Monday, March 15, 2010

Horseback riding in Split


I've always loved horses. This picture was taken when I was about 9 or 10 years old at my grandparents farm in Mexico. I remember telling my Grandpa, "one day Abuelito when I grow up, I will be a doctor so I can take care of all of your animals." Funny how life takes you in a different direction.

Twenty plus years have passed by and even though I didn't become a veterinarian I still love animals, especially horses.


This weekend we had a break in the rain and a group of friends and I enjoyed our Sunday afternoon at the Konjicki Klub located in the small village of Ogorje. It's tucked away in the hills outside of Split, about 40 minutes away.




I took this photo from inside the office and wondering where the mariachi sombrero came from. The owner, Ivica was a great host and had many stories to share from his years of owning horses. He mentioned that he also leads six-day expeditions to the Plitvice lakes, camping along the way. Doesn't this sound like a fun adventure? You can click here for more information. For the one hour of horseback riding it was 100 kunas or if you want to ride longer he also has a 4 hour excursion with lunch provided, he gives you the option to choose your meal. Hubby is thinking lamb. Me? tofu!


This is Nura the horse I rode, she is 17 years old. Isn't she a beauty?


There are over 70 horses on the ranch and Ivica takes great pride in taking care of them. We were even 'lucky' (depending on your point of view) to see one of his horses, an English stud mating with a German mare.

Beautiful scenery along our path.

We informed the owner that we were beginner riders and because he was concerned for our safety we had personal escorts but you could also choose to ride alone. Our friend Robert is leading the way.

Our friend Kelly and Jay are from Ohio and you can read about their adventures of living overseas here.

It was the perfect day for horseback riding. We had a small picnic afterwards and discussed that our next visit should be for the 4-hour excursion. How did you spend your weekend?


15 comments:

  1. Great pictures as usual :)

    http://hopechella.blogspot.com/

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  2. love the pictures, looks like a stunning day out as well. Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello. Look forward to learning more about you.

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  3. That's a great way to spend the week end !

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  4. how fun! I love riding horses. I don't get to do it nearly enough, which is sad because my in-laws even own horses! I'll have to go visit this year. :)

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  5. How lovely. Although I'm terrified of horses.....I wish I wasn't it must be very liberating once you can do it Lx

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  6. I grew up around horses, too, learned to ride early but now it's been years since I've been on a horse. I can relate to your thought about how life takes you in a different direction. Sometimes we never lose our first loves, even if it doesn't become our occupation!

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  7. Hi Coryanne! thanks for visiting, and Yes i will be stopping for often over at your blog!

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  8. Lala,we really enjoyed our day, weather was perfect!

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  9. oh Jen you are so lucky, do your in laws live far away?

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  10. @family affairs, one of our friends who came with us is also scared of horses,and she thought about riding, but decided against it. She was happy taking pictures of us. When the time is right and when you are ready, you will see how much fun horses can be.

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  11. Rose,you said it perfectly, "we never forget our first loves", Now that our daughter will be two, I'm considering volunteering at the riding stables, a couple of times a month,at least that way I can be around horses and start learning more about them.

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  12. I love the first pic when you were kid :) What a lovely day out! Horses have always impressed me... it is such a beautiful animal

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  13. A few years back I read a non-fiction book titled "the man who listens to horses" by author Monty Roberts, Ever since I respect horses even more. this is the link

    http://www.montyroberts.com/

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  14. Great photos Elisa! Can you please email me the one of Jay and I? Thanks for organizing this. We had a great time. We have been slow in getting our photos posted. I will let you know when we do.

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Thank you for your comments!

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