Riding in Rural Serbia - An Authentic Farmstay
Francisca from Equus Journeys recalls her recent adventure to a quaint farm in the Serbian countryside.
After a delayed flight to Belgrade, Tatomir was patiently waiting for me at the airport. The drive to Iva’s farm takes roughly three and a half hours, which gave us plenty of time to chat and get to know each other. Somewhere between conversations about history and rural life, I learned that Tatomir used to be a curator for Belgrade’s National Museum. After many years of living in the city, he decided to trade museum halls for mountain air, embracing a quieter, more hands-on lifestyle in a small countryside village.
By the time we arrived at Amžići, it was late, but Iva was waiting for us with dinner - a delicious spread of local cheese, home-baked bread and fresh vegetables grown in her yard. It was the perfect introduction to rural Serbia: simple, generous and full of heart. Iva’s entire operation is deeply rooted in the local community, ensuring that guests are welcomed warmly and genuinely.
The next morning came quickly, and the
excitement of meeting the horses pulled me outside shortly after breakfast. Even
from a distance, it was clear that the horses were well cared for. Most of them
were started by Iva herself, and some were even born on her land. She is deeply
passionate about preserving the native Serbian Mountain horses.
For my stay, I was paired with Brnja,
a guest favourite whose steady nature quickly earned my trust.
Just before my visit, this region had been
hit by one of the worst snowstorms in a century, leaving a few fallen
trees behind. None of that, however, took away from this experience. As
we rode through the winding trails deep in the forest, Iva shared stories of
her travels and her ongoing efforts to build a truly self-sufficient
lifestyle rooted in permaculture.
The afternoons are usually reserved for
non-riding activities, offering visitors a chance to dive deeper into Serbian
culture. Depending on the day, you might visit an old monastery still in
use or take a boat ride along the Uvac river. My schedule didn’t
allow for the boat trip, but Iva took me to one of the
many viewpoints overlooking the river. The landscape was breathtaking,
but I was particularly surprised by the number of griffons that were flying
above us.
Despite the shorter-than-planned stay due
to the weather, I left with a genuine sense of admiration for Iva - her
hospitality, her dedication to sustainable living, and deep respect for the
land and animals around her, are truly inspiring. Riding through this corner of Serbia felt
like stepping back in time - peaceful, raw, and unforgettable.
Good to know...
- This trail welcomes lower intermediate riders and above. It's actually a great place to visit even if you haven't been on a riding holiday before.
- Bring layers! Even in the summer time, it can be chilly in the morning/evening, so best to be prepared with an extra jacket.
- Although the accommodation is rustic, there is wifi in the cabin so you will be able to stay conected with your loved ones.
More information:
You can find more information about this riding holiday in Serbia, here.
You can also contact us directly at info@equus-journeys.com or +44 (0)1905 388 977.
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