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Plitvice Ranch

Overview

This cosy family ranch is nestled in 15 hectares of private land, just a few kilometres from the fabulous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Guests can enjoy small group rides which are tailored to their needs and requirements - there is something here for everyone, from those wanting a quiet and peacef…

Highlights

  • Riding suitable for all ages and ability levels!
  • Relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families.
  • Calm and friendly horses that are well loved.
  • Located just a few minutes drive from Plitvice Lakes!
  • A good balance of riding and other activities.

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 3 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198lbs / 14st 2lbs

Description

This cosy family ranch is nestled in 15 hectares of private land, just a few kilometres from the fabulous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Guests can enjoy small group rides which are tailored to their needs and requirements - there is something here for everyone, from those wanting a quiet and peaceful ride through nature to those who enjoy some speedy trots and canters. All this is available in beautiful green meadows, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

Your host's warmth and typical familial hospitality will make you feel instantly at ease, inviting you to relax and make the most of this wonderful area. Each day you can enjoy fun rides out in the landscape, suited to all levels and ages from total beginners to experienced equestrians, before returning to the ranch home to sample the tasty Croatian home cooking!

The ranch home also makes a perfect base from which to explore the Plitvice lakes, Baraç Caves and the old town of Drežnik. For the non-riders, or those who wish for a little more variety, you might like to book rafting, cycling excursions, quad bike tours or archery and fishing (all available locally at an extra cost).

Horses & Riding

Tack

The horses are mostly ridden in English-style saddles but there are two Australian stock saddles available for guests if they prefer. The bridles have simple snaffle bits and the horses are calm and easy to control.

Horses

The horses are a mixture of breeds, from Haflinger to Belgian drafts, Thoroughbred and Quarter horses, as well as some local breeds such as Gidran horses. They have different heights and temperaments, and your guides will do their best to match you to the most suitable ride based on your preferences and experience level.

The horses are all incredibly well-loved and treated like members of the family!

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Family Ranch Stay is a based ride

Ages

Children of all ages are welcome but should be happy to ride a sensible horse as there are no small ponies available.

Health

There are no specific requirements for riders at this destination. They provide total flexibility in riding hours and pace and are able to accommodate all levels of fitness as a result.

Weight

90kg / 198lbs / 14st 2lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

The food you will enjoy is fresh and home-cooked, using lots of ingredients grown right there at the ranch. They include plenty of typically Croatian meals such as lamb, beef and freshwater trout served with vegetables. Meals are usually plentiful and certainly hearty!

Accommodation

Located just 7 km from the Plitvice lakes, accommodation is provided in bright and comfortable guest bedrooms at this cosy family ranch. Each room has a lovely balcony, private bathrooms as well as traditional wooden furniture. There are double, triple and four bedded rooms available for groups and families. The outdoor space includes a well-maintained garden with a BBQ, a table tennis table and plenty of spaces to rest and relax when you are not riding.

Itineraries

Family Ranch Stay Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The surroundings offer a variety of activities to get stuck into when you aren't riding. You might enjoy swimming in one of the rivers or lakes in the summer months, cycling through the countryside, visiting an activity park to zip line or trying some archery, as well as exploring the natural beauties of Plitvice Lakes, Barać Caves, Rastoke. There is enough here to keep the whole family entertained!

Some of these will need to be booked in advance and may incur an additional cost.

Travel

Guests should fly to Zagreb (2.5 hours away) or Zadar (1 hour 45 mins away) airports in Croatia. Transfers can be arranged for you from either of these two locations at an additional charge.

Those hiring a car may also prefer to fly to Split and drive themselves, particularly if you plan to spend extra days in Croatia before or after your ranch stay. The drive from Split airport or city is around 3 hours.

Testimonials

Patricia L., Oct. 18, 2023

It was everything I hoped it would be...fun and full of riding. We went on many different trails and saw some archaeological sites, too. Our room was just like one of the pictures on-line. We loved the balcony and snacked and had ice tea and coffee outside. The flowers in the window-boxes were lovely. Food was great. All the tack was in great shape, as were the horses. I liked all the horses I rode. I couldn't really pick a favorite. We got to know some of their personalities. Dina was a fantastic rider and guide and was very patient and fun. It was always our safety, first.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Sunday

Riding: No riding.

Arrival at the ranch in the afternoon. Today you will meet the horses, guides and owners of the ranch. Those who arrive early enough may be able to enjoy a ride in the evening.

Day 2 - Monday

Riding: 2 hours

Breakfast will be followed by a 2-hour ride around the beautiful nearby area close to the ranch. This is a chance to get to know your horses and guides a little better. Lunch is served back to the ranch and the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 3 - Tuesday

Riding: 6 hours

Today's ride will include a chance to visit the Barać caves. On the way to the caves, you ride on trails over fields and through woods. On arrival at the caves, you can rest for a while before going on a tour of the caves themselves. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch in a beautiful spot nearby. In the afternoon you will ride back through wild untouched nature.

Day 4 - Wednesday

Riding: No riding.

After the long day of riding yesterday, today will offer a chance to rest and perhaps enjoy some of the other amazing activities in this area. You may choose to;

- Visit Plitvice lakes; a beautiful national park with stunning waterfalls.
- Go rafting, quad biking, or visit the adrenaline park to go ziplining.
- Or you may prefer an easy day of swimming in the Korana river (available in June, July, and August only)

Day 5 - Thursday

Riding: 3 hours

This morning you will enjoy a scenic ride to the walls of the old town Drežnik on the river Korana. From this spot, you have a great viewpoint of the whole area. Back to the ranch for lunch and a free afternoon to enjoy at your own pace.

Day 6 - Friday

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

This morning you will enjoy a short ride of around 2-3 hours before lunch at the ranch.

In the afternoon you will take a trip to the Valley of Deer Ranch which includes a tour around the Valley of Deer Ranch. Apart from experiencing seeing the deer, you can also see some other domestic animals which live here. After the tour, you will be able to try all sorts of traditional dried meat and cheese products as well as other food produced at the ranch.

Day 7 - Saturday

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Today you can enjoy an easy morning ride of about 2-3 hours and an afternoon free to explore the area further.

Day 8 - Sunday

Riding: No riding.

Departure in the morning.

Please note that this is an outline itinerary for those who wish to maximise their riding time. All riding is optional and guests can choose not to ride on any day if they prefer or to miss any of the scheduled rides or activities. We can also put together tailored itineraries for families and mixed-ability groups with little trouble.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All levels and experiences of riders can be accommodated here. Groups can be split if required and tuition is available for beginners and children too.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

At any time during: Sept. 1, 2024 - Dec. 1, 2024  (Dates available to suit with arrival/departures on Sundays.)

At any time during: March 2, 2025 - June 29, 2025  (Dates available to suit with arrival/departures on Sundays.)

At any time during: Aug. 31, 2025 - Nov. 30, 2025  (Dates available to suit with arrival/departures on Sundays.)

Pricing

2024
Rider; Sharing		 £1165 $1475 €1400
2025
Rider; Sharing		 £1040 $1315 €1245
Included 7 nights accommodation in double, twin, triple or quadruple rooms, two meals each day (your choice of which), 5 days of riding, as well as some sightseeing visits as described in the itinerary. (In 2025 only breakfast will be included, there is a restaurant nextdoor)
Not included Flights, transfers, travel insurance, one meal per day (lunch & dinner in 2025), drinks, other activities and excursions off the ranch, tips and any personal expenses.
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.