Basics

Travel documents and entry

• Bring a valid passport or national ID card if this is accepted for your nationality to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Make sure your travel document is valid for the required period after your planned departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Guests with a nationality other than EU/Schengen countries should check visa and entry requirements well in advance.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of your passport/ID, travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers.
• Pack essential riding clothes, personal medication and one set of daily clothes in your hand luggage in case checked baggage is delayed.

Insurance

Riding is a risk sport. Although every precaution is taken to provide suitable horses and safe organisation, horses are living animals and can be unpredictable. Every rider should have comprehensive travel insurance.

• Your policy should cover horse riding, trail riding and outdoor/risk activities.
• The policy should cover medical treatment, ambulance/emergency transport, evacuation, theft/loss and cancellation where possible.
• Carry your insurer’s name, policy number and 24-hour emergency assistance number with you during the ride.
• Registered riders may be covered by local legally mandated accident insurance for amateur horseback riding, but this cover is limited and should not replace comprehensive travel insurance.

Health preparation

• You should be in good general health and physically able to mount, dismount, balance and control your horse for the planned riding time.
• If you have any medical condition, recent injury, allergy or concern that could affect riding, consult your doctor before booking or travelling and inform the organiser in advance.
• Ask your doctor or travel clinic about recommended vaccinations for Bosnia and Herzegovina and outdoor travel, including tetanus/diphtheria/polio, hepatitis A, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies where advised.
• During spring, summer and autumn, bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and ticks and check yourself regularly after riding through forest or long grass.

Arrival and meeting point

Your exact arrival arrangements, pick-up time and meeting point will be confirmed before travel according to your programme and flight schedule. Please share your arrival details as early as possible with you riding vacation agency and keep your phone switched on after landing.

• For airport arrivals, look for the agreed representative or vehicle at the arrivals area/car park according to your confirmation.
• For guests already in Sarajevo or the surrounding area, pick-up will normally be organised according to programme logistics and traffic conditions.
• If your flight is delayed or your luggage is missing, contact us as soon as you can. If you cannot call, send a WhatsApp/SMS message.
• Two days before airport or accommodation pick-up (Friday afternoon), our team will create a WhatsApp group with all riders to share the pick-up schedule, based on flight arrival times, possible delays and traffic conditions.

Minimum age

• The minimum age for horse rentals/day rides is normally 16.
• Riders under 18 require written parental/legal guardian permission under Bosnian law, and a parent or legal guardian may need to sign the release forms.
• Multi-day/5-day riding journeys are intended for adult riders; the minimum age is normally 18 unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Rider weight guidance

• For horses suitable for beginners, the rider weight limit is 85 kg.
• Experienced riders over 85 kg should contact us before booking so we can check whether a suitable horse is available.
• Weight limits are used to protect horse welfare, rider safety and comfort during long trail days and mountain terrain.

Experience and fitness level

Please describe your actual recent riding experience. Self-evaluation can vary a lot, and accurate information helps us match riders, horses and routes safely.

• Some day trails may be suitable for less experienced riders, while mountain and multi-day journeys are for confident, experienced riders only.
• You should be comfortable riding outdoors, controlling speed, following group instructions and leading your horse from the ground if needed.
• A licensed equestrian coach may assess riders in the arena before heading out on the trail.
• The organiser may change the route, adapt the pace, or stop a ride if continuing would be unsafe for the rider, the group or the horses.

Release form and risk acknowledgement

All riders must sign a declaration/release form before handling or mounting a horse. Your tour operator or booking agent may also require an additional form.

Core trail rules

• Always follow the instructions of the trail leader, riding guide and stable team. Their decisions are based on the horses, terrain, weather and group ability.
• Wear a correctly fitted riding helmet at all times while riding or handling horses. Protective vests are recommended.
• Do not leave the group, change pace, overtake, mount/dismount or canter unless instructed by the guide.
• Keep at least two horse lengths between horses unless your guide asks otherwise.
• The group sets off only when all riders are mounted and ready.
• Warnings and important information, such as branches, holes, obstacles or slippery ground, should be passed back clearly to the rider behind you.
• On steep, narrow, rocky or otherwise difficult sections, the guide may ask riders to dismount and lead the horses. This is normal and is done for safety.

