Horseback Riding Vacations in Italy

Discover the reasons why Italy is a good choice

We can say that Italy is the "quintessential Mediterranean country"

This country has all the ingredients to please every visitor. And if you love horses, you will love a riding holiday here.

We will highlight three aspects: Its geography, its art and culture and its cuisine.

Geography

More than half of the Italian territory comprises a peninsula in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea. Some islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, including Elba, Sardinia and Sicily, also belong to Italy. Within the Italian territory, we can find two independent states, San Marino and the Vatican.

The Italian territory is very rugged. Two large mountain ranges form the backbone of the peninsula: the Alps in the north and the Apennines. In between the Alps and the Apennines, lies the Valley of the Po (Lombardy).

Central Italy is known for the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria.

The coasts of the peninsula are washed by several seas. The Amalfi Coast is one of the gems in southern Italy, where colourful cities cling precariously to the hillsides.

Art and culture

Italy is famous for its art, culture and monuments.

The capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican, ancient ruins and emblematic works of art.

Other major Italian cities are Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, the Italian fashion capital.

Gastronomy

In Italy, you can also enjoy culinary traditions and all the romanticism the Mediterranean Sea offers.

Typical Mediterranean dishes include fresh vegetables and fruit, pasta, meat and fish, which you can enjoy with delicious Tuscan wine.

Equestrian tourism in Italy

Horse riding in Italy is taking pleasure in relaxing and enjoying its singular idiosyncrasy.

One of its most popular horseback trips may be the ride around the ancient Roman Empire. However, that is not the only one.

On Italian riding tours you can enjoy a ride through the old olive groves and try the fresh produce of the place you visit, grown in the same region.

Exploring Italy on horseback through the paths of Tuscany, a region with a World famous cooking, combines excellent Horse riding with the best Italian food and wines.

Northern Italy is another fantastic region you can explore. Here you will discover old Venetian castles and ride in mountain trails through splendid places such as the Veneto Castle.

TheCentro Ippico della Berardenga can be your guide in this part.

Those who wish to visit the island of Sicily have a very interesting riding option in the Etna area. The Etna ride takes you to the highest active volcano of Europe, where trails get harder for riders and horses due to the traces left by recent eruptions.

An excellent company to go with is Sicily Horse Riding.

And don’t miss the most beautiful island that this wonderful country has – Sardinia. Indulge yourself here and visit its Beaches, the most fascinating in Italy. Together with Horse Country Resort, you can see this island on horseback.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Italy

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of Italy on horseback.

Centro Ippico della Berardenga

The Centro Ippico and the farmhouse property of the same name are situated in the heart of Chianti, a few kilometres from Siena. The Santa Margherita country house dates back to the end of the 19th century, home to Agro-tourism.

Surrounded by meadows and woods with a view over an ancient medieval castle, it offers a quality to its guests of nature’s silence.

Sadio and Donatella have been running the Horse Riding Centre since 1992, and it is recommended by FISE (The Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports), the organic farmhouse is fully certified by the Italian agro tourism entities.

Not very pretentious but very professional. This centre was recommended by Ian Stark, renowned personality of the Equestrian World.

They are a very complete riding centre where you can even bring your own horses.

Of all their offers, which are several and varied, we have chosen only one in order to show you a part of what they do.

Wine And Horse In Chianti Tuscany

• Week Ride (from Sunday to Sunday), they give you the opportunity to discover the variety of this territory rich in olive groves and woods.
• Full board accommodation in a comfortable agro tourism, where the wine and Tuscan food can be enjoyed.
• The minimum number of riders is 4 and only experienced guests are accepted.
• Maximum weight limit is 85 kg.
• The price includes full board, rides, visits and tastings.
• Recommended dates: from April to mid-June and from September to mid-October, with the average temperatures between 18° and 28°. *

(*) The Spring for the explosion of flower, perfumes and the unrivalled concert that is sung by the birds; and the Autumn for the warm colours of the woods and of the vineyards, and for the aromas and tastes of the grape harvest taking place.

Learn more about them and their Programs on their web site: www.chiantiriding.it.

Florence Country Life

They offer unforgettable horseback riding tours in the Chianti area, near Firenze, for beginners to experienced riders. The aim is to show the region around Florence in a different unusual way to their guests and teach them about the lifestyle in the Tuscany on horseback!

