Tuscany – quality riding clinics

Strategically positioned midway between Siena and Florence sits the square stone farmhouse villa dating from 1700 owned by Gianni and Cristina, a couple who have dedicated their lives to the equestrian arts. The riding center appeals particularly to visitors with a passion for horseback riding, for the de Marchis offer everything from basic riding lessons to dressage training, and day outings through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. In fact, the center is recognized as one of the top riding “ranches” in Tuscany.
Courses both for riders just starting out in dressage as well as for experienced dressage enthusiasts are organized weekly throughout the year. With the emphasis on correct basic schoolwork, riders are also encouraged to work on carefully prepared exercises in the lateral movements, transitions, canter and counter-canter as well as work from the ground. For very advanced levels, riders also have the possibility to work on piaffé, passage and flying changes.

IT-SR04 Rates include 7 nights accommodations in a beautiful country inn, all gourmet meals - except lunch, 6 riding days with instructions and/or hacking
		Rates 2008
		High Season	Low Season
A		$1365	$1195
...		€ 960	€ 840
B		$1395	$1280
...		€ 980	€  900
C		$1315	$1215
...		€ 925	€ 855
D		$1495	$1385
...		€ 1050	€ 975
E		$1275	$1175
...		€ 895	€ 825
F		$960	$840
...		€ 675	€ 590
Single room + $275/ $225  (€ 196/ € 156) Upgrade to superior rooms: $150 (€ 105) / room Children rates up to 18 yrs are available- based on sharing with 2 adults ... all rates are based on  Euros: The riding packages include: A. Lessons/hacking : 3 days with 2 hours of riding lessons each and 3 half days riding out B. Dressage/hacking: 3 days with 2 hours of dressage lessons each and 3 half days riding out C. Lessons for beginners: 6 days with 2 hours of riding lessons each D. Dressage : 5 days with 2 hours of dressage lessons each and 1 half day riding out E. Hacking only: 6 half days riding out (about 14 to 16 hours in total) F. Non rider 7 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner
Dates: Weekly SA-SA High Season: 01/01-01/07   03/15-03/29   04/19-09/27   12/20-12/31 Low Season: 01/07-03/14    03/29-04/19  09/27-12/20 ... availability & reservation Meeting:  Barberino Val d'Elsa   Airport:    Florence.  Good train connections from Rome to Florence. An extra night at the inn can be arranged at a minimal cost on Saturday. Transfer:  from $185 (€ 130) return for up to 7 passenger - to pay locally Level:      All riding levels Tack:       English Horses:    Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs Min/Max Riders: 2-8 Note: Change of towels and cleaning of room is only once a week - additional can be requested at €10

Riding programs:
Thirty well trained horses (Lusitanos, Anglo-arabs, Berber, Arabs, English Thoroughbred and Italian Riding horses) are available. They will be assigned according to the skills and wishes of the riders.
The lessons are divided into three groups.
Beginners can learn riding from the very first steps.
Post-beginners can extend their knowledge and skill or partake in the riding out.
Experienced riders can take dressage lessons or combine this with riding out.

The riding lessons are taken in the training arena adjacent to the house. The lessons are in small groups, which are arranged according to riding skills. The lessons are in English, Italian or French.
The riding out is always accompanied by a local guide. In most cases they follow small country paths or go across country. Roads are only seldom crossed. It is also possible to book additional lessons or rides out.
Classical Dressage Training
The training method is based on supplying and loosening up the horse to achieve elasticity and lightness in the use of the aids. We follow the very traditional principles of classical riding but which are also practiced by riders competing in modern dressage.
The professional foundation is based on the academic style and the qualification is derived from the benefit of several years of training with Portuguese master Pedro Batista De Almeida, a pupil of the great Nuno Olivera. Mr. De Almeida spent his career as the technical director responsible for the Portuguese National Stud which has more than 100 stallions.

Accommodations:
Guests are hosted in an 18th century country villa featuring terra-cotta floors, wooden beamed roofs etc. The house has 8 guest rooms (all with bathrooms). On the ground floor is a rustic living room with country antiques, comfy sofas, and piano enhanced by a vaulted brick ceiling and worn terra-cotta floors, off which are two bedrooms. Upstairs, the main gathering area is the dining room, which features a massive fireplace and a seemingly endless wooden table. This room gives access to more bedrooms, each decorated with touches such as dried flowers, white lace curtains, and, of course, equestrian prints. The "special" room in the tower (La Piccionaia) has six windows giving a wonderful panoramic view over the scenic landscape - a must for honeymooners.

Meals:
The cuisine is typical of Tuscany and delicious. The meals are served in the big dining room in front of the open fire place. Four courses are served including as much wine and mineral water as you wish, finished off with an Espresso.

Non riders:
The center also organizes courses in Italian and is an excellent base for touring the heart of Tuscany. The swimming pool gives splendid views over olive groves and vineyards.
This is an ideal place to explore the Tuscan countryside by foot or by bicycle. The beautiful trekking routes of the Chianti-valley can be reached by car very easily.