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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Croatia
Intro to Croatia
![]() Velebit Nature Park![]() Dalmatia
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Cowboy Wilderness Adventure
Velebit Nature Park
Croatia
Amidst the foothills of the Velebit Mountain lies a hidden valley full of natural beauty, horses, culture and endless adventures, home to a private and unique guest ranch, Croatia’s premier horse and riding destination! The ranch offers a beautiful blend of luxurious living with Michelin-quality food and authentic cowboy life in the West.
The Cowboy Wilderness Adventure is carefully tailored 7-day program to liven your spirit and engage your body. Your adventure will have you staying in a variety of accommodations from a real Sioux tipi or cozy chalet at the ranch to camping in the mountains. This ensures you get the full exposure of Croatia's beautiful lands and fantastic hospitality! Ride in a pristine nature, visit a ghost town on horseback and indulge in a tasty cuisine featured in a Michelin guide. Experience frontier life in this heart-changing adventure. You will come as a city-slicker and leave as true and tried cowboy and cowgirl.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Family Vacation
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Velika Plana
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Airport:
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Zadar Airport (ZAD)
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Transfer:
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Gospić
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
28
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2023
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals, Activities as described, 5 riding days, Luggage transportation, Nature park riding permit & National park entrance fees
Hiking boots and rain slickers are available in limited sizes on-site.
| A | 2023 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | €9600 | $9890 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Tax:
5
%
Rates Note:
* reservations are exclusive to one party at a time, regardless of size from 1 to 14 people.
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2023
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Single supplement
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€
2,880
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$2,970
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2023
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Transfers from/to Gospić roundtrip, per car (up to 2 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
120
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$125
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2023
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Transfers from/to Gospić roundtrip, per van (up to 6 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
150
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$155
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2023
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Transfers from/to Zadar airport roundtrip, per car (up to 2 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
400
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$415
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2023
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Transfers from/to Zadar airport roundtrip, per van (up to 6 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
600
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$620
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Transfers available from Gospić (bus or train station), Zadar airport, Zagred, Split, Rijeka, Dubrovnik & Pula for an extra fee.
Best to rent a car and drive from Zadar.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities, Environmental fee (5% - paid locally), Occupancy tax (€0,7 pp/pn - paid locally) & Transfers from/to Gospić
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, snow and water levels, special events or interest, etc. Guides and trip leaders 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. Our partners reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in the afternoon. Explore the Ranch and meet the horses.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Ranch
Day 2: Ride to Camp & Horsemanship
After breakfast we set out for the mountain. Our goal for this day is to reach a hidden mountain valley at 1200 meters above sea level, where our crew has set up two different base camps. After lunch in the first camp, try yourself in a natural horsemanship session. Our signature style of horsemanship is a combination of “a natural human on a natural horse” and genetic memory. By allowing yourself to be authentic, you will experience fellowship with a horse unlike ever before.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at First Camp
Day 3: Camp to Camp
Nothing beats getting up in the early morning on the mountain, hearing eagles and smelling fresh coffee straight from the camp fire. After breakfast, we tack the horses and head for another climb, on our way to the second camp. On our way there, we will come across hidden springs and watercourses. This is an intensive ride, covering some rough terrain, often going through unmarked territory. A real adventure!
Accommodation is in our safari-style tents on comfy beds with proper matrasses and duvets. We also have hot shower inside our Native American tipi.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Second Camp
Day 4: Old Roman Road
Proper cowboy breakfast will be served in the morning. On this day we will ride on the old Roman road built 1600 years ago. We will stop for rest and lunch break at the Ranger’s station, before heading back to the camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Second Camp
Day 5: Riding through Bear Country
Ride on this day takes us over the mountain to a valley which is a popular brown bear habitat. There is a high probability of spotting these majestic animals.
We will eat our lunch out of the saddlebags. In the afternoon we will circle back to the camp, riding on a road that goes through a deep forest. There are opportunities for nice canters in the forest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at First Camp
Day 6: Ride Back
We slowly return to the Ranch using high altitude switchbacks, frequented during middle-ages by outlaws and renegades. Lunch out of the saddlebags near the animal watering hole, so very likely we will run into forest critters there.
In the evening, a feast will await us at the Ranch, and after a soak in the hot tub!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Ranch
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay for more relaxation, rejuvenation or other activities that Ranch has to offer.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Velika Plana
Airport:
Zadar Airport (ZAD)
Train station:
Gospić train station
Transfer:
Gospić
Distance:
130km / 81 miles
Transfers available from Gospić (bus or train station), Zadar airport, Zagred, Split, Rijeka, Dubrovnik & Pula for an extra fee.
Best to rent a car and drive from Zadar.
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Tack:
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Western only
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Horses:
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Quarter horses, Arabians, Lipizzaners, mountain horses
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Pace:
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5-7 hours per day in the saddle. Walk 70% trot 20% canter 10%
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Good Novice
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Age:
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Min
13
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
28
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Riding Level
We welcome all levels of riders from a good novice to experienced! If the group is mixed in riding abilities, we will split the group at time so that the more experienced riders can go at faster paces.
