Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the north-west to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east; its central region is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and its southern parts extend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Horseback Riding in Croatia
The equestrian skills, as well as breeding horses for sport, hunting and work, have a very long tradition in the valleys of the Rivers Sava, Drava and Danube.
Travelling on horseback through the plains and forests you can see and learn about attractive habitats of birds, fish and game, the traditional popular architecture of rural communities and homesteads. If you choose to visit the slopes of Papuk, there are the excellent wines of Kutjevo to savour, as well as fresh spring water, and spas in which to relax.
In Dakovo (Slavonia), visit the best known breeding and selection stud farm for Lipizzaner horses, the half-blood Tulipan Croatian line: an average height, well balanced, high stepping, sturdy and strong horse. In Istria, we have the Istrijanac - a locally bred, high spirited thoroughbred horse. There are several equestrian centres in this region, and wonderful areas for an adventure on horseback. The silent wilderness of Zumberak offers just the same opportunities. With the Alkars of Senj, in the valley of the River Cetina, horse riding became a knightly occupation as long ago as the beginning of the18th century. Riding through the valley you will discover the natural, cultural, historical features and specific characteristics of this picturesque area. And, while there, do not fail to sample the local specialties - including grape brandy, cheese, bread baked under a peka (a baking lid), as well as lamb or kid meat prepared in the same way as bread.
Those of a more adventurous spirit can opt for a ride down the rugged tracks of Mount Velebit, and be rewarded by a staggering range of natural phenomena and magnificent vistas of the sea and the islands.
Equestrian centres in northern Croatia, Slavonia, Istria and Dalmatia, organize riding schools and competitions, training and rehabilitation of horses. These centres are the best and most reliable organizers of horseback expeditions.
Horse Riding in Dalmacija: Split
Riding in the Cetina Valley
Whether you are an experienced rider or only a beginner, it is a real pleasure to experience riding in the Cetina Valley, where the traditional chivalrous contest named Alka and love for horses are deeply embedded in the lives of local people. Riding along the calm, almost lonely tracks through meadows, by the river, or through picturesque fields, you will feel why a man and a horse are best friends here. Experienced guides will take you along the most beautiful tracks and instructors will provide excellent training for beginners.
The Sinjska Alka Tournament
Sinjska Alka is a tournament in which competitors on horseback, dressed in ceremonial folk costume, riding at full gallop, tilt at an “alka” (two small concentric rings joined by three bars suspended over the end of a run. This tourney has taken place every year since 1715 and commemorates the victory of a small number of Senj’s citizens against Turkish armed forces.
Horse Riding in Konavle
Konavle, Croatia's southernmost region, is rich in a thousand years of history, magical blue-green landscapes and architecture. Even today, we can listen briefly to the spirit of times gone by and experience the centuries-old traditions of our ancestors. Of these, horseback riding on today's trails is a serene experience. The coastline of Konavle is so peaceful, that the longer you ride, the further away your 'real' life seems. Idyllic pastures and beautiful surroundings - a vacation both horse and rider will be sure to enjoy.
Horses in Slavonia
The 'four-in-hand' of Dakovo of indigenous Lipizzaners danced elegantly through Europe from Aachen, Lucerne, Budapest and Vienna to Rome, Verona and Windsor. Although the beginnings of the Davoko Stud Farm are officially stated as 1506, records dating from 1374 tell us that they were undoubtedly preceded by many years of breeding. In 1805, the Imperial stud farm was transferred in the face of Napoleon's conquering armies from Lipice to Dakovo. The blood-lines of high-bred horses like Contessa, Sphinx, Tapia, Romana, Austria, Sorti and Favory Perla-Calma further enhanced the famous European lines of Lipizzaners. The stud farm in Lipik, or the Eltz stud farm in Vukovar, or the Jankovic family tradition, are all well known: Julije's racing horses which won many European trophies, Elmer's large stud farm in Terezovac, and the Lipizzaner of the Tulipan line in Aladar's stud farm in Cabuna. The horse arrived in these parts some five millennia ago. To a Slavonian, a horse was precious - it pulled carriages and carts, ran races, in time of war it served together with its master. The Hussars were unimaginable without their horses, as were Baron Trenk's Troopers. They were Croats who, resplendent in their red capes and caps, are famous for having introduced what is today an indispensable detail of male fashion, with their neck scarves tied in a very special way, and which became known as cravates.
|
|
