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Overview

This agriturismo ranch is situated within the Maremma Natural Park and has its own small herd of Maremmana cattle. They offer the chance to work alongside the Butteri (Italian cowboys) and learn how to move the Maremma cows safely. Your host Heidi is guided by natural horsemanship techniques an…

Highlights

  • Work with the Butteri and Maremmana cattle
  • Ride through the beautiful Maremma Natural Park
  • Relaxed afternoons for those who prefer a gentle trip
  • Non-riding days visiting beautiful ancient towns
  • A gin tasting experience and chance to create your own!

Essential Facts

  • 3 itineraries available
  • £1670 $2235 €1950 - £2550 $3415 €2980 per person
  • Max 4 riders per group (8 in camp)
  • Average of 3 - 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 80kg / 176 lbs / 12 st 8lbs (intermediate riders) but 90 kg / 198 lbs/ 14st 2lbs for experienced riders

Description

This agriturismo ranch is situated within the Maremma Natural Park and has its own small herd of Maremmana cattle.

They offer the chance to work alongside the Butteri (Italian cowboys) and learn how to move the Maremma cows safely. Your host Heidi is guided by natural horsemanship techniques and will teach you the principles of pressure and release so that you can use them not only on your horse, but with the cattle whilst riding. The Maremma cows are not docile and so you will learn the specific techniques employed to get them to yield and move where you need them to. This is a unique and special opportunity not often offered in Europe.

They also offer a more relaxed programme, which does not involve cattle work. Follow trails through the beautiful Maremma Natural Park to discover ancient ruins and beautiful woodland. There is wildlife in the woods too - you may spot deer, but are unlikely to spot the wolves! Those who wish to learn more about natural horsemanship techniques are also welcomed.

These are gentle rides. It is not currently possible to canter in the Maremma Natural park and so most of the trails are in walk and trot, but there are opportunities to canter on the ranch grounds. Afternoons are generally relaxed so that you can enjoy the pool or take a stroll around the grounds.

Cathy has recently visited this ride and will be happy to tell you all about it.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Most of the saddles are Australian trekking style saddles, but they also have one Western saddle, one traditional English saddle and some alternative trekking saddles, so there are options to suit most preferences.

The horses are used to being on a long, relaxed rein most of the time, but are also comfortable working in a more english style if required.

Horses

The horses are a mixture of breeds and types including Criollo, Haflinger, Anglo-Arab and cross breeds. They range from 15-16hh and are experienced, reliable and accustomed to the terrain.

Riding

There are 3 itineraries:

  • Passion of the Herdsmen is a based ride
  • Soul of the Maremma is a based ride
  • Ride and Connect is a based ride

Ages

14 years or older. Younger children could possibly be accommodated as part of a private group - please enquire.

Weight

80kg / 176 lbs / 12 st 8lbs (intermediate riders) but 90 kg / 198 lbs/ 14st 2lbs for experienced riders

Food & Accommodation

Food

The agritusimo consists of 12 hectares of agricultural land and is still run as a working estate, producing a lot of its own food such as wine, olive oil, vegetables, fruit and honey, all of which will feature heavily in the menu.

Breakfast and dinner are served on-site, whilst lunch might be packed to take with you (depending on the daily schedule).

Dining is a communal affair and everyone dines together as a family. Wine and water are included with dinner.

Tea/coffee/juice/water are freely available from the restaurant and you can help yourselves (included).
There is an honesty bar for beer/additional drinks/snacks if you wish to purchase them during the free afternoons.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Accommodation

The agriturismo offers 12 individually arranged guest rooms in a typical Tuscan-Maremman architectural style. Rooms are either double/twin or single with private bathrooms. Singles are offered their own rooms.

There is also a communal dining room for meals and and a swimming pool with panoramic views across the hills and natural park.

Itineraries

Passion of the Herdsmen Standard accommodation.

Soul of the Maremma Standard accommodation.

Ride and Connect Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-Riders are welcomed and the area has much to offer, such as cycling, hiking, bird watching, wine tasting, beach visits, cultural excursions and visits to historic and archaeological sites. We recommend non-riders have a hire car to make the most of their time.

Travel

Transfers are provided from Pisa airport at the following times:

Arrival day: 4.30pm (16:30). Your flight should land by at least 3.30pm to allow time to clear passport control and collect your luggage.
Departure day: You will depart after breakfast and be back at the airport late morning, so your flight should depart 2pm or later.

For private groups it is also possible to transfer to/from Rome airports instead.

Or you can take a train from Rome to the nearest station of Grosseto and they will collect from there.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Arrive at the ranch in the afternoon, where you will be introduced to the horses, cattle, donkeys and working landscape. Your welcome dinner will include general information about the riding programme and the philosophy behind the programme.

