Italy on horseback: Tuscany, Sicily and Sardinia
Italy is a country that invites you to enjoy a vacation on horseback. Its geographical location, with a Mediterranean climate and a great variety of landscapes, make it a highly sought-after equestrian destination.
In this article we are going to show you the equestrian opportunities you will find in Tuscany and on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Italy, a recommended destination for horse riding
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Italy is the Roman Empire and all the buildings that still tell us its story of splendor and grandeur, but it is not the only thing it has to offer.
Fashion and gastronomy are two references that we also relate to this curious country in the shape of a boot bathed by the Mediterranean Sea.
But its splendour goes much further; geographically, it is one of Mother Nature's most perfect creations and offers extraordinary diversity. From the Alps in the north with countless routes where you can lose yourself among valleys and mountains to the crystalline beaches of the south and its islands.
From north to south, Italy is a country of contrasts that travellers can enjoy the moment they set foot on its shores.
And if you do it on horseback, the symbiosis with nature will be total.
Some Italian regions to explore on horseback
Italy's regions offer horse lovers many options for a vacation on horseback.
Exploring this beautiful country on horseback is the perfect way to discover Italy's hidden gems. Italian horseback tours combine excellent riding with history, culture and gourmet cuisine.
As we have mentioned, we are going to focus on three specific regions, the wonderful Tuscany and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Tuscany is truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, a romantic and intimate natural space with its picturesque green hills full of vineyards and olive groves.
In Sicily there is a long tradition of horse care, and after centuries of use as a support for agricultural work, there are now schools where you can learn to ride while enjoying the Sicilian landscape.
You can visit Europe's highest active volcano, Etna, an area whose paths require a good level of riding due to the traces of past eruptions.
Finally, the island of Sardinia distills the colors, aromas and flavors of the western Mediterranean, and combines them with an ancient world of millenary villages and traditions that are kept alive.
The Centro Ippico della Berardenga is located in the southwest of Chianti, in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, a few kilometers from Siena, an area that deserves to be known for its cultural richness and beautiful landscapes.
Surrounded by meadows and forests with views of an ancient medieval castle, they offer their guests the silence and tranquility of nature.
This rural house is open to horse riding enthusiasts, but also to those who want to spend a relaxing vacation in Tuscany, near Siena and Florence.
Its owners, Sadio and Donatella, personally welcome their guests and riders.
Donatella is a professional with over 30 years' experience in the equestrian sector, with internships in Italy and abroad. She has obtained numerous qualifications and certificates valid worldwide.
She is responsible for the design and implementation of the equestrian programs. She is also a highly qualified teacher who is sensitive to the needs of riders who come to her to perfect their equestrian technique.
When to take your equestrian programs
The best time for a vacation with them is from April to mid-June and from September to mid-October, with average temperatures between 18 and 28 degrees.
In spring, Tuscany is an explosion of flowers, perfumes and the incomparable concert of birdsong, while in autumn the warm colors of the forests and vineyards stand out, as well as the aromas and flavors of the ongoing harvest.
Apart from the one or two-day horse rides, they have two one-week programs that we will detail below.
Horse and relaxation in Tuscany
This program is a combination of horse riding and free time designed for those who want to ride, but also want to have time available to visit this corner of Tuscany.
This proposal is suitable for all levels of equestrian skill and experience, from beginners to the more advanced. There is an alternative for each level of rider.
Beginner riders who want to learn to ride:
- Intensive course with practice on less difficult 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 3 students per group, with the same level.
- The instructor uses a personalized gradual system, proven by years of experience, that allows the student to learn to ride a horse, to get to know it and to move around it.
- After 3 days of classes, the student goes on their first horseback ride. In the following days, they will alternate riding lessons with horseback riding.
Experienced riders who want to improve their level of horsemanship:
- Personalized course to perfect riding techniques.
- All those gaps left over from previous learning will be filled.
Advanced riders who want to get to know Tuscany:
- A dense network of rural roads is available to them to explore accompanied by an authorized guide.
