So close and yet so far from asphalt jungle - Horseshoer goulash and horse-towed bus at only farm in Belgrade

Noodle soup, horseshoer's goulash, strudel with poppy seeds, horse farm and enjoyable music in the Srem plain are good reasons to visit the only farm in Belgrade. On southern slopes of the Jakovo woods in Surcin, there is Stremen, spanning about five hectares.

So close and yet so far from the stressful urban surroundings, this authentic complex comprises an ethnic restaurant, a park for children, a pedestrian walk, and an equestrian club. Since the equestrian sport is not so popular in Serbia, especially in urban areas, Stremen is an ideal place for a horse riding school, pony riding, and rides on a coach or a horse-towed bus, which can have up to 15 upholstered seats.

People who love hurdle horses gathered in Jakovo in mid-June at a traditional event in Srem. Teams and horses arrived in specialized vehicles and, after the technical reception, 42 contestants were ready for the race.

Jasmina Karajlovic, manager of the farm, says that everything started as a sports tournament in 2003, with only 9 contestants.

- We organized this year's tournament in cooperation with the Equestrian Sport Association of Serbia so that the contest was also the third round of the summer hurdle league. There are 40 jockeys in the club, 7 of whom are active, and two our female members took part in this tournament. One of them had her debut at republic tournaments - says Karajlovic.

(Photo: Marija Kambiać)

The open-air section of the ethno-restaurant was full, and there is also an indoor section behind the restaurant, with about 150 seats. The menu includes various Srem's and hunter's specialties. Hosts recommend homemade cherry and elder juices, as well as strudels with poppy seeds or nuts.

- These are all Srem's specialties. Spicy meals with plenty of meat. One can eat a good homemade noodle soup here, as well as horseshoer's goulash and dishes with lamb and turkey. Homemade juices, ajvar and jam are made here, at the farm - says our intelocutor.

In the breaks between the races, the guests were entertained by a tamburitza orchestra.

Speaking about plans for the future, Jasmina Karajlovic announces construction of accommodation capacities above the horse farm.

- That will be very authentic since there is no space in Serbia where the accommodation capacities for people and horses are connected. We have projects that could be implemented in spring 2012. We plan to have 18 rooms built.

Stremen offers interesting contents for children because there is a special fun area with marry-go-rounds, swings, slides and seesaws.

The farm also organizes small celebrations, wedding parties, conferences, and so-called "team building" events.

- We are also considering the construction of a conference hall, although all previous events were held outdoors, which made all participants happy. We have recently provided a wireless Internet access so we invite all people to bring a blanket and a laptop and finish their business tasks at our farm.

Since it is situated only 25 kilometers away from the city center, it will take you less than one hour of driving to get to the days of chard, dandelion, nettle, or a pumpkin festival. Stremen also hosts an exhibition of old crafts, and you can bring your children to one of workshops during the summer break.

M.K.