Lipica Stud Farm Slovenia Slovenia The Lipica Stud Farm near Sezana, is the cradle of Lipizzaner horses.  The beginnings of Lipica, which date back to the 16th century, laid the foundations on which the entire mission The beginnings of Lipica, which date back to the 16th century, laid the foundations on which the entire mission of the stud farm still stands today. Hidden Trails now offers you the opportunity to ride 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. 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. Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Lipica Airport: Trieste, Italy Transfer: Trieste or Sezana train station Riders: Min 2 riders Max 5 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating Travel Stories

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are not available for this trip. Check-in is from 2:00pm to 12:00am (midnight) Check-out is between 8:00am and 12:00pm (noon)

This 7-day package includes 5 riding days.
Please, note that there are no trail rides on Wednesdays. Your package also does not include any riding activities on your arrival and departure days.

On Wednesdays (no riding day) clients will get a tour of the stud farm. It is also possible to go on a carriage ride or visit an official training of the Stud Farm.

Trail descriptions:

Estate Ride
You will ride in the protected area of the Lipica estate, along the centuries-old green avenues and enjoyingthe company of 300 white Lipizzanhorses. During the ride you will learn about unique karst phenomena –“kal” (a pond) and “ledenica” (a pit for storing ice).
Duration: 2 hours of riding

Living Karst museum Ride
This natural museum stretches from Sežana, Lipica and the former Slovenian–Italian border, alongside the connecting axis that was once an Austro-Hungarian road between Sežana(SLO) and Basovizza(IT). As it is located along the Italian state border, there was limited access to this area for nearly half a century.
Duration: 3 hours of riding

Škocjan caves
You will ride east, towards the green Brkini hills. Following lovely forest road you will explore the east Karst, where the Škocjan Caves are located. These caves have featured on UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List since 1986. 
Duration: 4 hours of riding 
Visit of the caves: Tour of the caves is around 2 hours of walking.

Kokoška hill
On the top you will have a short walk to the amazing view of the Adriatic Sea and the city of Trieste. After that you will slowly descend back to the spacious meadows of Lipica.
Duration: 4 hours of riding

Lokev Village Ride
Located near Lipica, the interesting Karst village of Lokev boasts arichcultural and historical heritage. The most fascinating site is the Tabor Military Museum, which once served as a defense tower against the Turks.
Directly opposite the military museum stands Fabian’s antique general store, and a bit further on, you’ll find the oldest prosciutto-making facility in the Slovenian Karst, Pršutarna Lokev.
Duration: 3hours of riding


Optional dressage lesson - extra fee applies
The Stud Farm teaches dressage, following the principles of classical dressage. Classical dressage was developed in the past centuries based on dressage of horses for battle purposes. For the rider in the battlefield, a horse with a good command of pirouettes, change of gallop, side passes and other elements is sometimes of vital importance. This skill has developed to the greatest extent in Spain. The basis of the classical dressage is natural capability of an animal. The basis and aim of classical dressage is the preparation of a horse and a rider in psychophysical and technical sense to perform harmonized moves performed in free movement without force and at the highest level of concentration.
Lessons are 45 minutes long (+15 minutes to prepare the horse) and need to be booked at least 3 days in advance.
The instructor chooses the exercises in line with rider's knowledge and ability.



Non-Riding Activities
There are many activities available for non-riders including cycling, hiking, Casino, mini golf, golf, visit of the stud farm & carriage ride.

Golf *
The international Golf Klub Lipica is located directly on the Stud farm. The 9-hole course was built in 1989 in accordance with the designs of Donald Harradin, a worldwide known designer of golf courses. It is the only golf course in Slovenia that remains open throughout the whole year. It boasts of picturesque fairways and practice range where the Academy of Golf without Borders is located.

Visit of Lipica Stud Farm
Get to know the history of the stud farm all the way from its foundation until today. Find out everything you wanted to know about Lipica and the Lipizzan horse. A visit of the Stud Farm includes the visit of the old stables, entrance to the Lipikum museum, visit of Avgust Černigoj Art Gallery, access to Karst House & visit of the Valley of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua.

A Tale of Lipica Show
Many centuries ago, a story of love, pride, and beauty began at the green Lipica estate. This new show of the Lipica Classical Riding School narrates the story of the exceptional stud farm heritage, the white Lipizzan horse, and its connection to the rider. We invite you to experience the elegance of these white horses and listen to the universal language of beauty. Let A Tale of Lipica impress you as it impressed many visitors.

Carriage Ride (one session of 30-minutes included)
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!

Cycling *
Those fond of active holidays can find many cycling trails in the Karst surroundings of the estate. This region will attract cyclist who desire a safe and diverse landscape, away from busy roads and enjoy dirty trails and tracks combined with asphalt roads. Cyclists can discover different parts of Karts including viewpoint peaks, remarkable blind valleys and steep cliffs on the edge of plateau. 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’.
A cycling package can be arranged for you - please inquire.

Sightseeing
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.

Hiking 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. 
In view of the immense importance of this area, we would like to familiarize visitors with this location. 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. 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.

*: extra fee applies (inquire for rates)

                                                    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.
We especially recommend visiting during the spring, when nature wakes from hibernation, or in the autumn, when the sumach bushes are turning crimson red.

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

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride so you will be staying at the same location every night.

Description
Hotel Maestoso is a 4-star hotel set in the middle of a peaceful and natural green surrounding, close to the city of Sežana. Named after one of the classic lines of Lipizzan stallions, the hotel is a perfectly designed building that blends in perfectly into its surroundings. The hotel offers 139 rooms and is located directly at the Lipica Stud Farm.
Your package includes accommodation in standard rooms. It might be possible to upgrade to a higher room category on request for an extra fee.

** If Hotel Maestoso is not available due to renovations, private booking, etc. - our guests will stay at a nearby hotel such as Hiša Krasna in Lokev or at Center hotel in Basovizza. Transfers between these alternative hotels and the riding will be organized and provided at no extra cost.

It offers comfortable pet-friendly (supplement to be paid) rooms that feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with hair dryer. A terrace or balcony is available in certain rooms.
Wi-Fi is available in common areas and is free of charge.
There is a laundry service available to guest for an extra charge.


Rooms for solo travelers
These rooms are reserved for solo travelers as they are smaller in size. They include the same amenities as standard rooms.


Standard rooms (included)
These rooms offer a view of the surrounding landscape and the stud farm. These rooms are simple, with a modern decor.


Deluxe rooms (upgrade necessary)
These rooms are more spacious than standard rooms and offer extra storage space.


Comfort rooms (upgrade necessary)
This is the largest room category.

Room Occupancy
Triple and quadruple room might be available on request. Please, inquire at time of booking.
There are rooms reserved for single travelers. However, if double rooms are also available for single occupancy with a single supplement. 



Meals
Half-board included in the package (breakfast and lunch).

The Hotel's Restaurant, serves traditional Karst dishes with a modern twist. Meals are prepared from fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. You will be seduced by the tempting smell of home-made Karst specialties, which taste even better when paired with excellent local wines (drinks not included in package).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions (including vegans) with advance notice.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Lipizzan
Pace:		3+ hours per day (5 riding days) | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 15
Weight:		Max 185 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 5 riders

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

Riding Experience
Riders participating in the 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. For kids 15 and younger, a back 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.