HORSES & RIDING...
Longing for the feel of a
horse and old-time adventure?
Whether you are an experienced rider or just learning, we have the perfect adventure for you. Linden Tree horseback adventures include fun-filled days of western trail riding, knowledgeable wranglers, and rides that take you into Velebit mountain range over thousand square kilometers of scenic beauty and wilderness. You will experience genuine, real-life adventure, breathtaking scenery, camaraderie on the trail, excellent camp-fire cooked food and the opportunity to learn about horses, riding and living with nature. On the trail you will learn the basics of western horsemanship, shelter building and a myriad of other skills.
For most people, one day of riding in the mountains is just not enough. Multi-day pack trips are the answer for those who want to get into the real back-country, recharge their batteries in the splendor of nature, learn more about riding, and enjoy the companionship of horses to an extent not possible on shorter treks.
We know that no one is born with the ability to ride a horse. But we are happy to show you the basics to enjoy a safe trail ride through nature or offer you an advanced riding lessons.
TWO HOUR RIDE
Enjoy this scenic 2-hour ride going through the valley with spectacular views, stream crossings, riding thru gorges and backroads. Prior riding experience not needed. Price: 30 Euros.
DAY RIDE
This is the wrangler's favorite! Treat yourself with an extraordinary day and experience the mountain country on horseback. Whether you live in Croatia or are just visiting, a trail ride through the beautiful foothills of Velebit Mountain is a very special activity for the whole family, group of friends, small company get-togethers or just simply for yourself. We provide a tasty lunch on the trail and interesting facts about the land, wildlife and flora around here. Enjoy a day full of great moments, fantastic scenery and fun on our surefooted horses. No prior riding experience needed. Price: 90 Euros.
WAGON OR SLEIGH RIDES
Depending on the season, we can take up to 7 people in our restored country wagon for a ride throught the village. 90 EUR/hour (for the whole wagon)
RIDING SCHOOL
We offer riding lessons to all visitors upon request. 20 EUR/hour
THERAPEUTIC RIDING
Complete therapeutic cycle is 30 hours. Call for details.
ULTIMATE COWBOY ADVENTURE - WEEK IN THE MOUNTAIN
The adventure starts at our ranch (700 m elevation) taking the road up the mountain, thru valleys and canyons, retracing an old trade route. This trip runs Saturday through Saturday and covers over 100 km on horseback. Before we ride out, we map the route, match you with a horse according to your riding abilities, teach you our style of horsemanship, how to saddle your horse, pack the gear, we have a test ride and answer your questions over a delicious barbeque dinner. Last night at the ranch we make a big dinner and have a dance party afterwards.
TRIP ITINERARY
Saturday: Arrival in the afternoon. Free afternoon to explore the ranch and the valley.
Sunday: Getting your horse, learning the gear and how to saddle a horse. Test ride and packing. Discussuing the route plan over a tasty barbeque dinner.
Monday: Taking off after breakfast, riding up the mountain, lunch on the trail, dinner and camp at mountain lodge, our base camp.
Tuesday: Breakfast, bareback riding lesson, trail ride into National Park, lunch on the trail, dinner at the base camp.
Wednesday: We take you to the beach in the back of our old pick up truck. Lunch and time at the beach in the afternoon. Our famous char broiled steak dinner at the lodge.
Thursday: Crossing the pass via deep valley, where Winnetou movies were filmed. Lunch in the National Park lodge.
Friday: Breakfast, ride back to the ranch, big feast and party that night.
Saturday: Breakfast, pictures, departure by 11 am.
Price includes: Five days of guided riding with historical and natural interpretation, all meals from dinner on the first day until breakfast on the last day, 3 nights at the ranch (in the tipis), 4 nights on the trail in mountain lodge. Single occupancy is possible in all accommodations at extra cost. No prior riding experience needed. Price: 780 Euros (group occupancy), 936 EUR (single occupancy).
Minimum and Maximum Group Size:
We consider 5 to be optimal group size for our back-country trips, but can handle groups as large as 10 if booked together. When people book individually or in couples we will limit bookings to 5-6 participants so that we can provide the desired personal and individualized service. If we accept a booking for a scheduled trek it means we will do that ride regardless of how few people book. Once your deposit is paid, it is safe to arrange your travel because the trip is assured.
Gear List:
Listed below are the items that we feel you should wear and bring for a safe and comfortable trip in the Velebit Mountain. Please bear in mind that the mountain weather can change quickly and without warning, and the night-time temperature can drop near freezing even in the summer. During the day it can reach temperatures in the high twenties Celsius (80-85 F).
Items:
2 pairs of jeans or riding pants
3 long sleeve shirts
fleece or sweater (fleece is lighter)
jacket or vest as wind breaker
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
healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
gloves - available for purchase at the ranch
toque (warm hat)
warm socks (1 pair per day)
underwear (1 set per day)
towel and swimsuit (optional)
personal hygiene items
comfortable campshoes
warm underwear
camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries on the trail!)
flashlight - available for purchase at the ranch
pocket knife - available for purchase at the ranch
chaps (if available)
rainwear (oil-skin slicker works best)
sturdy duffelbag (for transportation of your baggage)
Saddle bags:
Your horse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rainwear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle
Age & Weight Restrictions:
The minimum age for pack trips 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 pack 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.
For all age groups: 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 readily available. The maximum weight for riders is 100 kgs (220 lbs). Exceptions may be made for very experienced/athletic riders.