Day 2 - Introduction to Maremma

Riding: 3 hours

After breakfast you have a morning session in the arena for about 2 hours, where you are introduced to your horse and given the opportunity to practice manoeuvrability and control in all three gaits. You'll also be introduced to the principles of Working Equitation and the skills involved in opening and closing gates from horseback - this is all as preperation for later cattle work.

You then have a gentle relaxed hack (c. 1.5hrs) around the property for your first view of the cattle herd and observing the herd from horseback before heading back for a late lunch.

The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the pool or take a walk and stretch your muscles before dinner in the evening.

Day 3 - Herd work and Albarese

Riding: 5 hours

Your morning session includes a repeat of the exercises from yesterday, moving onto positioning of horse and rider and correct distance from the cattle. You then progress onto your first controlled introduction to cattle movement (c.2 hrs).

After lunch, you then head out for a ride into the pine forest to view the cattle and practice some herding techniques before riding out of the ranch to the small town of Alberese. Stop for an aperitif at Bar Alberese before returning for dinner (c. 3 hrs).

Day 4 - San Rabana and Vergeria

Riding: 4 hours

This morning you saddle the horses, leave the cattle behind and ride up through the Maremma Natural park to the ruins of San Rabano. Ride through mediterranean forest on a route which climbs uphill all the way. On reaching the ruins you stop for a saddlebag picnic lunch with time to explore the site. After a short siesta, remount and return along the same route and back to the ranch.

You have a few hours to relax or take a swim before dinner.

Day 5 - Pitigliano and Saturnia

Riding: No riding.

A rest day for the horses.

After breakfast you are transferred to the historic village of Pitigliano with free time to walk through the old town and perhaps do some shopping. Stop for lunch in Pitigliano. In the late afternoon you transfer to Saturnia hot springs where you visit the natural thermal waterfalls and can relax and ease any aching muscles. Sundowners will be brought along for the experience too!

Return to the ranch for dinner.

Day 6 - Cattle work and gin experience.

Riding: 4 hours

In the morning you have a session with the cattle where you focus on gathering the herd and driving them towards Strettoia and Tondino as a coordinated group. The aim is to progress from training exercises to real practical herd work. After c. 4 hours on horseback, you stop for lunch.

In the afternoon you transfer to Frank and Serafico for an artisan gin experience. You will be taught about different botanicals and how they influence flavour and are then able to create your own individual recipe and blend the gin. You get to take home your own individually created bottle of gin as a personal souvenir of your Maremma experience.

Return to the ranch for dinner.

Day 7 - Ride to the coast

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

A full day on horseback through Maremma Natural Park to the coast. It takes c. 3 hours to reach the coast and you can then ride gently along the waters edge until you reach your picnic spot. Depending on weather and local conditions it may be possible to swim the horses after lunch before re-saddling and riding back to the farm via a different route through the park.

Farewell dinner at the ranch

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred back to the airport.

Experience Experienced

You should be a capable rider who is competent in all paces in the outdoors and able to ride independently. The Maremmana cattle are not docile, so you should be open to learning some new skills and confident to canter in open spaces.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 4
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

Oct. 17, 2026 - Oct. 24, 2026

Nov. 28, 2026 - Dec. 5, 2026

Dec. 12, 2026 - Dec. 19, 2026

Pricing

2026
Rider		 £2550 $3415 €2980
*No single supplement
Included 7 nights accommodation, all meals, water and wine with meals, 5 days of riding, day trip to Pitigliano and Saturnia, gin tasting experience, set-time Pisa airport transfers
Not included Flights, insurance, additional drinks and snacks, tips and personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation. Time allowing you will be introduced to the horses, estate and riding areas before a welcome dinner.

Day 2 - Introduction to Maremma

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

After breakfast you are introduced to the horses and allocated your horse for the week. You then have a morning session in the arena where you are given the chance to get to know your horse before setting out on a gentle ride around the estate (c. 1.5hrs riding)

After lunch at the ranch you have a scenic 2hr ride through the open countryside and landscapes surrounding the ranch. Return to the ranch for dinner.

Day 3 - Vergheria and Estate Ride

Riding: 3 hours

This morning you ride through the Vergheria and countryside surrounding the ranch on a relaxed ride through rural Maremma. Along the way you stop in Albarese for an Italian coffee and sweet treat (c. 2hrs). Return to the ranch in time for lunch.

In the afternoon you have a gentle ride around the ranch where you will encounter the Maremma cattle in their everyday environment (c. 1 hr). You can take time to observe them and will be introduced to the basics of herd behaviour but will not interact with them on this itinerary (please book the Passion of the Herdsmen itinerary if you want to work with the cattle).

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax before dinner.

Day 4 - San Rabano Ride

Riding: 4 hours

Today's ride takes you into the Maremma Natural park. Ride through Mediterranean forest uphill to the ruins of San Rabano. Stop for a simple saddlebag picnic lunch and time to have a look around the site before riding back to the ranch along the same route.