Horses
We have a variety of breeds (Quarter horses, Arabians, Lipizzaners, mountain horses) to suit each individual rider's needs. We breeds our own horses and take extra care in their care and training. We ensure they are calm, collected, and desensitized.
Guides
We always have 1 guide for 5 guests.
Age Limit
The minimum age to join this tour 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 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.
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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay is required for those nationals that need a visa. Those not requiring a visa need a valid passport and must leave the country before the . more
Donje Pazarište area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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38
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42
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50
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58
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67
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74
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79
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79
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70
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60
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49
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39
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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24
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25
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31
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37
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44
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50
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53
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52
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46
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40
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33
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26
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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4
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6
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10
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14
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19
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23
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26
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26
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21
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16
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9
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4
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-4
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-4
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-1
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3
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7
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10
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11
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11
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8
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4
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1
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-4
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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9
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8
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9
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10
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9
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8
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5
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6
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8
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8
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11
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10
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Located at an altitude of 700 meters (2,200 feet), the ranch is located in a mountain climate zone. Being in the mountains, this means that weather conditions can rapidly change. Therefore, you should come prepared for all kinds of weather.
We recommend that you dress in layers of “moisture wicking” clothing. This way you can always add or remove a layer depending on the changes in weather.
Spring, Summer and Fall (April to October)
During these months, the temperatures range from mild to hot, with temperatures as high as 30 C (86 F) during the prime summer months.
The Ranch does not have a formal dress code, but most guests dress Western casual, no jacket required. Attire is relaxed and comfortable, even at dinner. For activities, we recommend dressing in layers. Riding and hiking boots and rain slickers are available in limited sizes on-site, as is all gear necessary to participate in all Ranch activities. Listed below are the items that we feel you should bring for a safe and comfortable vacation.
- Jeans or riding pants
- Convertible pants/shorts
- Shorts (mainly for July/August)
- Moisture wicking shirts (long and short sleeves)
- Fleece or sweater (for warmth)
- Gor-tex jacket for wind/rain
- Underwear (you may want to consider light weight long underwear for an early or late season)
- Socks
- Toque (warm hat)
- 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
- Riding gloves
- Heeled, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
- Comfortable camp shoes
- Chaps (if available)
- Beach towel and swimsuit
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
You will be staying in a variety of accommodation types in order to fully experience Croatia's hospitality and beauty. Laundry is available at the ranch for an added fee.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Ranch
Night 3, 4 & 5: Basecamp
Night 6: Ranch
Ranch
The ranch offers a variety of accommodation types from ranch rooms to suites, lodges, tents, and even tipis! They all feature beds dressed with soft linens, private baths (river tents have detached bathrooms), porches and mountain views. With Studio hall, Saloon, the Square, Japanese hot tub (available year-round), swimming pool (only heated during the summer months), archery range, horse riding arena, tack room, two creeks and a river, there’s plenty of indoor and outdoor space for guests to spread out comfortably.
Camping
At the base camp, you will sleep in comfortable safari-style tents on proper made up beds and mattresses (duvet included). There are hot showers available.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.
Our food has been called “soul food” and designated as “cooked with love.” It is best described as a Croatian mosaic of world flavors – a sensational fusion of Mediterranean dishes plated with an international flare. Eating food grown on-site or foraged from the nearby meadows and forest is at the heart of every menu. Respect for the sustainable production, harvest and preparation of these ingredients is always at the forefront of our mind.
Microbiome & Nutrition
At the Ranch, we think that there is a way to rebalance your body through food and science. Together with our partner Luxia Scientific, a French biotech company, we bring our guests an opportunity to sequence their microbiome.
If you are willing to give this a try, before you arrive at the Ranch, we organize for sample collection. When you arrive at the Ranch, the 10-page report awaits you. However, please note that due to the remote nature of this ride, a specific diet plan cannot be accommodated.
The testing service is available for an extra fee.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western only
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Horses:
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Quarter horses, Arabians, Lipizzaners, mountain horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
5-7 hours per day in the saddle. Walk 70% trot 20% canter 10%
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Good Novice
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
13
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|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
28
|
Riding Level
We welcome all levels of riders from a good novice to experienced! If the group is mixed in riding abilities, we will split the group at time so that the more experienced riders can go at faster paces.
Horses
We have a variety of breeds (Quarter horses, Arabians, Lipizzaners, mountain horses) to suit each individual rider's needs. We breeds our own horses and take extra care in their care and training. We ensure they are calm, collected, and desensitized.
Guides
We always have 1 guide for 5 guests.
Age Limit
The minimum age to join this tour 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 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.
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.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay is required for those nationals that need a visa. Those not requiring a visa need a valid passport and must leave the country before the passport has expired.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
(a) Visitors must produce evidence of return/onward travel (except EU nationals) and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay (€50 per day if accommodation has already been paid for, and 100€ per day if the accommodation has not be paid for).
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Cowboy Wilderness Adventure
Tour Code:
IT-CROA01
7 days /
6 nights
~$9,890.00
Dates :
May to Sept
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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