Vonfidel Ranch
A private equestrian estate in Sri Lanka

Bespoke equestrian journeys shaped by trust, terrain, and the living partnership between horse and rider.

Sri Lanka’s home of signature, low-volume horseback riding journeys

From jungle trails to open countryside, every ride is shaped by balance, trust, and the living partnership between horse and rider. Our tailor-made horseback riding holidays and expedition-style horse safaris are guided by uncompromising welfare standards and offered on a strictly limited, appointment-only basis.

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Not a resort ride

This is the Vonfidel Way.

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Private horseback riding holidays and curated horse safaris in Sri Lanka

Discover a quieter, more deliberate form of horseback travel at Vonfidel Ranch. From immersive riding holidays and guided trail expeditions to purposeful training stays, each experience is shaped around trust, precision, and uncompromising, welfare-first horsemanship.

Journeys here are not packaged — they are composed, one rider and one horse at a time, in the spirit of the Vonfidel Way.

Riders enjoying a breathtaking sunset ride during a signature riding holiday at Vonfidel Ranch, Sri Lanka’s premier equestrian destination.
Bespoke Equestrian Holidays in Sri Lanka
Vonfidel Ranch’s Signature Riding Holidays are not pre-designed itineraries — they are bespoke equestrian journeys shaped around trust, timing, and the living partnership between horse and rider. From quiet, meditative countryside rides to long-form trail expeditions and expedition-style horse safaris, every detail is guided by exceptional horses, attentive horsemanship, and Sri Lanka’s untamed landscapes.

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Institutional Foundation

The Vonfidel Doctrine

Vonfidel Ranch operates under a formal ethical doctrine that governs every rider, every horse, and every decision. It is the quiet architecture behind our selectivity, our welfare standards, and our calm authority.

“Trust must never be extracted from an animal for human entertainment. It must be earned, protected, and preserved.”

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Essential Information

Operational notes for booking, transfers, and access.

Which payment methods are accepted?
Major credit cards and bank transfers are accepted. Formal electronic receipts are issued upon confirmation.
How do I book?
Bookings are confirmed exclusively via the official reservation form or through direct consultation for bespoke itineraries.
Are transfers arranged?
Private transfers may be arranged from airports, coastal hotels, and regional transport points on request.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit confirms all bookings. Deposits are generally non-refundable but may be credited toward a future date subject to operational discretion and weather conditions.
How are the horses cared for?
All horses operate under controlled workloads, structured rest cycles, regular veterinary oversight, and individualized conditioning programs. No horse is worked beyond welfare thresholds.
What are the rider weight and age parameters?
The current maximum riding weight is 77 kg. Minimum age is 16 for riding holidays and 12 for training holidays, subject to individual assessment.
Guest Stories
Riders from around the world share their unforgettable Vonfidel Ranch experiences.
  • Chrissi Müller R.
    Trainer & Life Coach
    Here, unspoilt nature meets overwhelming hospitality. The owner Alfie personally looks after the guests and makes everything possible. From my point of view, he is more of a wise mentor who wants to share his knowledge with the people around him and empower them. The horses are in very good condition and are well looked after with sufficient rest periods. The rides take place from 4 pm when it is no longer so hot. The food is always freshly cooked, healthy ingredients, and simply delicious. (I have to be careful not to eat too much because it tastes so good 😁). My room is much bigger than expected, with a double bed and sofa. If you come here, you won't find a 5-star hotel, but a connection between nature and people. I can do everything I want to do here. For example, horse riding, excursions, massages, a breathtaking ride on the tea train, playing badminton in the morning, or just lying in the hammock and listening to the birdsong). I came here to ride and relax from my job. What I experience is so much more. Absolute respect for people, animals and nature. Rest, coaching and deep relaxation. A perfect match for me! 🍀💛
  • Thomas and Edith Künzel
    Professor | Director of Technology
    Wir haben 10 Tags Juli 2025 auf der vonfidel ranch verbracht. Zu unserer grossen Freude warren die Pferde gesund und in einem hervorragenden Zustand. Man urkennt sofort das der Chef der Ranch Alfie alles tut das es den Pferden gut geht. Die Unterkunft auf der Ranch ist gross, sauber and gut eingerichtet. Der Koch der Ranch ist ein Meister seines Faches. Jeden Mahlzeit wurde liebevoll zubereitet. Dan Essen auf der Ranch gehörte zu dem besten.
    --
    We spent 10 days in July 2025 at the Vonfidel Ranch. To our great delight, the horses were healthy and in excellent condition. You can immediately tell that the ranch's owner, Alfie, is doing everything he can to ensure the horses' well-being. The ranch accommodations are spacious, clean, and well-equipped. The ranch chef is a master of his craft. Every meal was lovingly prepared. The food at the ranch was among the best.
  • Christina Braun
    Equestrian Trainer & Dressage Champion
    Our family vacation in Sri Lanka was truly unforgettable, thanks to Alfie and his family. We enjoyed riding through lush paddy fields, along the beach, and near the jungle, creating a serene and picturesque experience. We also went for a road trip by car which was also a highlight of our vacation, with sightings of elephants, water buffaloes, and stunning birds adding magic to our rides. The food was exceptional, tailored to our preferences, and featured delicious local and familiar dishes. This trip exceeded our expectations with its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and outstanding hospitality. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, this Sri Lankan horse riding vacation offers an enriching and memorable experience for everyone. Highly recommended!
A Different Way of Riding | Vonfidel Ranch
Quiet horsemanship at Vonfidel Ranch

A Different Way of Riding

At Vonfidel Ranch, each journey is composed rather than staged — shaped by discipline, landscape, and the quiet partnership between horse and rider.

In the quiet outback of Punani on Sri Lanka’s east coast, Vonfidel Ranch offers a rare form of equestrian travel — grounded in horsemanship rather than spectacle. Pace, terrain, and rider are carefully matched, allowing each ride to unfold with intention, balance, and respect for the horse.

  • Curated riding journeys and countryside trail explorations
  • Expedition-style horse safaris shaped by terrain and season
  • Boutique hospitality rooted in ethical, welfare-first horsemanship

Location & Landscape
Punani outback, Sri Lanka’s east coast — secluded, quiet, and deliberately removed from the ordinary.

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Featured Partners

If you are interested in becoming a partner or sponsor, please feel free to contact us.