Rides in Italy
Italy has much to offer. Its dreamy light and sumptuous landscapes seem made for romance, and its three millennia of history, culture and cuisine seduces just about everyone particularly horse riders. There is a great deal of variety in the landscape in Italy, although it is characterised predominantly by two mountain chains: the Alps and the Apennines. More than three-quarters of the Italian countryside is hilly or mountainous which is interesting for horse riders.10% of Italy is protected by law and there are 20 National and 130 Regional Parks where you are able to enjoy the benefits of a protected environment so there are large areas of totally unspoilt country in which you can ride.Unparalleled in its diversity, Italy offers delights ranging from fine wines and exceptional cuisine to high art and great historical sites. Every region has something different to offer the horse rider. The peaceful Puglia region in southern Italy is renowned for its stunning whitewashed coastal homesteads, serene hills cloaked in olive groves and vineyards, and medieval villages connected by narrow, winding streets. In Tuscany they are renowned for their Maremma and Sicilian horses. In Siena there is an enormous medieval pageant and festival - part of the clelebrations include a well known horse race around the square called the Palio. Wherever you ride in Italy, there are ruined castles and fortresses and deserted hamlets to ride through. Riding through this wonderful diverse countryside is a great experience as each region is so different.
When you have had a day in the saddle you can be assured of some Italian hospitality. Italians are warm, welcoming people who enjoy sharing the pleasures of life with others: a comforting meal, an inspiring sunset or a glass of wine. While the food industry has changed in many parts of the world, Italian cooking is still very traditional prepared in the same way using the freshest ingredients so you will be assured of some fine cuisine at the end of the day.
Rides
Chianti, Italy
Discover Tuscany on horseback and ride through olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees on horses personally trained by your host. You have the opportunity to stay in the farmhouse and ride from there, take lessons, or to enjoy one of the riding programmes. These programmes enable you to enjoy other activities as well as riding and immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle.
This professional riding centre has been recommended by Ian Stark in Horse & Hound for the attention paid to pupils here and for the care of the horses. It is also a member of the Federation of Italian Equestrian Sports.
This professional riding centre has been recommended by Ian Stark in Horse & Hound for the attention paid to pupils here and for the care of the horses. It is also a member of the Federation of Italian Equestrian Sports.
Hotel Tuscany, Italy
Discover the beauty of Tuscany on the back of one of the friendly and sturdy horses. Does a riding holiday to you mean being in the saddle for a half or whole day? Or do you prefer to ride a whole week long from one place to the next? You can choose! This is a family run hotel where all the member get involved in providing a wonderful holiday for their guests.
Both beginners and experienced riders will love this destination. There is much to do for all the family so non riders will love a stay here. The Discovery Week for beginners will enable the novice to feel relaxed and confident in the saddle and able to ride out on a trail after a few lessons.
Satellite rides are a half-day ride from the Hotel. If you decide to go on a full-day ride, you simply return to the stable with your horse in the evening. If a two or three hour ride is enough, then after the midday picnic you can change your horse for a seat in the bus that will drive you back to the hotel. Your horse will in turn be given to someone who has chosen to take part in the afternoon portion of the ride back to the hotel.
Both beginners and experienced riders will love this destination. There is much to do for all the family so non riders will love a stay here. The Discovery Week for beginners will enable the novice to feel relaxed and confident in the saddle and able to ride out on a trail after a few lessons.
Satellite rides are a half-day ride from the Hotel. If you decide to go on a full-day ride, you simply return to the stable with your horse in the evening. If a two or three hour ride is enough, then after the midday picnic you can change your horse for a seat in the bus that will drive you back to the hotel. Your horse will in turn be given to someone who has chosen to take part in the afternoon portion of the ride back to the hotel.
Current special offers:
We are pleased to offer a new event "Trail Ride with the Butteri - the cowboys of the Maremma" on 25 and 26 September. This involves two full days riding for 6 hours a day with about 70 other riders and the cowboys of the Maremma who move young horses recalling the transhumance of former days. Please call the office for further information.
Molise, Italy
There are four trails and a stationary programme to enjoy here at our Molise ride. The Valley of the Bear Trail takes you through a rural and unspoilt part of Italy whereas The Abruzzo Trail is suitable for more experienced and fit riders and will take you down centuries old cattle tracks, over mountains and valleys. There is also a trail specifically designed for novice riders and those wishing to gain more confidence in the saddle. Carmine and Astrid are amazing hosts with responsive horses and their knowledge of this area is second to none.
