna.
Slovenian cuisine can be rich and hearty and is influenced by neighbouring countries Italy and Austria. Dinner’s are often meat heavy; staples include beef goulash, veal schnitzel and gnocchi.
Breakfast and 3 course dinners are catered for at the guest house. A drink is included with every meal.
Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for.
YOUR GUIDE
Each of the herd of horses is carefully trained by by Borut, the ride operator. Borut was born and raised in the mountains you’ll ride in. He’s closely in tune with his horses and their welfare is paramount.
Borut is also trained farrier and has been known to refit thrown shoes high up in the mountains! The riding terrain is a mixture of mountains and valleys. Speed lovers - you will get a few fast gallops here!
WHAT TO PACK
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
It can rain in Slovenia - even in summer - so pack a waterproof jacket.
Helmets can be provided.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
2024 DEPARTURES | FROM €880pp
01 - 05 May Black Saddle Exclusive
12 - 16 June Black Saddle Exclusive
Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book or to be added to the waitlist and we will get back to you with more information.
Bookings are confirmed on receipt of the full balance of the ride as the total cost is less than €2,000.
SLOVENIA
Straddling the boundary of eastern and western Europe, Slovenia benefits greatly from being in the middle of it all. The terrain is mountainous with a small line of coast retained from neighbouring Italy. You’ll fly into the capital Ljubljana, a picture perfect medieval down built on the banks of a river with a castle perched on the clifftop above the town.
Time Zone: GMT+1
Climate: Please pack for all weather including warm over trousers and a waterproof lined jacket or bring a warm fleece. Riding in the mountains you might come across a lot or rain, hail - even in the summer time! The average temperature in June / July between 12C and 26C.
YOUR ITINERARY
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Depending on the time of your arrival, you can stop to see the pearl of the area – Predjama Castle – during your transfer from Ljubliana. This castle has been built into the mouth of a cave.
You’ll begin the riding portion of your holiday with an introduction ride up up onto the hills behind the horses stable. You’ll see beautiful mountain vistas for miles from the top of the hill. These are the mountains you’ll be riding in for the next three days!
After your first ride you’ll have a short drive to your accommodation at Bac where you can relax and unpack before enjoying a delicious dinner.
*1-2 Hours Riding*
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After a breakfast of local jams, crepes, and eggs anyway you like, you are transferred back to the horses. Here you look after your own horse, collecting them from the field and tacking them up (with the guides' assistance). If you are new to western riding it's a fun and easy way to learn a new skill. Before you collect the horses though you will start the day with a shot of local schnapps!
Today's ride begins by following a path through the forest and valleys to reach the ruins of the Castle of Kalec. Once the glorious home of a wealthy landowner, now only a restored tower remains that looks like its from a Disney film. Continue riding back the village of Bac, where you tie your horses and take lunch in the restaurant below your guest house. After lunch, ride uphill for views of the area before returning to Sembije where you leave the horses.
*6 Hours Riding*
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Today you will reach the castle by following an abandoned road alongside a magnificent natural rock wall. You'll pass through many villages, riding down country lanes with orchards on either side. Snatch an apple as you ride by (one for yourself and one for your hourse of course)! Soon you will arrive in the village of Prem which is famous for its well preserved medieval castle. It's here that you will experience the incredible ceremonial hall with its astrological secrets. You continue your ride through the old village of Smrje and onto a rustic alpine-style lodge in Bubec. Stop for lunch and rest in the shade before riding across the Reka river and past an enchanting mill en-route back to Sembije.
*8 Hours Riding*
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After your schnapps you begin your ride high up into the mountains near the Croatian border. The morning is spent in the forest - look out for bear paw prints. The first stop is a bar situated on the Crne Njive plateau where you stop for a drink. Continue along forest paths with breathtaking views of the valley as you rise above the tree-line. Lunch is taken in a hunting hut in the middle of the forest. The horses doze under the trees while you enjoy a hot barbeque. This peaceful, isolated spot was once the front line of world war one and it's possible to visit the hidden italian bunkers - the gates to which Borut can expertly find hidden amongst the rocks. Take in the views at the mountain peak while surrounded by anicient stones that look like a naturally formed castle. In clear weather it is possible to see the Adriatic Sea.
*7-8 Hours Riding*
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After breakfast you are transferred back to the airport for your flight home. Don’t forget to buy a jar of the local honey from the guest house to take home with you as the perfect souvenir.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
2024 DEPARTURES | FROM €880pp sharing + transfers.
01 - 05 May Black Saddle Exclusive
12 - 16 June Black Saddle Exclusive
Fill in an obligation-free Rider Form and we will get back to you with ride availability.
