SLOBODAN LEFT PAPRAĆA TO RETURN, NOW LIVES A UNIQUE LIFE

While discussions often focus on the exodus of young and highly educated individuals from the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other former Yugoslav republics, one young man from Papraća in Šekovići left only to return.

Slobodan Radović had one childhood dream: to become a veterinarian and spend his life helping animals. This dream took him from his hometown Papraća to veterinary studies in Belgrade and then Ljubljana. Despite opportunities to stay in these cities or even move to Sweden, Slobodan chose to return to his birthplace.

During my travels through Papraća, I often saw several horses grazing freely between Papraća and Zidonje. When I inquired about the horses, I was told they belonged to "the Veterinarian."

Slobodan bought his first horse in 2014 out of pure love for these animals and riding, with no intention of financial gain. Later, he acquired five more horses.

Little did Slobodan know that his passion for horses and riding would become part of the region's tourist offerings, attracting more visitors to Papraća and Šekovići. On the advice of friends, he started an Instagram profile called "Recreational Riding," and the story took off. Horse lovers and riding enthusiasts from the surrounding areas, as well as those who had never had the chance to ride, flocked to Papraća.

Initially, most visitors came from Zvornik, but now more guests are arriving from Bijeljina and Tuzla to enjoy horseback riding and the beautiful nature of Papraća and its surroundings. Given his busy schedule as a veterinarian, Slobodan organizes horse riding tours mostly on Sundays. He offers two routes: Papraća-Rudnik (15 km) and Papraća-Borogovo (Lipanj).

Recently, Slobodan began building bungalows at the Lipanj location, soon offering accommodation for guests. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste homemade food produced by the Radović family.

Slobodan Radović's story is a testament to the fact that when you do something out of pure and sincere love, excellent and often unexpected results follow.

Alongside the renowned medieval monastery Papraća, recreational riding through picturesque landscapes is yet another reason to visit Papraća.

For all tour details, prices, and other important information, check out the Instagram profile "Recreational Riding."