- On their routes they will discover the history, culture and architecture of Chianti, immersed in nature and far from the noise of paved roads.
Wine and horses in Chianti
This program is a perfect combination of relaxation, culture and horse riding.
- You will have the opportunity to discover the variety of ancient buildings, vineyards, olive groves and forests in this area.
- You will stay in a comfortable country house, where you will taste wine and Tuscan cuisine.
- The minimum number of participants is 4, they only accept experienced riders, weighing less than 85 kg and in good physical condition.
- The price includes full board, local wine, horse riding, visits and tastings.
You can find more information about their programs on their website: https://chiantiriding.it/en/about-us/
Sicily Horse Riding
Located at the foot of the Etna volcano, they offer horse riding routes carefully designed to promote the beautiful landscapes of the island of Sicily. They practice sustainable and responsible equestrian tourism, where they take great care to preserve these landscapes.
Their horses are of Sicilian origin crossed with herds from the French mountains. They are agile, sure-footed and very suitable for their excursions and trails.
They are trained to ride over rough and rocky terrain. With them you can access places that are not possible with other means of transport.
They offer various equestrian routes and programs:
- Short tours: last 2 to 3 days, and different skill levels are required. You should feel comfortable riding for approximately 6 hours.
- Long tours: last 6 to 8 days and a high or intermediate skill level is required. It is the best option to enjoy Sicily on horseback.
Their routes offer the possibility of galloping along the beach, riding towards the sea and then, in the afternoon, following equestrian trails that will take you through the snow on the slopes of Mount Etna, at the edge of an ancient crater.
The longest tours of Sicily Horse Riding include 6-8 days on horseback in some of the most beautiful parts of Sicily: the Etna volcano with its lava deserts and lava caves; the areas of the Alcantara Valley, the Madonie Mountains and the Nebrodi park.
Above the highest peaks - Around Etna and Nebrodi:
This program will allow you to discover lava deserts, river valleys and wild nature. It is a wonderful trail for riders looking for solitary routes.
You will discover the wild nature and breathtaking landscapes of Etna and its surroundings on horseback. You will ride through forests and lava deserts, river valleys and mountains and wilderness areas.
Departure dates are available from March to October.
For more information visit their website: https://sicilyhorseriding.com/
Horse Country Resort
Located in the heart of the island of Sardinia, in the Gulf of Oristano, Horse Country is a 4-star resort that, in addition to having all the services typical of its category, offers many excursions and organized activities.
One of these activities is horse riding.
The equestrian tourism programs are offered by Horse Sharing, which belongs to the same business group as Horse Country Resort.
Horse Country has designed its offer with the intention of bringing everyone closer to the magical world of horses, with vacation package solutions and equestrian activities suitable for any level of experience.
With one of the largest equestrian centers in Europe, a beach that can be crossed on horseback and tens of hectares of virgin pine forest, Horse Sharing will allow you to experience a unique horseback vacation in contact with nature.
The thrill of a horseback tour within everyone's reach, admiring the beauty of the area from a new perspective. In the saddle, Sardinia has a completely different charm.
The horse will be your companion with whom you will share multiple activities such as walks on the beach and in the pine forest, trekking in places full of charm and natural interest or swimming in the sea.
Their equestrian vacation packages
- Family on horseback: horse riding activities for everyone, even the youngest.
- 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 packages, they organize different activities, such as riding lessons, horse riding routes, horse care. They also take care of the rider's health with hippotherapy sessions.
In this article we are going to look at one of the options available to riders so that you can discover the essence of their equestrian services in Sardinia.
## “Nature on horseback” program
This program offers the thrill of riding through the most unspoiled parts of Sardinia to discover unique settings that tell the ancient traditions of a wonderful land.
- Day 1: First contact with the horse.
- Day 2: Trekking to the S'ena d'Arrubia pond, where we will observe the beautiful pink flamingos.
- Day 3: Horseback ride along the beach and through the pine forest.
- Day 4: Horseback ride at sunrise or sunset.
- Day 5: Equestrian show at Palacavallo.
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