Borko Nedović, Riding Instructor and Head of the Equestrian Sports Club „Budućnost“
Inside the “Budućnost” Equestrian Club’s Journey from Riding School to Therapeutic Haven
In the Podgorica neighborhood of Gornja Gorica, within the Plantaže 13. jul estate, there exists a unique place that seamlessly blends sport, therapy, and nature – the Equestrian Sports Club “Budućnost”. Established in 2013, the club has been dedicated to promoting equestrian sports and fostering the timeless partnership between humans and horses, a bond that continues to transform lives, especially those of young individuals.
Borko Nedović, a riding instructor, emphasizes that from its inception, the club has operated with a clear mission—to make equestrian sports accessible to all age groups, particularly children. He believes that interaction with horses offers numerous benefits, both physical and emotional. “Creating healthy habits, spending time in nature, disconnecting from screens and electronic devices, combined with bonding with horses, has an exceptionally positive effect on children’s development. Children become calmer, develop empathy, social skills, and a sense of responsibility,” explains Nedović.
Equestrianism, according to Nedović, is not just a sport – it’s a discipline that requires synergy between human and animal. “A horse is not a machine. It feels. It recognizes your energy, intention, and even mood. Without respect and mutual trust, no training can succeed,” he adds.
Due to this profound connection, the club has been implementing the Hyporehabilitation Program (Equine-Assisted Therapy Program) since its inception – a unique form of therapy using horses, designed for children and youth with developmental disorders. “Equine-assisted therapy is much more than just treatment – it’s a multidisciplinary approach combining special education, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and equestrian sports. The horse serves as a therapeutic tool helping children with autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and emotional difficulties,” says Nedović, adding that to date, hundreds of children have participated in this program, with over 4,000 therapy sessions and numerous inclusive workshops conducted.
In addition to riding, the club offers a basic riding school with 25 lessons for beginners, along with the possibility of advanced courses and specialized training sessions. Great emphasis is placed not only on techniques but also on daily contact with the horse – from grooming and saddling to spending time together in the field. “Training doesn’t end when you dismount. It continues through daily care, fostering responsibility, perseverance, and emotional maturity in children”.
Interestingly, riding at the club isn’t reserved solely for the youngest – there’s no age limit. “We even have recreational riders in their sixties. This is a sport where one doesn’t age but matures alongside nature and the animal,” concludes Nedović.
In the era of digitalization, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing physical inactivity among youth, the “Budućnost” Equestrian Club has become a sanctuary for health and balance. “Our goal is not just to teach someone to ride, but to develop character, self-confidence, and an awareness of the value of life in nature and harmony with animals,” says Borko Nedović.
Through numerous projects and collaborations with institutions, non-governmental organizations, and ministries, the club has grown into a significant social actor that bridges sports, rehabilitation, and inclusion. They have initiated projects such as “Uz tebe sam, nisi sam” (“I’m with you, you’re not alone”), “Na leđima Pegaza” (“On the back of Pegasus”), and “Ruka ruci” (“Hand in hand”), as well as community events like “Novogodišnja čarolija” (“New Year’s Magic”) and “Praznična bajka” (“Holiday Fairy Tale”).
In conclusion, Nedović says: “The horse is a noble being. Its strength, beauty, and wisdom teach us values we often forget. That’s why I believe that through riding, children learn not just a sport – but life itself.”