Ranch 22 Podstrana, ” Horse riding 12 km from SPLIT “

Horseback riding above Split has a fine old-world feel. This small-group ride follows an ancient Roman trail over Perun hill, with wide views toward Split, the Adriatic islands, and nearby villages. I especially like the calm horses and the personal guide who sets a gentle pace, explains local history, and helps first-time riders feel at ease. The homemade wine, bread, cheese, and other snacks afterward add real Croatian character.

The main caution is the trail itself. It is rocky and steep in places, and the horses walk rather than trot or canter. That makes the ride suitable for beginners, but experienced riders looking for speed may find it too slow. The advertised experience lasts about two hours, though some accounts describe roughly one hour in the saddle followed by refreshments.

Key points to know before booking

• Ancient Roman route: Ride the old mountain track connecting Gornja Podstrana with Krilo.
• Big Adriatic views: Look toward Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, Čiovo, Split, Stobreč, and Trogir.
• Gentle horses: The horses are described as calm, obedient, and suitable for new riders.
• Small private outing: Your party rides with a personal guide, with a maximum of five people.
• Food and wine afterward: Finish with homemade snacks, water, and local wine at the ranch.
• Rocky, walking-only trail: Expect a quiet mountain ride, not a fast horseback trek.

From Split to the hills above Podstrana

Ranch 22 is in Gornja Podstrana, at Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, about 12 kilometers from Split. That short distance matters, since the ride gives you a quick break from the city without requiring a full-day excursion.

You need to make your own way to the meeting point. Private transportation is not included, although the ranch can arrange a transfer from central Split or your accommodation for an extra charge. One couple arranged pickup from the Riva and described the drive into the hills as part of the pleasure of the outing, but you should confirm the price and pickup details before booking.

The meeting point is in the old village of Gornja Podstrana. This is an important detail because the ride does not begin on a broad beach or a flat farm track. You are heading uphill into a rural, stony setting where old paths and mountain views replace the traffic and apartment blocks of the coast.

The group size is limited to five people. That is a real advantage here. A guide can pay closer attention to how each rider is sitting, how each horse is responding, and how comfortable less experienced participants feel.

Meeting the horses and getting ready

The experience is suitable for all riding levels, including people who have never been on a horse. Helmets and riding equipment are included, and insurance and bottled water are also provided.

The horses are the heart of this outing. They are described as well-mannered, gentle, and easy to control. One particularly nervous first-time rider felt comfortable after a short tutorial with Ana, while another rider singled out a horse named Mamba as calm but still pleasantly spirited.

That combination is useful for beginners. A horse that is too passive can make a new rider feel uncertain, while one that is too lively can turn a peaceful outing into a stressful one. Here, the general tone is quiet and controlled. Your guide sets the order of the group and controls the pace for the full ride.

You should still be honest about your comfort level before mounting. The route is rocky, and some sections are steep. Even though the horses are gentle, riding over uneven stone is not the same as sitting on a horse in a level arena.

A practical point concerns horse assignment. One unhappy participant felt pushed into riding a smaller horse and did not feel that the concern was handled well. This appears to be an isolated complaint among otherwise strong feedback, but it gives you a useful tip: if the size or type of horse matters to you, raise the issue clearly before the ride begins.

Following the old Roman trail over Perun

The route crosses the mythic hill Perun, linking Podstrana and Krilo. The old Roman connection gives the ride more substance than a simple countryside loop. You are not only looking at the coast from above. You are following an old mountain way that has carried people through this part of Dalmatia for centuries.

The trail passes through stony mountain terrain. You can expect the horses to walk the entire way, with the guide choosing the pace and order. There is no running, trotting, or galloping described as part of the outing.

For a beginner, that is reassuring. You have time to adjust your seat, watch your horse’s footing, and take in the views. For a confident rider hoping for an active ride, it is the main limitation. The pleasure here comes from the setting, the horses, and the slow rhythm, not from speed.

The rocky surface also explains why comfortable clothing and sturdy closed shoes make sense, even though a formal dress code is not given. You will want to sit securely and keep your attention on the path in uneven sections.

The guide adds stories about the area’s history and natural sights as you go. The amount of commentary may vary with the guide and the group, but the experience is designed to include more than silent riding. Ana and Ante are among the guides praised for being friendly, reassuring, and experienced.

The views from the mountain track

The best reason to book this ride is the outlook. From the old route above Podstrana, you can see a broad sweep of the Dalmatian coast and islands.

The view may include:

• Hvar
• Brač
• Šolta
• Vis
• Čiovo
• Split
• Stobreč
• Trogir

Seeing these places from a horse on a mountain road gives the outing a different mood from a boat trip or a city walking tour. You are high enough to understand how the coast is arranged, but still close to the stone paths, old villages, and scrub-covered hills.

The views are especially valuable if your time in Split has been spent mostly around the waterfront and historic center. In roughly half a day, you can move from urban streets to a quiet ridge above the sea. The ride also works well for people who want a scenic experience without committing to a difficult hike.

Several accounts praise the views as breathtaking, and that enthusiasm makes sense given the route’s position above the coast. The combination of old stone, mountain air, patient horses, and scattered islands creates the memorable part of the experience.

