Lipizzan Riding Center Slovenia Slovenia The Lipizzan Riding Center near Sezana, is a green oasis established by the Austrian Archduke Karl of Hapsburg  in 1580 in order to breed the spirited Lipizzaner horses. As characteristic for their breed, the colts and fillies are born as a brown or mouse-grey color, which becomes  the infamous grey as they age.  Most adult Lipizzaner are predominantly white. The highly intelligent Lipizzaner originally served as draught and parade animals, but now they are used as riding, dressage, and carriage horses. Here the horses are trained according to the principle of classical dressage. Hidden Trails now offers you the opportunity to ride and train on these magnificent horses. The history of Lipica is full of stories of  the emperors and rulers who admired the white stallions so much and of stories of Slovene peasants who remained faithful to their white beauties. The Slovenian coast of the Adriatic Sea, with its mild Mediterranean climate is a perfect getaway and only a couple of hours from Venice, Italy. The riding center uses the classical riding methods to achieve unity and harmony of the rider and the horse. Here tradition and a modern approach go hand in hand. This is a place where the noble Lipizzaner takes you to explore the magical Karst world, with sinkholes and paths winding amongst the Karst junipers. Riding Clinic Center-based ride Meeting: Lipica Airport: Trieste, Italy Transfer: Trieste or Sezana train station Riders: Min 1 riders Max 6 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 60 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating Travel Stories

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

CLASSICAL DRESSAGE RIDING PROGRAMS
The classical riding school has developed over the centuries. It respects the horse’s natural movement and requires from the rider those skills that enable the horse and rider to achieve harmony, ease of movement and elegance while eagerly getting to know each other and producing results. Only the classical riding school enables the development of such physical abilities of horse and rider that they may enjoy each other’s company for many years.
Throughout the centuries, the great riding masters asked themselves how to train a horse to carry a rider and respond to their orders while at the same time maintaining and developing its physical ability and relationship with the rider. Contemporary riders are still trying to figure out why all the skills and knowledge acquired in the classical riding schools and preserved throughout the centuries cannot be applied properly today. One of the answers is the fact that, nowadays, most riders strive for mastery of riding skills within the shortest time possible. Especially those whose ambitions reach for competitive riding, which is why they want to ride independently as soon as possible and take part in various competitions, while forgetting that the path to the competition arena is very long.
Owing to its centuries-old tradition and knowledge, the Stud Farm would like to devote its attention to those riders who prefer investing their leisure time in a quality activity, see a partner and friend in a horse, and experience a feeling of attachment. All the above is encompassed in the core principles of the classical riding school.

Riding Package: 7 DAY / 6 NIGHTS - WEEKLY RIDING PROGRAM – suitable for advanced riders

Day 1:
Transfer (not included in price) to Lipica (TRS or VCE), after settling in your rooms you will meet your instructor, who will present you Lipica, the cradle of Lipizzaner horses.

Day 2:
Trail riding on Lipica estate; picnic on a meadow; trail riding to living Karst path; afternoon show with Lipizzaner horses

Day 3:
Trail riding to Škocjan Cave; visit of the Caves & lunch; trail riding back to Lipica

Day 4:
Trail riding to Kokoška hill with lunch in the cottage; possibility for a short walk to the aspiring view of Adriatic Sea

Day 5:
Trail riding to Belajava domačija with tasting of local products riding back

Day 6:
Trail riding to Dutovlje with tasting of local products (Wine & Cheese)

Day 7:
Return home

Notes: 
For all riding courses is required prior arrangement and confirmation.
All riders must wear riding clothes and boots, in cross-country rides also a riding cap. In dressage courses the riders are allowed to bring the riding crop and spurs.
The arrivals are on Saturdays; the riding courses begin on Sundays. We can customize your program -- just talk to our guide! See the different trail rides below.


Living Karst Museum Trail
With typical karst features such as karst dolines, uvalas, sinkholes, grikes, abysses, and of course, underground caves, the living museum of Karst area, which extends over 700 ha, is defined as ecologically important area and its larger part belongs among the Natura 2000 sites. Enjoy the easy yet pleasant ride in this natural museum.

Picnic Trail
The majestic centennial oaks are booming on over 300 hectares of green and so creating a fairytale like landscape. This is a perfect place to dismount and enjoy the peace and beautyof unspoiled nature with you best friend, the Lipizzaner. The picnic is the perfect way to enjoy the place and get to know the local cuisine!

