Italy on horseback: Tuscany, Sicily and Sardinia

By: Virginia Imberti Posted: 29/04/2022

Italy is perfect for horseback riding. Its geographical location, Mediterranean climate and varied landscapes make it a very popular riding holiday destination.

In this post, we are going to show you the different riding possibilities that you will find in Tuscany and on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Italy, a great destination for a horseback trip

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italy is the Roman Empire and all the monuments that still tells us its history full of splendour and glory, but that is not the only thing that Italy has to offer.

Food and fashion are two of the images that come to mind when you think of Italy – this boot-shaped country surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

But there’s more to Italy than that. From a geographical perspective, it is one of Mother Nature's most perfect works and offers extraordinary diversity: the Alps in the north, where you can explore countless valleys and mountains, or the white sand beaches of its islands.

From north to south, Italy is a country of contrasts that visitors can start enjoying the moment they set foot on its shores.

On horseback, you can discover Italy in complete communion with nature.

Some Italian regions you can explore on horseback

Italy’s different regions offer horse lovers many riding opportunities.

Exploring this amazing country on horseback is the perfect way of discovering Italy’s hidden gems. Riding tours in Italy comprise the best horseback riding, history, culture and fine food.

In this post, we are going to focus on three very specific areas: Tuscany, and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Tuscany is truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth: a romantic and intimate natural setting, where you can explore its rolling green hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves.

The region impresses with its natural diversity and ranges from the alpine heights of the Apennines to the fine sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast. One of the best ways to discover Tuscany is on horseback.

In Sicily there is a long horse riding tradition and, after centuries of using horses for farming, there are some equestrian centres where you can learn to ride while enjoying the Sicilian landscapes.

You can visit Europe’s highest active volcano, Mt. Etna, but bear in mind that you need a good skill level in these challenging trails due to the traces left by recent eruptions.

Finally, the island of Sardinia encapsulates the colours, scents and flavours of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and combines them with the traditions and cultural heritage of an ancient world.

Let's see now a riding outfitter from each of these regions.

Centro Ippico della Berardenga

Centro Ippico della Berardenga is located in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in south-west Chianti, a few kilometres from Siena an area of immense natural beauty and astonishing cultural legacy that is really worth seeing.

Surrounded by meadows and woods with a view over an ancient medieval castle, it offers its guests the silence and tranquility of nature.

The agriturismo is open to all who love riding, but also to those who are simply ready for a relaxing holiday near Siena and Florence.

Donatella is a professional with more than 30 years of experience in the equestrian business, with internships in Italy and abroad. She has achieved several international licenses and certifications.

She has been responsible for designing and developing the equestrian itineraries. In addition, she is a highly qualified teacher and sensitive to the needs of the riders that come to her to improve their riding technique.

When to do their equestrian programs

The best time to visit them is from April to mid-June, and from September to mid-October, with average temperatures of 18 – 28 degrees.

In spring Tuscany is an explosion of flowers, perfumes and the unrivalled concert that is sung by the birds, while in autumn is wonderful because of the warm colours of the forest and the vineyards, and the aromas and tastes of the ongoing grape harvest.

These seasons are perfect for great horseback rides where you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views of Tuscany.

Apart from the one- or two-day horseback tours, they have two week-long programs that we will see in detail below.

Horse riding and relaxing in Tuscany

This week is a combination of equation and free time to do things for those who want to go riding, but who also have the time available to visit this corner of Tuscany.

The riding centre is in a strategic position with respect to the cultural and architectural attractions of this region. This proposal is ideal for all levels of riding skills and experience, from beginners to more advanced riders.

Beginners who want to learn to ride:

• Intensive course and immediate practice in easy trails, with tangible results at the end of the week.
• Two lessons a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a maximum of three students per group of the same level.
• The instructor uses a gradual personalized system that has been tested over years of experience, allowing the student to learn to ride, and know how to move around.
• After the first 3 days of lessons the students go out for the first ride, alternating in the following days with lessons and rides.

Experts who want to improve their level of riding ability:

• Personalized course to master your horse riding skills.
• With this course you can strengthen those skills that you learned in previous courses.

Advanced riders who want to discover Tuscany:

• They offer a wide range of rural roads and bridleways that you can explore with their licensed guides.
• They have a variety of routes for the rider to discover the history, culture and architecture of Chianti, immersed in nature and far from the noise of the asphalt roads.

Wine and horse in Chianti

This program is a perfect combination of relaxation, culture and riding.

• You will have the opportunity to discover the variety of this territory, rich in buildings, vineyards, olive groves and woods.
• You will stay in a comfortable country house, where Tuscan wine and food can be enjoyed.
• The minimum number of participants is 4, only accept experienced riders, under 85kg and in good physical condition.
• The price includes, full board, local wine, riding, visits and wine tastings.