The Florentine countryside summarizes the beauty and quality of the life in Tuscany: the hills around Florence with their vineyards and olive groves, dotted with invisible hiking trails that lead you to castles, churches and farms.

Florence Country Life bring their guests to this part of the Tuscan countryside, where they spend one day and combine the experience of horseback riding with wine and food, both famous all over the world.

This is how they organise their riding tours of Tuscany:

• Guests are picked up at the Florence city center meeting point and driven to the horse riding center located in the hills south of Florence.
• Realization of the riding tour guided.
• Lunch with tasting of Tuscan wines and gastronomic products.
• Visit the ancient cellars and get revealed some of the secrets of wine.

Two guides accompany you on this horse riding tour in Italy: Simona Todeschini and Marco Gabbrielli. Both are very experienced in equestrian tourism. Simona has a degree in foreign languages. Her passion for the Tuscan region motivated her to show the secrets of this special place to the riders. The other guide, Marco has been, as he says, “a rider since he was born”.

If you want to ride a horse in the best places in Tuscany with them, visit their website: www.florencecountrylife.com.

Sicily Horse Riding

Sicily Horse Riding (SHR) was founded by a group of people with a special, close relationship to the land, nature and their horses. They do everything with the utmost care and attention to the smallest details.

They are located on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano of Europe and this is the particular land that we want to give value to, but on horseback.

Through sustainable and responsible equestrian tourism, they aim to promote the marvellous places of this beautiful island.

Are places that most people never knew existed and which are not accessible with traditional means of transportation, but they are on Horseback.

In their rides, there is the possibility of going for gallops on the beach, walking into the sea with the horses and later, in the afternoon, you can have a walk on the snow on the slopes of Mount Etna at the edge of an ancient crater.

Their horses

Their horses are well trained and they are used to ride over rough and rocky terrain in this volcano area.

They have prevalent breeds of Sicilian backgrounds crossed with herds coming from the French Mountains. The horses are agile, sure-footed and well suited for their tours and trails.

They offer several kinds of Tours. As an example, we will now describe one of their tours.

Majestic Etna

This is a wonderful trail for riders who wants to admire the rough nature and the stunning landscapes in the Etna area.

• A 6- day tour around the volcano.
• You will ride from north to south (approximately 2,000 metres) through woodland and lava deserts, extinct crater and lava caves.
• An intermediate ability level is required with good fitness. You need to be able to ride at all paces for long hours, comfortable with covering a variety of different terrain.
• You must indicate health and physical condition in your reservation.

But there is so much more, so we suggest that you visit their web site: sicilyhorseriding.com.

Horse Country Resort

They are located on the island of Sardinia, on the central-west coast, which overlooks the crystal-clear Gulf of Oristano.

The Horse Country Resort, with 4 stars, features swimming pools, hotels, restaurants, a private beach, a wellness centre, an equestrian centre and a Western village ensconced in acres of carefully tended gardens.

Their guests can discover the beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions of the west coast of the island, choosing from a wide range of excursions and organised equestrian activities. Endless possibilities and exciting adventures, allowing you to discover a magical land that exists beyond time and everyday life.

Inside the Resort, there is an Info Point where you can book equestrian activities and choose one of the rides offered by the hotel.

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.

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

Horse riding is the main activity offered by this Horse Country and it’s easy to see why it is their favourite activity. With them, you can experience Sardinia without limits.

Here you have the opportunity to ride during a week in Sardinia and spend each night in one of its old English villas, surrounded by an exuberant and cool pine wood, with a horse reserved for you during your whole horse riding holidays, chosen by you on the first day with the assistance of their expert guides.

There are many programs as well as many possible combinations according to your preferences and needs. Please, go to their web site to learn more: www.horsesharing.it.

Italy, a country that has it all: the Mediterranean Sea, meadows with vineyards, high mountain and volcanic desert. Horseback riding in this land and discovering its traditions, culture and cuisine will make you feel part of the country. Something that will be engraved in your memory forever.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Italy on horseback?

Exploring this beautiful country on horseback is the perfect way to discover Italy's hidden gems. Download our eBook on Equestrian Tourism in Europe and discover what options you have here and in other European countries.