Škocjan Cave Trail
The next day you will ride direction east,towards the green Brkini hills. Following a lovely forest road you will explore the east Karst. The pinnacle will be the stop at the world famous Škocjanske caves.
Protected by UNESCO this is a breath taking experience!

Carriage Ride
Upon your return and refreshment, you will finish your day like a true landlord!
Our coachman will take you for a romantic drive around the property of Lipica through the centennial tree alleys, which were also used by the Hapsburg royal family!

Kokoška Trail
On the karst edge, overlooking the gulf of Trieste rises the hill of Kokoška.
The refreshing and easy going for set road rises to 670m of sea altitude. With rich fauna and flora the path is widely popular among locals.

Homestead Belaj Trail
16km from Lipica, hidden from the the everyday fuzz lays a small and peaceful village Kačiče.
This is the home to Homestead Belaj also known as The Garden of Karst!
The presentation of the herbs and flowers and the degustation of their product will be done after pleasant yet dynamic ride through the historical village of Lokevand the karst countryside.

Srečko Kosovel Trail
Whenever Srečko was coming home, he walked this way. And like Srečko did, so can you listen to the humming of the pine trees in the karst wind.
Follow the steps of one of the most celebrated Slovenian poets from Sežana to his home Tomaj.

Teran Trail
This part is known for charming vineyards and gorgeous stone build cellars. You will take a rest in one of the oldest wine producers, family Lisjak.
With rich history, dedicated family and high-level product this is the right place to taste the famous Teran wine!

The Adriatic Trail
This exclusive and demanding route is an alternative for those who would like to go a bit further to taste salt as well.
Following the karst edge until you reach the charming castle Socerb.
After you and your furry friends recover and refresh you continue with the descend towards the gulf of Koper!
The path takes you through forest, fields, vineyards and finally olive gardens.
After 32km of pure riding you will arrive at your final destination, the olive oil farm Lisjak.
There you will have tastings of their products, BBQ and you will spend the night in their beautiful olive garden.
The next day after breakfast, you will return to Lipica.


Non-Riding activities:
Table tennis and mini golf

Cycling tracks
Those fond of active holidays can find many walking and cycling trails in the Karst surroundings of the home of the beautiful white Lipizzaners.   The Karst is a haven for walkers and cyclists as its unique landscape, rich cultural heritage and natural beauties are attracting more and more people each year who are searching for an active holiday.
You may choose between one-day and several-day trips. A pleasant climate is perfect for year-round activities. Particularly attractive is a visit in the spring, when nature wakes from hibernation, or in the autumn, when the sumach bushes are turning crimson red.
A walk through the mysterious underground world of many Karst caves is a unique experience in itself. You may also explore the cultural heritage of Karst villages where the interaction over thousands of years between natural phenomena and the influence of man, whose work helped shape the curiosities, is undoubtedly eye-catching.
You can also cycle on many local quiet roads, village cart tracks and forest paths winding between the characteristic Karst stone enclosures. A network of cycle paths is well-marked, helping you to find your way.  And when you feel hungry, find a Karst inn and enjoy the typical air dried ham – ‘pršut’.

Nature trails
The area of the cultivated Karst landscape of the Stud Farm, which is under the special protection of monumental heritage, encompasses pastures and meadows with protective fences, oak groves and avenues of trees. The man-made landscape is an integral and redesigned natural environment whose development is based on many centuries’ tradition of horse breeding. The present site plan of Lipica is the same as it was prior to 1817, evidence of which can be found in the cartographic records of the time. Even earlier than 1817, the estate was lined with an eight-kilometre long dry wall which is typical of the Karst. The role of the time-consuming construction of this dry wall was not merely functional, as the wall also symbolises the integrity and uniqueness of the Lipica landscape. From a historical point of view, the primary function of the stud farm and its pertaining land was the breeding of a single breed of horse. The spatial integrity of the stud farm which gave birth to one of the oldest breeds of horses makes this place unique – even on a global scale.
In view of the immense importance of this area, we would like to familiarise Slovenian and foreign visitors with this unique birthplace and home of the Lipizzaner. For this purpose a network of nature trails and promenades of various lengths have been arranged within the protected area. The planning of trails was underpinned by the basic principles of monument management which added another dimension to the core activity of horse breeding. Our nature trails will lead you through the remarkable man-made landscape of the Stud Farm. Its development and unique identity distinguish it from the immediate Karst surroundings. Throughout the centuries the land has been improved and cultivated for the purpose of horse breeding. The legacy of our ancestors includes not only typical Karst pastures with isolated oaks but also many other elements of the man-made landscape such as Karst ponds, wells, ice-pits, mines, limekilns, carved boundary markers and much more.