For further information about them and their programs, please go to their web site: https://chiantiriding.it/en/about-us/

Sicily Horse Riding

They are located at the foot of Mount Etna, and their rides were carefully designed to promote sustainable and responsible equestrian tourism around the beautiful landscapes of the island of Sicily.

They have breeds of Sicilian origin crossed with horses from the French mountains. They are agile, surefooted and well – suited for their excursions and trails.

Their horses are well trained and used to riding on rough and rocky terrain, so that you can reach the most remote corners of the island.

They offer several equestrian route and program options:

• Half Day Tours: are our shortest selection of trails and excursions, perfect to enjoy a brief ride while having wine tasting, woodlands exploration or a beach excursion on horseback.
• Day Tours: where you will combine horseback riding with visits or gastronomic tastings. Skill levels are variable, ranging from beginner to intermediate level.
• Shorter Tours: have a duration that ranges from 2 to 3 days, with various skill level requirements: you just have to be comfortable at riding for around 6 hours.
• Longer Tours: have a duration of 6-8 days and they all require a strong intermediate skill level at riding. The best choice to enjoy our island – on horseback.

Their routes are an absolutely unique possibility to go for a gallop on the beach, walk into the sea with the horses and later, in the afternoon have a walk on the snow on the slopes of Mount Etna, on the edge of an ancient crater.

Long horseback tours

Sicily Horse Riding Longer Tours include 6-8 days on horseback in some of the most beautiful parts of Sicily: the Volcano Etna with its lava deserts and lava caves; the areas of Alcantara Valley, Madonie Mountains, and the Nebrodi Park.

Over the Top: Horse trekking around Etna and Nebrodi

In this program, you can explore amazing lava deserts, river valleys and rough nature. This is a wonderful trail for riders in search of lonely tracks.

You will admire the wilderness and the stunning landscapes in the Etna area on horseback. Besides, you will ride through woodland and lava deserts, river valleys and mountains and wild areas.

Departure dates are available from March to October.

For further information, visit their web site: https://sicilyhorseriding.com/

Horse Country Resort

Located in the heart of the island of Sardinia, in the Gulf of Oristano, Horse Country offers all the comforts of a 4-star resort, entertainment activities and fantastic experiences.

One of these experiences is horseback riding.

Their equestrian tourism programs are operated by another company belonging to the same business group and that is Horse Sharing.

Horse Country designed its offer to bring everyone closer to the magical world of horses, with solutions for holiday packages and horseback activities suitable for any level of experience.

With one of the largest Equestrian Centres in Europe, a horse-riding beach and tens of hectares of pristine pine forest, Horse Sharing will allow you to experience a unique holiday in close contact with nature.

The thrill of a horseback ride is available to everyone, admiring the beauty of the surrounding area from a new perspective. In the saddle, Sardinia has an entirely different charm.

The horse is a companion with whom to share a holiday full of activities; rides on the beach and in the pine forest, treks in places full of charm and naturalistic interest, or swimming in the sea.

Their equestrian programs

From experts to beginners, children to adults, everyone can experience horseback riding in a unique way.

These are the different horse riding holidays you can choose from:

• Nature on Horseback: the delight of riding with friends across the Sardinian landscape discovering unique natural beauty and ancient traditions.
• Family on Horseback: horse riding activities to share with everyone, even for young kids.
• Horse Sharing experience: choose the horse that will accompany you throughout your stay in Sardinia.
• Equicard: experience exciting activities from the saddle.

In addition to these holiday options, they organize other activities, such as riding lessons, horseback tours and horse care. They also offer hippotherapy sessions.

In this article, we are going to describe one of their offers so that you can see what their riding services in Sardinia are like.

Program “Nature on Horseback”

This program is the emotion of riding through the most unspoiled Sardinian landscapes to discover unique scenarios that show the ancient traditions of a wonderful land.

You can enjoy a complete experience that will allow you to experience a full-comfort holiday at the Horse Country Resort for a week with all the comforts of a 4-star resort and the satisfaction of a new horse ride each day, with well trained horses.

Program information:

• Day 1: The first contact with the horse.
• Day 2: Trekking at the pond if S´ena de Arrubia, where we will the hbeautiful pink flamingos.
• Day 3: Horseback ride through the beach and the pine forest.
• Day 4: Ride at sunrise or sunset.
• Day 5: Equestrian show at the Palacavallo.

All these experiences can be combined and you can stay here as long as you wish.

Learn more about their programs off their web site: https://www.horsesharing.it/

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling Europe on horseback?

Would you like to ride in Europe but cannot decide on a destination? Download our free eBook The best horse riding holidays in Europe where you can find information about horse riding operators from different European countries.

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