Current special offers:
For you single travellers - how about joining Holly who will be escorting a trail on 21 August. The Valley of the Bear Trail is for those who like long hours in the saddle riding over amazing unspoilt countryside.
Taste of Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany offers history, culture and fantastic horseriding in an enchanting setting and at this exclusive family run destination, you are ensured of a top class horse riding experience.
Adventures here range from a based stay to exciting trails riding through mountains, vineyards and olive groves. Always in small groups where personal attention to guests is of vital importance and always on well chosen safe but willing horses.
Adventures here range from a based stay to exciting trails riding through mountains, vineyards and olive groves. Always in small groups where personal attention to guests is of vital importance and always on well chosen safe but willing horses.
Tuscany Castle, Italy
Located one and a half hours from Rome, the splendid 17th century castle is still the property of the same noble family. This family has breathed new life into it by restoring the cottages and farmhouse once used by the farmers. Those keen on horse riding will be delighted with the certified equestrian centre. The quality of the horses, the trails and the English speaking staff will ensure that your stay here is memorable.
A Taste of Sicily, Sicily
This is a small business run by a family originally from the UK but who have a great knowledge and love of this beautiful island.
This one week package caters for riders who will enjoy exploring the many beautiful Sicilian hill trails on horseback combined with a package of sight seeing and wining and dining in traditional Sicilian restaurants. Riders are expected to be able to walk, trot and canter although the ride will be very much tailor made to suit your experience..
This one week package caters for riders who will enjoy exploring the many beautiful Sicilian hill trails on horseback combined with a package of sight seeing and wining and dining in traditional Sicilian restaurants. Riders are expected to be able to walk, trot and canter although the ride will be very much tailor made to suit your experience..
Cefalu Trail & Ranch, Sicily
From this ranch situated near Cefalu we can offer you some wonderful horseriding. Cefalu and the Madonie represent an area unspoilt by pollution and where you can enjoy the fantastic variety of landscapes from the back of a horse - mountains, forests, lush vegetation and the typical Sicilian landscape which can be desert like.
This new horseback riding journey will surprise even the most seasoned rider with its beauty– as you ride through four Sicilian parks: the Madonie, Nebrodi, Etna and Alcantara. The itinerary from Cefalů to Taormina is characterised by an evocative landscape, a mixture of history, culture and traditions.
This new horseback riding journey will surprise even the most seasoned rider with its beauty– as you ride through four Sicilian parks: the Madonie, Nebrodi, Etna and Alcantara. The itinerary from Cefalů to Taormina is characterised by an evocative landscape, a mixture of history, culture and traditions.
Mount Etna, Sicily
A fantastic opportunity to join an exclusive trail up Mount Etna which is one of the world's most natural attractions. This breathtaking horse riding trek will take you through the most spectacular countryside where you will be truly at one with nature.
This exclusive trek climbs all the way round the nature paths crossing contrasting landscapes of breathtaking beauty and affording the most stunning views of Sicily.
This exclusive trek climbs all the way round the nature paths crossing contrasting landscapes of breathtaking beauty and affording the most stunning views of Sicily.
Montiferru Mountains, Sardinia
This is a top class establishment situated in the tranquil countryside and Montiferru mountains with wonderful facilities. Your horses are well schooled Anglo Arab and Sardinian and you will ride in unspoilt countryside. You may enjoy a based stay and perhaps have some instruction or more experienced riders may enjoy the trail ride programme.
The farm has a menage and fabulous stables where you are able to ride the Anglo Arab and Sardinian horses mainly bred and schooled by Daniele your host. The family have been breeding horses for more than 100 years. With help of Marshal Dino Costantini they breed horses for international competitions even to Olympic level.
This is a special place to discover Sardinia's natural beauty and to unwind and relax in the peace and calm of this traditional farm setting.
The farm has a menage and fabulous stables where you are able to ride the Anglo Arab and Sardinian horses mainly bred and schooled by Daniele your host. The family have been breeding horses for more than 100 years. With help of Marshal Dino Costantini they breed horses for international competitions even to Olympic level.
This is a special place to discover Sardinia's natural beauty and to unwind and relax in the peace and calm of this traditional farm setting.
Sea & Pine Forest, Sardinia
A fantastic and diverse resort with something to offer to everyone. Imagine riding in an immense pinewood, on the dunes that border the beach and the sea and looking up to admire the flight of rose flamingo. Horse riding can be tailored for your needs. There are lessons for beginners and more advanced tuition if required. You can enjoy gallops along the beach and explore the pine forests on horseback.