CROATIA 2005

When u-braid-it had its start back in 1996, we had no idea our customers would be such interesting and wonderful people — people like Dejan and Diane Kovac.

Dejan first purchased our braiding book in 1999, while working in Yellowstone Park with his wife Diane. Dejan amazed us with his incredible talent as he took to braiding like a natural. His first project was the not so easy Montana Cowboy Halter, which he mastered like a pro.

We were finally given the opportunity to meet Dejan and Diane prior to our move from Montana. At this time we were shown where all the paracord and poundage of hardware went to. Dejan was now creating his own tack ... colorful and bold with fancy bead embellishments and buffalo nickels. This was no ordinary ranch horse tack, but rather, looked to have belonged on a horse that would be leading a royal procession.

 Which brings us to the awe inspiring country of Croatia! Dejan and Diane returned to their home town of Virovitica, Croatia in the spring of 2005, along with bagfuls of his braided gear. It was here that we spent the most incredible two weeks this past September. Contrary to what many Americans think of as a scarred and unsafe place, Croatia is quite the opposite. In fact, it's expansive shoreline has been a hot destination spot for visitors from other European countries for years. We could understand why, after enjoying the pristine waters of the Adriatic ourselves.

Our trip wasn't all pleasure however. When Dejan and Diane arrived home they quickly went to work, where upon they started EQUUS; a horse equipment company specializing in Dejan's braided tack, rope halters, saddle pads, and as he puts it "all things horse-related" and made in Croatia. Along with this, Dejan has been very instrumental in educating by means of seminars — he has since used his skills as a graduate from Montana State University Horseshoeing School to insight on proper hoof care.

Dejan was able to arrange two braiding seminars for u-braid-it; one of which was given in the town of Pula, where we were invited by the board of tourism and Croatia's foremost horseman and Trakehner breeder, Miroslav Haber and his wife Jutta.

With the camera rolling for national TV, we were able to give a very educative presentation on cowboy essentials — from basic braiding and cinch making, to a cowboy's attire (demonstrated by Wyoming cowgirl Skye Ogilvie), as well as the benefits of using a rope halter — information we take for granted, but to the horse people of Croatia is totally foreign.

Dejan's expertise as a former Yellowstone tour guide came in handy, as he translated flawlessly for two hours.

We came to learn much about Croatia; one that it is hungry for horse clinicians in all forms of western riding and training. Perhaps with educators like Dejan and Diane taking the lead, Croatia's equine community will soon be able to experience these things firsthand.

Cybele and Rebecca

Visit our Testimonials page to read more about Dejan and EQUUS.

Need help in planning your own Croatian vacation? Contact Dejan or Diane.

Recommended travel guides — "Croatia" published by Lonely Planet books and E

yewitness Travel Guides.

Croatia related sites —
http://www.zagreb.hr.
http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
http://kopacki-rit.vip.hr/eng/index.htm
http://www.brijuni.hr