Riding Clinic

Introduction
Central Albania
This program is designed for nature enthusiasts who want to take intensive basic riding lessons and discover Albania.

You are based in the village “Asim Zeneli" near Gjirokastër in the South of Albania. The program was created to give the opportunity to beginner riders to improve their skills while getting to know this part of Albania from a local perspective. During your stay, you will gain knowledge about riding in nature that will enable youto undertake short journeys on horseback anywhere in the world.

Your instructor has many years of experience, teaching in several countries and a natural approach to horse and rider training techniques.
The program is based on the Parelli method but adapted to the English style of riding. The program respects the health and character of the Albanian horse and aims to create a personalized relationship between the horse and the rider.

In addition to riding, the program offers opportunities to learn about local life: helping the staff at the horse stable (if desired), participating in the daily activities of the host family, interacting with the villagers,...
The program also includes quiet times for other activities such as bathing in the river, hiking, visiting archaeological sites and a lot of free time to meditate, read or attend art classes.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights will be spent at the same accommodations.

Description
You will be sleeping in a small village near the stables. Your host family will be happy to welcome you into their home.
The rooms are simple but comfortable. Please, note that facilities are shared between guests and the host family.




Meals
All meals are included in this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

You will get to enjoy local Albanian food (local meats, fruits, and vegetables) traditionally cooked with organic products.

Breakfasts usually include eggs, butter, cheese, local pancakes, fruit jams, honey, milk and tea.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
The horses used for this ride are locally bred and ideal for the terrain. They are small but very robust and surefooted Albanian horses (between 13 and 14.2 hands). The Albanian horse, a unique mountain breed that is s local mixture of the archaic Tarpan and medieval Arab horse. They are great climber, have a clear mind and are surefooted. Our breeding program aims to help saving this declining breed of horses.
Our stable include 38 horses and is situated amidst scenic hills, green valleys, surrounded by high mountains. Our horses are trained with natural horsemanship techniques that we are pleased to share with the guests.

Instructor
Alexa is an American riding instructor who decided to settle in Albania a few years ago. She has a lot of experience teaching horseback riding in several riding schools around the world.

Itinerary



The program is offered from Sunday to Sunday the second, third and fourth week of each month.

Because Sunday can be an arrival/departure day, there are no activities scheduled for that day. Your lessons will start on Monday and run until Saturday of each week.
You can choose to sign up for the whole program (3 weeks) or just the 2-week or 1-week option. If you choose to sign up for the first week only, you need to attend the first week of the program described below.

Each day, you will ride for about 4 hours (2 hours in the morning plus 2 hours in the afternoon).
The meals are always taken with your host family so you can get to know them better.

Week 1 
Get to know your host family and the schedule of activities with them.
You will learn more about the school's horses and get basic riding lessons in the arena.

Week 2 
During this week, your riding lessons are focused on getting a better position and maintaining the rhythm at a walk and trot, while doing figures in the arena.
If the instructor thinks it is safe, you will also go on your first trail rides in nature.

Week 3
For the final week, your lessons will be taken both in the arena and on the trails. You will learn to maneuver on terrain of varying difficulty.
On the last riding day (Saturday) you will go on a full-day ride, enjoying lunch with the staff from the riding school.


Note: In order to get more independence for extra activities, it is recommended to rent a car for the duration of the program. (however, it is not a must)
We can send recommendations and tips for activities before booking this tour.

Rates and Dates for Riding Clinic

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Gjirokaster
Airport: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Transfer: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) or Saranda Port.

Climate:
                                            Gjirokaster area