The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the pool or take a stroll around the ranch before dinner.

Day 5 - Cultural Day: Siena

Riding: No riding.

A full day non-riding excursion to Siena with free time for independent exploration of this well-known historic city. Explore the ancient streets, Piazza del Campo, cafes and restaurants, or simply browse the shops! Lunch and drinks are not included.

Return to the ranch in the late afternoon for dinner.

Day 6 - Bosco di Lasso ride and Gin experience

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

A long morning of riding through the Bosco di Lasso area. Ride through olive groves, open meadows, rolling hills and rural agricultural landscapes. After c. 3.5 hours in the saddle you return to the ranch for a late lunch.

After lunch and some time to relax, you are transferred to Frank & Serafico for a gin tasting experience. You will be taught about the botanicals and how they influence flavour, and are given the chance to create your own special bottle to take away with you.

Return to the ranch for dinner.

Day 7 - Ride to the Sea

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Your final ride is the longest as you head through the Maremma Natural Park to the coast. After several hours through wild landscapes and woodland you reach the beach and ride along the waters edge. Stop for a simple picnic near the beach. If conditions are appropriate, you may be able to ride bareback into the sea before saddling up to ride back to the ranch.

A farewell dinner allows everyone to come together and celebrate their adventure.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Confident intermediate to experienced riders. You should be comfortable in all paces in the outdoors with an independent seat and hands.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 4
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

Nov. 7, 2026 - Nov. 14, 2026

Nov. 14, 2026 - Nov. 21, 2026

Pricing

2026
Rider		 £2380 $3185 €2780
2026
Non-Rider		 £1615 $2165 €1890
Included 7 nights accommodation, all meals (except lunch in Siena), house wine and water with meals, gin tasting, cultural excursion to Siena, 4 half days of riding and one full day ride, set-time Pisa airport transfers.
Not included Flights, insurance, additional drinks and snacks, lunch in Siena, bike hire, tips and personal expenses
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Arrive in the afternoon and relax into the estate surroundings. Time allowing you can meet the horses before dinner.

Day 2 - Horsemanship and Groundwork

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

After breakfast you have a morning horsemanship session where you meet your horse and start some groundwork exercises to build trust and a connection. You'll learn about body language, pressure and release, timing and directing movement. The whole session will last about 3 hours, with about half of that on horseback and half on the ground. Depending on the horse and rider combinations it may also be possible to spend some time bareback in the arena to really feel the horse and become more aware of your own body and balance.

After lunch the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the pool, explore the ranch on foot or perhaps join an informal drawing or painting session (equipment provided). The guided creative sessions require no prior experience or skills - they are not art classes, but the chance to express yourself by creating something unique or having a go at something new. They are completely optional and you are not expected to join if you prefer not to.

Dinner is served at the ranch in the evening.

Day 3 - Vergheria and Estate Ride

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

After breakfast you prepare the horses and begin with another short horsemanship session in the arena to build on yesterdays principles. Then you head out into the Vergheria and countryside surrounding the ranch. During the ride you stop in Albarese for an Italian coffee and something sweet before returning to the ranch for lunch.

The afternoon is again free to relax or you may also wish to hire bikes (paid locally) and explore the countryside independently.

Dinner at the ranch.

Day 4 - San Rabano ride

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

After saddling the horses you head into Maremma Natural Park and ride through Mediterrean forest to reach the ruins of San Rabano. Stop for a simple saddlebag picnic at the ruins, with time to explore and take photos before returning along the same route back to the ranch.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before dinner.

Day 5 - Estate and Dam ride

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Your final ride is deliberately uncomplicated with no formal horsemanship lesson or technique to learn. Set off riding through the estate and along the dam - simply enjoy riding your horse and perhaps think about what may have changed since the first morning - better balance? More confidence? Softer aids? Or a better understanding of your horse partner.

After lunch you have another free afternoon to perhaps do some more drawing, relax or spend some downtime with the horses (in agreement with your guide). Maybe you'll feel brave enough to draw your horse?

Your host may also suggest another short gentle ride this afternoon if everyone wishes too.

A farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 6 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Intermediate riders upwards. You should be comfortable in all paces with a balanced seat and independent hands but previous groundwork/horsemanship experience is not required.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 4
Accommodation for up to 8.
Departure windows

Oct. 31, 2026 - Nov. 5, 2026

Nov. 21, 2026 - Nov. 26, 2026

Dec. 7, 2026 - Dec. 12, 2026

Pricing

2026
Rider		 £1670 $2235 €1950
2026
Non-Rider		 £1135 $1520 €1325
Included 5 nights accommodation, all meals with water and house wine, 4 days of horsemanship sessions and rides, coffee in Albarese, optional drawing and painting sessions, set-time Pisa airport transfers
Not included Flights, insurance, additional drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.