Handling horses safely

• Approach horses calmly from the side, speak to them and avoid sudden movements.
• When walking behind a horse, leave plenty of space and stay aware of where the horse is standing.
• Never wrap a lead rope or reins around your hand.
• When tying, holding or leading a horse, follow the guide’s instructions exactly.
• Avoid rings, necklaces, bracelets, scarves, dangling earrings and loose/flapping clothing. These can catch on equipment, branches or startle a horse.
• If you feel unsure, ask the guide for help. It is always better to ask early.

Personal property

Please keep valuables with you or safely packed. Vehicles may need to be accessed for horse equipment during the day and may not remain locked at all times. The organiser cannot take responsibility for personal property, loss or damage.

Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina can change quickly, especially in mountain areas. You should be prepared for sun, wind, rain, cooler evenings and forest trails with branches or thorns. New riding boots should be worn in before travel.

Essential riding gear

☐ Riding helmet, properly fitted, if you prefer to use your own

☐ Body protector/spine protector, optional if you normally ride with one

☐ Sturdy riding boots or ankle-high boots with heel and good grip

☐ Half chaps

☐ Riding trousers/jodhpurs, at least two pairs for multi-day programmes

☐ Riding gloves; thorn-proof or work-style gloves are useful for forest trails

Clothing

☐ Two or more long-sleeved riding shirts

☐ Waterproof jacket or riding rain poncho

☐ Rain trousers

☐ Warm sweater or fleece for cool evenings

☐ Comfortable evening clothes

☐ Spare shoes for evenings

☐ Swimsuit for spa/pool/sauna opportunities, if included in your programme

☐ Hat with visor or cap for sun protection off the horse

☐ Extra socks and underwear

Sun and insect protection

☐ Sunglasses

☐ Clear safety glasses for forest trails, optional but useful

☐ Sunscreen, including lip protection

☐ Insect repellent for mosquitoes and ticks

☐ After-bite or anti-itch cream, optional

Toiletries and health

☐ Toiletries

☐ Personal medication, including enough for the full trip plus a spare supply

☐ Small first-aid kit

☐ Pain relief such as paracetamol/ibuprofen if suitable for you

☐ Antacids or stomach medication if you normally use them

☐ Diarrhoea medication

☐ Antibiotic ointment or antiseptic cream

☐ Arnica or diclofenac/Voltaren-type gel if you normally use it

☐ Plasters, blister treatment and any personal support tape/braces you need

Electronics

☐ Mobile phone

☐ Phone charger

☐ Power bank

☐ Torch/flashlight or headlamp

Bags and accessories

☐ Waist/bum bag for passport, phone, money and valuables

☐ Zip-lock/waterproof bags for phone, money and documents

☐ Snacks for personal use, optional. We provide plenty.

☐ Cycling shorts or padded underwear for long days in the saddle, optional

☐ Seat saver, optional if you are not used to long hours in the saddle

☐ Rear saddle bags are provided; bring small front bags only if you prefer and they fit safely

Documents and money

☐ Passport or national ID card

☐ Travel insurance certificate and emergency assistance number

☐ Bank card

☐ Copy of your booking confirmation and emergency contacts

Weather and terrain

Trail riding in Bosnia can include open meadows, forest paths, mountain tracks, villages, river valleys and remote highland areas. Terrain and weather can change quickly. Riders should be comfortable with practical outdoor conditions rather than expecting a purely arena-style riding environment.

• Rain showers, sun and wind can occur on the same day.
• Forest sections may include branches, thorns and narrow trails.
• Mountain areas may be cooler in the evening even after a warm day.
• Some sections may require dismounting and leading the horse for safety.

