Larissa Semke, Serbia 2025
This is the perfect place for anyone seeking trail rides in stunning natural surroundings and a respectful, caring approach to animals. The region is beautifully mountainous and forested, with several lakes scattered throughout the landscape.
Iva treats her horses with great love and care, and I had the chance to learn so much from her.
On top of that, I really enjoyed the lovely company of her two dogs, Kento and Sima, who accompanied us on every trail ride.
Ladxidua, Serbia 2025
Riding at Ziva's felt like a dream. It was my first time riding horses. After a few lessons with Iva I could feel more and more confident. She has a lot of knowledge and sensibility to her animal fellows as well as a great teaching technique. The views and the forest are simply astonishing. If you ever look for riding horses in Serbia, whatever your level is, this is the place.
Alex Hang, Serbia 2025
Great stay overall. Iva was an exceptional guide, trainer and horse rider. Horses were calm, sure-footed and very well taken care of. Views of this part of the Serbian countryside were tranquil, and I had the chance to enjoy it not just on horseback but also in various afternoon activities (e.g., boat-riding, griffin observation, hiking - even cave exploration!). Food was fresh, healthy and had a genuine Serbian taste.
Uliana Svistunova, Serbia 2025
I really, really liked this place! I chose an individual ride for advanced riders and my expectations were more than met. The instructor is very experienced, speaks good English and is a warm-hearted person. The horses were docile and in good condition. As far as I know, there are several routes, mine ran through a pine forest and gave an unforgettable experience. The whole ride I had the feeling that I was in a movie! I will definitely come again if there is such an opportunity.
Alex Sembr, Serbia 2025
I had a fantastic experience riding through beautiful forests, open meadows, and even some spots with a view of the lake. Iva was an incredible guide—so professional but also very easy going and friendly. You can tell she truly knows her horses and loves what she does. The horses themselves were calm, reliable, and a joy to ride. I’d definitely love to ride with Mountain Horses Serbia again!
Kees Boersma, Serbia 2024
Riding horses in this beautiful area was a great experience! With Iva and Klara and my family we made a beautiful tour. Iva and Klara are good guides and professional horse riding instructors, they are also very kind and can tell you a lot of interesting stuff about this area and about places to visit. We had a great time and we would love to come back.
Ciska Hekelaar, Serbia 2024
Riding Serbian mountain horses with Iva an Klara in de golden hills was such an amazing experience. It is so nice to go for a riding adventure and not having to worry about the welfare of the horses. The welfare of the horses are their top priority, Iva is such a skilled horsewoman who puts all of her knowledge and passion into caring for and training her horses. Also riding in an area where the neighbors friendly wave while you ride across their land, no fences, overgrown tracks off the beaten path, creeks, impressive forest and steep trails is so beautiful. Not to mention the sunset over the golden hills that the area is known for.
Off the horse you also don’t have to worry about any shortcomings. If you’re lucky to be there in tomato season you get to have the best tasting sunkissed tomatoes you will ever have had. Pair that with some fresh garlic an Kajmak on bread and you will never want to have anything else anymore. Chill and read a book in the slow paced countryside, or engage in a good conversation, everything my heart desired was there.
Ugrin Stanojevic, Serbia/Germany 2017-present
Iva is my "go to" person for all horse related things. Her approach to horses combines a mix of trainers and riders knowledge, as well as a great insight into health and well being. With this approach she coached me to a 2nd place in Serbian National Championships in 3 day event in 2017. Since then, I have consulted her numerous times regarding various issues and dilemmas about my riding, the training of horses and managing them. I have great confidence in her and her way of working with horses, as she has knowledge, experience and dedication. She is a complete horsewomen and a role model.
Iva was my trainer and instructor at "Sarajevo" Equestrian Club from 2019 to 2023. Under her guidance, I progressed from riding school student to a competitive rider, ultimately becoming Junior Showjumping Champion of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every single day, I learned something new from Iva-whether it was about horse care, feeding or developing new riding skills. Iva not only teaches the fundamentals of riding, but also has the expertise to prepare riders for competition. Her knowledge and passion for horsemanship have been instrumental in my journey as a rider.
Rawan Alsaraf, Kuwait 2016
Iva was my trainer in MRC in Kuwait, when I was back in Kuwait for holidays from my studies in Madrid. Riding in Madrid with the same trainer created many difficulties for me to adopt to riding in Kuwait with school horses, but Iva was one of very few, actually the only one, at the time that managed to offer me classes and exercise that were similar, challenging and fun as i would have undergone in Madrid. She offered me morning and evening classes even though only evening classes were offered to students because of my schedule. it was a pity when she had to leave for another offer abroad.
Aisha Alsayegh, Kuwait 2015
Iva was my trainer during her time at the Messilah Equestrian Club. Her patience and method created an excellent platform for me to hone my skill and overcome obstacles towards improving as a rider. She is an excellent trainer and mentor and it would be a privilege to work with her again.
Dorie Meerkerk, Cambodia 2008
I can highly recommend Iva as horse riding instructor. She gave me classes in Cambodia when working for the Cambodian Equestrian Centre. Her style is professional, with a lot of attention for rider and horse, so I learned a lot!
Mirjana Dragovic, Serbia 2004
I first met Iva Zivkovic in RTV Politika in 1995. At the time she was a reporter in regards to local and international political affairs and the editor of a sciences weekly programme involving themes from a range of science fields, exclusively high-tech domain.
At the same time she was, and still is a passionate equestrian. It gave her a solid ground to start a sole and unique television show on horses and equestrian sports touching a variety of topics thereof.
Iva went even further and studied equestrian sciences in England. As well, she was excellent at translation from Serbian to English and vice versa.
For as much as I know Iva, professionally and personally, any who works with her may see themselves as blessed ones. Though very strict in regards to time schedules and assigned tasks of references she is always very cooperative and ready to hear any opposite arguments to find benefit for all involved. Notwithstanding her strong features of individual play-maker she is far greater as a team-work player.