                                                    Lipica area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	42	43	50	58	67	73	78	78	70	60	51	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	34	34	39	45	53	60	64	64	58	51	43	36
Average High Temperature (°C)	5	6	10	14	19	23	26	25	21	16	11	7
Average Low Temperature (°C)	1	1	4	7	12	15	18	18	14	10	6	2
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	5	5	7	6	6	4	4	6	7	8	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The Karst region boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate, allowing you to explore the farm’s beautiful surroundings all year round.
The highest monthly precipitation (up to 15 inches / 381 mm) occurs in spring and autumn, and the highest temperatures occur in June and July.
Weather is most reliable from May through September.

Visiting in the shoulder seasons will mean less European tourists and less intense heat than July and August.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

All riders must wear riding clothes and boots, in cross-country rides also a riding helmet.
In dressage courses the riders are allowed to bring the riding crop and spurs.

Average ratings from 7 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date ekaterina delgado 2/19/2018 michael gobb 9/4/2013 janet m. baker 12/30/2010 brenda blakeney 8/22/2010 richard severson 10/19/2009 richard severson 7/11/2009 valerie may lock 11/27/2008

Hotel Maestoso Lipica is a perfect active hotel in the middle of a peaceful and natural green surrounding in Sežana. It is a good choice for all who adore outdoor activities, fresh air and animals. Specially the Lipizzaner horses. The hotel is part of the famous and historic Stud Farm Lipica, the home of Lipizzaner horses. Enjoy Lipica’s 300 hectares of green fields and 300 beautiful white horses.
The hotel Restaurant offers healthy and delicious breakfast as well as dinner from the local Karst region, with many options for vegetarians and vegans. Start your day with a carrot smoothie with ginger and a healthy apple pie.
All of the 70 comfortable rooms of the Maestoso Hotel are pet-friendly, featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. A terrace or balcony is featured in certain rooms. There is a 24-hour front desk at the hotel.
The destination is especially popular for golfing, horseback riding, biking and hiking. There is also a casino on site. The Hotel Maestoso is also a perfect starting point for trips to Venice, Trieste, the Slovenian Coast and Ljubljana. The nearest airport is Portorož Airport, only 30 km from Hotel Maestoso.

Meals
The Slovenian word for Karst is ‘Kras’ which has the connotation of ‘good, magnificent’ in the local language. The hotel restaurant offers many specialties which originate from the Karst and reflect its unique climate.
The hotel restaurant is filled with the alluring scent of home-made Karst specialties and premium wine. They offer a variety of local vintage wine and an excellent daily menu as well as the à la carte.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Lipizzan
Pace:		3+ hours per day (5 riding days) | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 185 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 6 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 60

There is usually no riding on Saturdays (an additional private session can be booked on Saturdays)

Riding Experience
Riders participating in the dressage-riding program must be able to ride independently at the walk, trot and canter and know the correct use of aids. Riders must have ridden at least 100 hours in the last 2 years.
The weekly riding program includes 5 riding days (trail rides) with an average of 3+ hours in the saddle every day.

Riding Gear
Helmet is compulsory regardless of age. By the age of 18 a spine shield is also mandatory.
Other mandatory riding equipment include riding pants and riding boots.

Horses
The Stud Farm is committed to ensuring care, treatment, accommodation and breeding of all categories of Lipizzan horses in accordance with the highest ethical, ethological and technological standards.
The Lipizzaner breed has built its exceptional reputation due to its characteristics which include: elegance, docility, endurance and a moderate nature.
The school horses are well trained and are able to perform lateral movements like shoulder in and half-pass, but no flying changes, piaffe or passage that are typical elements of higher dressage level.

The Stud Farm
The stud farm was founded in 1580 and, today, it is a jewel among the cultural and historical monuments of the Republic of Slovenia. For over four centuries, the Lipica Stud Farm has nurtured the tradition of breeding and selecting thoroughbred horses. In the period after World War II Lipica established its own classical riding school and has successfully performed with its horses at various equestrian events all over the world.
Today, Lipica is a world famous recreational center with a hint of tradition, offering its visitors unforgettable moments of relaxation.
The Lipica estate now includes two hotels, a golf course, tennis courts, mini golf, saunas, swimming pool, gym, casino and, on top of all that, our herd of noble and proud white beauties from the Karst, residing in their historic stables and nurtured throughout the centuries.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Slovenia joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.