Mobile signal and communication

• Mobile reception can be limited or unavailable in some mountain and forest areas.
• Tell family or friends that you may not be reachable at all times during riding days.
• Keep your phone charged, but do not rely on internet access for navigation or communication on remote sections.

Money and payment

• The official currency is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM).
• Bring a bank card and some BAM cash for small personal expenses or souvenirs.
• Foreign currency can be exchanged while arriving to airport or in many exchange locations during city walking tour on Monday (second day of riding programme)
• Direct payments to the host may sometimes be possible in BAM or EUR, but this should be confirmed in advance.

 

Via Dinarica – (all inclusive)
Wine Routes & Wild Horses – (all inclusive, excl. wine tastings 25 EUR per person per winery)
Ride & Ski – €1,299.00 (all inclusive, excl. ski pass and ski rentals 30 – 35  EUR per person/day)

 

Electricity

Bosnia and Herzegovina uses 230 V electricity and Type C/F plugs. Most European guests do not need an adapter, but guests from the UK, USA and other regions should bring one.

Accommodation

Accommodation depends on the programme and route. Guests should expect simple, comfortable and practical accommodation suited to a riding holiday. Rooms may be double or shared/multi-bed rooms and bathroom facilities may be shared, especially on remote routes.

• Pack light and practical. You may not have access to all luggage during every part of the trail day.
• Aside from your main travel bag (large, checked luggage), please bring a smaller soft bag that can be carried by our trail support team during the riding days in remote areas.
• A small towel is recommended even when towels are provided, as facilities can be simple in remote areas.
• Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings after riding.

Meals and dietary requests

Meals are usually based on Bosnian home-style cooking and local hospitality. Depending on the programme, lunch may be organised as a picnic/saddlebag lunch during the ride.

• Bosnian cuisine is varied and reflects different cultural influences.
• Please inform us in advance about vegetarian, vegan, allergy, religious or other dietary requirements.
• If you have other specific restrictions, tell us before arrival so we can plan accordingly.
• Bring a few personal snacks if you have specific sports nutrition preferences or dietary needs.

Language

Your hosts and guides speak English, and some team members may speak other languages depending on the group and programme. Learning a few simple Bosnian words is always appreciated by local hosts.

Programme itineraries are designed around horses, terrain, local partners and weather. The exact route, pace and timing can change. This flexibility is part of safe trail riding.

• Typical riding programmes may include an introductory/test ride before longer trail days.
• Longer riding days can include several hours in the saddle, with breaks and picnic-style lunches depending on the route.
• Some programmes include city time, spa/pool time, village hospitality, mountain lodges or local restaurants. Please check your specific programme confirmation.
• Routes may be adapted according to weather, trail conditions, horse welfare and group ability.

☐ I have checked that my travel insurance covers horse riding and outdoor/risk activities.

☐ I have saved Horse Holidays Bosnia contact details and the BiH emergency numbers offline.

☐ I have shared my arrival details and any dietary or medical information that affects riding.

☐ I have packed my riding helmet.

☐ I have packed sturdy boots, long riding trousers, gloves, rain gear and warm layers.

☐ I have packed insect repellent, sunscreen and any personal medication in hand luggage.

☐ I have packed passport/ID, insurance details, bank card and some cash.

☐ My riding experience information is accurate and up to date.

Before riding, each guest will be asked to acknowledge that horse riding is a risk sport and that they must follow all instructions given by the guides. This summary is not a substitute for the official declaration/release form, but it explains the spirit of the agreement.

1. I understand that horses can be unpredictable and that riding and handling horses involve risk.
2. I will wear a helmet and follow all instructions from the guides and stable team.
3. I have given honest information about my riding experience, fitness, weight and health conditions that may affect riding.
4. I will ride responsibly and respect the welfare of the horses, the safety of the group and local rules.
5. I understand that the organiser may change the route or stop riding if safety requires it.