Still, remember that visibility depends on the weather. The activity requires good weather and may be moved or canceled if conditions are poor. That is not just an administrative detail: clouds, rain, or slippery stone would change the safety and enjoyment of this route.

How long are you actually in the saddle?

The published duration is about two hours. That figure includes the complete experience, not necessarily two full hours of continuous riding.

One description gives about an hour on the trail followed by snacks. Another describes the ride itself as lasting two hours. Since the timing can depend on the group, the horses, and the pace, I would plan for a two-hour activity while avoiding the assumption that every minute will be spent riding.

The entire ride is at a walk. This makes the pace accessible, but it also means the distance covered may feel modest. You are not paying for a long-distance riding lesson or a fast trail ride.

You are paying for a small, guided outing with scenic access to the hills, a local guide, trained horses, equipment, and refreshments. At $105, that is a significant price for a two-hour activity. It becomes better value if you care about the private or very small group setting, the unusual route, and the food and wine afterward.

It is weaker value if your main goal is maximum riding time. Ask in advance how much time is expected in the saddle, particularly if you are an experienced rider.

Wine, cheese, bread, and a slower finish

After returning to the ranch, you are served homemade snacks, bottled water, and homemade wine. The food has been described as including bread, cheese, and meats, with some accounts also mentioning juice and fresh grapes.

This closing meal gives the experience a social finish. Instead of mounting a horse, taking a few photos, and leaving immediately, you have time to sit, relax, and look back over the ride. The homemade wine and simple food fit the rural setting better than a formal restaurant meal would.

Alcohol is included, so plan sensibly if you are driving yourself afterward. Bottled water is also provided, which is welcome after time in the sun and on a mountain trail.

The snack stop is one of the strongest value points for couples and small groups. It turns the outing into a compact cultural experience: old roads, local stories, countryside views, horses, and food. One guide also took photographs during the ride and sent high-quality images afterward, which can be a thoughtful extra when available, though you should not treat that as a guaranteed inclusion.

What this ride does well

The strongest part of Ranch 22 is the mood. The ride is quiet, personal, and tied to the place. You are not being moved quickly from one attraction to another. The horses walk, the guide controls the pace, and the mountain route opens up views that are hard to get from central Split.

I also like the way the activity welcomes first-time riders. A short introduction, calm horses, helmets, and a guide beside the group remove much of the worry that can surround a first ride. Several people found the horses gentle and obedient, and the guides helped them settle in quickly.

The private format is another plus. With no more than five participants, you should get more attention than you would on a large stable outing. The guide can also keep the group together on stony sections and adjust the pace when needed.

Families may find this a pleasant break from sightseeing, provided everyone understands that the route is not a fast ride. Couples may especially like the peaceful setting, the views, and the wine and snacks at the end.

Where expectations need adjusting

This is not the right choice for every rider. The route can be rough underfoot, and a few sections are steep. If you have limited balance, trouble with uneven surfaces, or strong fear of heights, ask specific questions before booking.

The ride also stays at a walk. Experienced riders who want to trot or canter will probably feel restricted. The quiet pace is a feature for beginners, but it may feel boring if you are expecting an energetic horseback adventure.

The total time can also feel shorter than the price suggests if you count only the riding. At $105, transportation is not included, and a transfer costs extra. You should compare the price with your interest in the full package, not only the minutes spent on horseback.

Finally, horse assignments may not always match your preference. If you have a strong reason to avoid a small horse or need a particular level of support, communicate that when arranging the activity and again at the ranch.

Who should book this Podstrana ride?

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants a gentle introduction in a striking setting. You get guidance, calm horses, a helmet, and a controlled walking pace rather than a demanding lesson.

It also suits couples looking for something more personal than another day at the beach. The mountain views, old trail, and homemade refreshments create a romantic setting without requiring a long excursion from Split.

Families with older children may enjoy it too, especially if the children are comfortable around horses. The maximum group size keeps the experience manageable, although the rocky trail means this is not an effortless activity for every family member.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to advanced riders. You may appreciate the views and the horses, but the walking-only pace could leave you wanting more. I would also think twice if your main priority is transportation included in the price, a flat trail, or a full two hours in the saddle.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted. Since weather can cancel the ride, check the forecast and keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Should you book Ranch 22?

Book this experience if you want a calm mountain ride with major coastal views, local stories, friendly guides, and a homemade snack stop. Its best qualities are the small group, gentle horses, and the chance to see the Split area from an old Roman route rather than another city street.

Skip it if you want speed, long hours on horseback, or a completely smooth trail. For most beginners, couples, and families seeking a peaceful half-day outing near Split, the experience offers a memorable change of pace. Just confirm transport, ask about expected riding time, and be ready for stone under the horses’ feet.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The activity begins at Ul. Don Petra Cara 160 in Gornja Podstrana, Croatia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How far is Ranch 22 from Split?

The ranch is described as about 12 kilometers from Split. Transportation from central Split or your accommodation can be arranged for an extra charge.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No. The horses and trail are described as suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and the guide provides instruction before and during the ride.

Do the horses run during the tour?

No. The entire trail is walked by the horses. The guide sets the pace and keeps the group in order.

What is included after the ride?

Homemade snacks, homemade wine, bottled water, riding equipment, a helmet, and insurance are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather. You can also receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.