Learn to Ride in Albania

Introduction
Central Albania
This program is designed for nature enthusiasts who want to take intensive basic riding lessons and discover Albania.

Based in the village “Asim Zeneli" near Gjirokastër in the South of Albania, the program was created to give the opportunity to beginner riders to improve their skills while getting to know this part of Albania from a local perspective. During your stay, you will gain knowledge about riding in nature that will enable you to undertake short journeys on horseback anywhere in the world.

Your instructor has many years of experience, teaching in several countries and a natural approach to horse and rider training techniques.
The program is based on the Parelli method but adapted to the English style of riding. The program respects the health and character of the Albanian horse and aims to create a personalized relationship between the horse and the rider.

In addition to riding, the program offers opportunities to learn about local life: helping the staff at the horse stable (if desired), participating in the daily activities of the host family, interacting with the villagers,...
The program also includes quiet times for other activities such as bathing in the river, hiking, visiting archaeological sites and a lot of free time to meditate, read or attend art classes.

Welcome to the exciting and immersive equestrian adventure of a lifetime! Get ready to embark on a week-long journey filled with thrilling horseback riding experiences, cultural explorations, and delicious culinary delights.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights will be spent at the same accommodations.

Description
You will be sleeping in a small village near the stables. Your host family will be happy to welcome you into their home.
The rooms are simple but comfortable. Please, note that facilities are shared between guests and the host family.




Meals
All meals are included in this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

You will get to enjoy local Albanian food (local meats, fruits, and vegetables) traditionally cooked with organic products.

Breakfasts usually include eggs, butter, cheese, local pancakes, fruit jams, honey, milk and tea.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
The horses used for this ride are locally bred and ideal for the terrain. They are small but very robust and surefooted Albanian horses (between 13 and 14.2 hands). The Albanian horse, a unique mountain breed that is s local mixture of the archaic Tarpan and medieval Arab horse. They are great climber, have a clear mind and are surefooted. Our breeding program aims to help saving this declining breed of horses.
Our stable include 38 horses and is situated amidst scenic hills, green valleys, surrounded by high mountains. Our horses are trained with natural horsemanship techniques that we are pleased to share with the guests.

Instructor
Alexa is an American riding instructor who decided to settle in Albania a few years ago. She has a lot of experience teaching horseback riding in several riding schools around the world.

Itinerary



Day 1: Arrival
Upon your arrival, be greeted with warm hospitality as you settle into your accommodation. Take a moment to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere of the picturesque village of Asim Zeneli.

Introduction to Horse Riding Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant in the city of Gjirokastër, soaking in the rich flavors of Albanian cuisine and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Getting Acquainted with Horses Morning Session
Participants will familiarize themselves with horses and receive lessons in ground handling, including exercises on maintaining safe distances, grooming, harnessing, feeding, and understanding equine behavior.
Lunch will be served in a city or village restaurant, depending on the chosen midday experience.
Afternoon Session: The afternoon session will focus on basic riding positions, balance exercises in the arena, and overall skill reinforcement.
Evening: Participants can opt for a rural village experience or spend time with family on the veranda. Friends are welcome to join cooking sessions and assist with other tasks. An optional visit to the horse stables is available if willing to walk 15 minutes one way to the stables.

Day 3: Independent Horse Preparation and Nature Ride Testing Morning Session
Begin with independent horse preparation followed by a nature ride test to assess skills acquired during the morning session.
Lunch will be decided based on participant preferences and the intensity of riding lessons.
Afternoon: The afternoon session will include basic knowledge tests on the track and guided horseback riding in nature, focusing on safety measures, risk management, and using reins in outdoor settings.

Day 4: Trotting Preparation and Riding in Nature Morning Session
Revisit all lessons learned so far and prepare for trotting on the track. Morning concentration will be paramount as participants practice trotting techniques in the arena and apply them briefly in outdoor settings. Lunch options will be chosen based on participants’ preferences and the selected experience.
Afternoon: After lunch, there will be further trotting practice on the track, horse leading downhill followed by a session on uphill riding positions.

Day 5: Mastery Trek to Cini Lake (one session)
It’s a day you’ve been eagerly awaiting, a chance to put your skills to the test in the rugged beauty of Albania’s countryside.
The day kicks off with the familiar routine of preparing the horses.
Now, it’s time for the real challenge—a trek to Cini Lake.
With the horses saddled and ready, riders take a moment to mentally review the lessons of the past days. Mounting your steeds, you set off for the morning session—a series of advanced trotting exercises designed to push your limits.
Throughout the ride in nature through hills, valleys and pastoral life the instructors provide guidance and feedback, fine-tuning techniques and addressing any lingering questions. Riding in pairs fosters camaraderie and teamwork, reinforcing the bond between rider and horse.
It’s a journey that will test your mettle, but also a chance to forge memories that will last for long.
After accommodating the horses back in stable lunch will continue and also free afternoon and evening for different activities. Dinner again with the host family.
Around 4-5 hours

Day 6: Intensive Trotting and Horse Games Morning Session
The morning will focus on intensive trotting sessions on the track, as well as engaging in various horse games. Participants will practice riding in pairs, maintaining safe distances, and applying technical elements of trail discipline.
Afternoon: Participants will continue with trotting and horse games in the afternoon, with additional testing of trotting and short canter fragments for balance assessment. The afternoon the session will be out in nature going through the very diverse landscape of Gjinofshat hills possible to test all the lessons so far.
Optional activities during break times may include relaxation, stable work, or village exploration.

Day 7: Final Test and Lake Adventure (one session)
This last day is the culmination of a week-long journey, a day awaited with equal parts excitement and trepidation.
The morning unfolds with purpose as riders gather in the arena, their steeds poised and ready for the ultimate challenge. You embark on a comprehensive skills test—a culmination of all you’ve learned throughout your equestrian odyssey.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants navigate through a series of exercises, each one designed to assess their proficiency in the saddle. From precision maneuvers to fluid transitions, every aspect of your riding ability is put to the test.
You will mount your trusty companions once more, ready to embark on the final leg of the journey—a scenic trek to Qestorati Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass by the imposing castle of Santa Triada, its ancient walls standing as a silent testament to the region’s storied past.
The journey will also take you through the charming village of Dhoksat, where time seems to stand still amidst cobblestone streets and rustic buildings.
And so, as you set off into the unknown, guided by the gentle rhythm of hoofbeats and the whisper of the wind, you carry with you the memories of a week filled with laughter, learning, and the timeless bond between horse and rider the foundation of a new passion.
Around 4-5 hours

Afternoon: After lunch, participants can enjoy free time or engage in optional activities. The day will conclude with a group dinner at a local restaurant in the historic city center.

Day 8: Departure Morning
After a rural breakfast at the guest house, being also the last moments of this equestrian experience, you will be transferred to the airport.

Note: Itinerary subject to changes

*Optional Activities with extra costs paid on site:
Wood crafting workshop – 36 Euro per person
Cooking class – 46 Euro per person
Buggy tour – 35 Euro per person
Cold War city tour – 55 Euro per person (including entrance tickets in three monuments)
Guided hiking tour – from 48 – 64 Euro per person depending on the itinerary
Embroidery class – from 25 Euro per person
Dress as a local – from 15 Euro per person
Ice cream making activity – from 13 Euro per person
Farming activity – From 34 Euro per person

* price subject to changes

Rates and Dates for Learn to Ride in Albania

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Gjirokaster
Airport: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Transfer: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) or Saranda Port.

Climate:
                                            Gjirokaster area