Horse Riding Holidays, 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.
See our horse riding holidays in Italy below.
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.
Current special offers:
£200 per person discount on the following dates for the 'Riding, Castles and Wine Tasting Week' at our Chianti destination in Italy:
12 - 19 May (1 space)
26 May - 2 June (3 spaces)
13 - 20 October (3 spaces)
Molise, Italy
There are four trails and a stationary programme to enjoy here at our Molise ride. Riders will explore rural and unspoilt parts of Italy, riding along old cattle tracks, through beautiful meadows and up and down the mountains. Carmine and Astrid are amazing hosts with responsive horses and their knowledge of this area is second to none.
Roman Country House, Italy
A beautiful country house hotel set in the charming Roman countryside and catering to all levels of rider. Their qualified instructor can provide tuition and offer guided hacking in the surrounding areas. There is also the opportunity to join a drag hunt during the season! Visit this wonderful estate for top class lessons and delightful rides out, not to mention the best of Italian cuisine.
Trentino Mountains and Forests, Italy
A small, family run ranch offering self-catering accommodation and rides out in the beautiful region of Trentino. Guests are taken on rides by a qualified guide who will show them the stunning scenery of this green valley with its surrounding lakes and mountains. This destination is ideal for a couple or small family wanting a peaceful adventure and a chance to get back to nature.
Current special offers:
10% discount on riding holidays taken in May 2013.
Tuscany Castle, Italy
Located one and a half hours from Rome, this splendid 17th century castle has been the property of the noble Caterini family for generations. The 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 as the quality of the horses, the trails and the English speaking staff will ensure that your stay here is memorable.
Current special offers:
15% discount on all horse riding holidays at this destination taken in March, April, May, first half of June, September, October and November.
A Taste of Sicily, Sicily
This is a small business run by a family from the UK but who have a great knowledge and love of this beautiful island. This one week package caters for riders who wish to enjoy exploring the beautiful Sicilian hills on horseback, combining their stay with some sightseeing and wining and dining at local 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, Sicily
From this destination situated near Cefalu we can offer you some wonderful horse riding. Cefalu and the Madonie represent an area unspoilt by pollution and where you can enjoy the fantastic variety of landscapes from horseback - mountains, forests, lush vegetation and the typical Sicilian landscape which can be desert like.
This destination 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 Cefalù to Taormina is characterised by an evocative landscape, a mixture of history, culture and traditions.
This destination 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 Cefalù to Taormina is characterised by an evocative landscape, a mixture of history, culture and traditions.
Country and Beach Getaway, Sardinia
This peaceful country hotel is set by the Monte Ferru mountain, surrounded by quiet countryside and woodlands, and not far from the impressive coastline. Guests here can choose to have lessons, rides out from the stables or can take part in their special trail programme which leads you from the hotel to the sea, a distance of about 150km over five days. In order to offer beach riding to guests who would prefer not to do the full trail programme, there is now a secondary set of stables right next to the coast.
Sea & Pine Forest, Sardinia
A fantastic and diverse resort with something to offer 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.
