Albanian Riding School

In the morning we’ll have breakfast and head to Asim Zenel, a village just outside Gjirokastra. After settling into the guesthouse, we’ll get changed and make our way to the stables. During the morning session we’ll start by getting to know the horses — this is when you’ll meet the horse you’ll be spending the coming week with. Then we move on to the first “from-the-ground” lessons: the basics of being around horses, keeping the right and safe distance, grooming, putting on a halter and leading on a rope, feeding, understanding horse behaviour, and building trust between horses and humans. For the first two hours, the horses will be the teachers. In the afternoon we’ll go for lunch to a restaurant in the village. Then we’ll spend the rest of the day in the arena, continuing the learning. We’ll cover the key essentials of tack, how to mount and dismount safely, balance in the saddle, and correct riding position. This part will take about 2–2.5 hours, with enough time for everyone to learn at their own pace. After the afternoon session we’ll return to the guesthouse, and in the evening we’ll sit down for a shared dinner — with time for reflections and a proper wrap-up of our first day with the horses.

Today we’ll take a big step forward: we’ll prepare our horses for work on our own. After driving from the guesthouse to the stables, each participant will groom, perpare, saddle and check their horse, to get into the rhythm of working together. During the morning arena session we’ll practise leading the horse, confident walking, maintaining balance, and feeling how our movements influence the horse. This session will last about 2–2.5 hours, and its key focus is building trust and understanding between horse and rider. After lunch at a local restaurant we’ll return to the arena to practise riding in a group: keeping distances and giving the horse clear signals. Then, for the first time, the instructors will take us outside the arena. We’ll head out slowly onto the trail, following paths that go uphill and downhill, learning to feel the horse’s movement and to communicate through balance and subtle cues. Independent work with your horse and your first ride out in the countryside are an important part of building confidence and a real connection with your horse. We’ll end the day back at the guesthouse with a reflection session and dinner — with time to share observations and takeaways.

The day begins with preparing the horses and a warm-up in the arena, and then we head out for a guided group ride in the countryside. This morning is all about bringing together everything you’ve learned so far: balance, breathing, connection with your horse, correct position, and simple commands, now applied and put to practice in open terrain. As you ride, the instructors will observe you and help spot moments of hesitation, emotional blocks, and the areas where you’re still looking for confidence. After this important morning session we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, and then return to the stables. In the afternoon we’ll focus on deepening your partnership with the horse. You’ll practise leading your horse out in nature, walking both beside it and in front of it on sloping ground — one of the really important skills for riding outdoors. Then we’ll hop back into the saddle and head uphill, learning the basic position needed for trotting. The day ends with an evening wrap-up: we’ll look back on the day’s progress together, you’ll get hints and tips, and stretching exercises to prepare your body for the first “proper” trotting work the next day. A home-cooked dinner at the guesthouse rounds off a day full of impressions.

The day begins with preparing your horse on your own, from grooming to saddling, with the instructors doing the final check. It’s a really important moment, showing the skills you’ve built so far and the confidence you’re gaining in your horsemanship. Once everything is ready we’ll head out for a 1.5-hour ride in the countryside, moving through hills and open landscapes. Along the way we’ll practise rising and sitting in the saddle — a key movement that prepares your body for trotting. Riding in varied terrain helps you refine your balance, posture and use of simple commands, while also strengthening the bond between horse and rider. After returning to the stables, we’ll take a break for lunch and a short rest before the main part of the day. In the afternoon we’ll go into the arena for a long session focused on trotting. Step by step we’ll learn to find the rhythm of the trot, feeling how the rider’s body, breath and balance sync up with the horse’s movement. It’s demanding, but also hugely rewarding — everything we’ve been practising so far starts to come together. The day ends with an important wrap-up session, including a video review. It’s a chance to share your impressions, your own perspective on the challenges and trickier bits, and the sensations that came with your first “proper” trotting work. It’s also a great moment to look at your growth as a rider and enjoy what you’ve achieved. In the evening we’ll sit down for dinner, with time to relax, chat, share stories and enjoy the calm of the village after an intense and valuable day.

We’ll spend this day in one long session that brings the previous five days together into one, big piece. The morning starts in the arena with the familiar routine of preparing the horses, and then we head out for a 3–4-hour ride through varied landscapes. Expect steep descents into valleys, open stretches where we can practise the trot, and gentle hills that are ideal for riding uphill. Along the way, the instructors will guide you not only in riding, but also in the practical skills of real trail experience: how to prepare for a longer route, how to tie up and manage horses out in nature, how to organise water, snacks and equipment, and how to ride safely and efficiently as a group. There will also be a chance to practise keeping a cool head and staying in control in unexpected situations — so you can deal with small challenges as they come up. Halfway through the ride we’ll make a short stop for fruit or snacks. This is also the moment to practise taking care of horses in a natural setting. Then we’ll continue our ride and return to the stables, rounding off a full, intensive day in the saddle. We’ll have picnic lunch at the stables, and then the afternoon and evening are free — time to rest, take a stroll around the village or town, or enjoy other activities. We’ll end the day with dinner at the guesthouse — a calm finish to a long and rewarding day out on the trail.

We will spend the morning with our hosts, and then head out to the stables for a final celebration of everything we’ve achieved throughout the week. After getting the horses ready, we set off on a long 4–5-hour ride through beautiful countryside, with a scenic stop at Qestorati Lake. During this ride you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned over the week: balance, seat, trotting, keeping the right distances, group manoeuvring out in nature, and handling challenges such as vegetation, obstacles, water crossings and rest stops. It’s a day to enjoy your confidence and your bond with the horse – to feel the freedom of riding in the countryside, with the solid foundations you’ve built over the week. We’ll finish back at the stables with a final wrap-up, photos and farewells to the horses, celebrating the road we’ve shared and everything we’ve managed to achieve. We’ll have lunch as a picnic at the stables – a moment to rest and gather your thoughts at the very end of the adventure. Meanwhile, the luggage will be transferred to a hotel in the historic part of the city, where we’ll spend our last night. The afternoon will be free for sightseeing, and the evening will end with a traditional dinner with the instructors and guides – sharing stories and celebrating the week’s experiences together.

It’s time to leave Albania with new skills and amazing experience under your belt. Transfers to Tirana or Saranda available, depending on your travel plan. It’s best to plan your flight for not earlier than 1 PM due to transfer times. See you next time!