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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Italy
Intro to Italy
 Abruzzo/Molise SardiniaSicily  Tuscany
France
Spain
Portugal
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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Dressage and Trail in Tuscany
Tuscany
Italy
Strategically positioned midway between Siena and Florence sits a handsome, stone farmhouse villa dating from the 1700's and owned by Gianni and Cristina, a couple who have dedicated their lives to the equestrian arts. The farm estate appeals particularly to visitors with a passion for horseback riding and dressage, for the De Marchis offer everything from basic beginner riding lessons to advanced dressage training, complemented with day long trail rides through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. In fact, the center is recognized as one of the top “ranches” in the Tuscany area. Instruction is available for both the rider just starting out in dressage as well as for experienced dressage enthusiasts around the world. 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 the most advanced level of riders visiting the farm, riders also have the possibility to work on the piaffé, passage and flying changes.
The riding program offer a wide variety of choices and easily be modified to your riding level and the type of riding you want to improve on.
Meals are all taking together at a long rustic table in front of the fireplace - a wonderful place to swap stories of the day with your fellow riders. The chef is an undiscovered gem - you will taste some of the best typical cuisine of Tuscany.
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Riding Clinic
Family Vacation
Riding and Cooking Classes
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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San Filippo
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Airport:
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Florence
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Transfer:
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Florence airport or Florence train station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
4 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, Half board (breakfast and dinner) with mineral water, 6 riding days (1 lesson per day) & Transfers from/to San Filippo
Some helmets can be provided
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
Note: Rooms are cleaned daily - change of towels only once during the week - additional changes can be requested
Additional riding lessons are available for an extra fee
Lunches can be ordered a la carte.
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2025
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Transfer from Florence airport (max 4 pax), one-way, per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
100
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$105
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2025
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Transfer from Pisa airport (max 4 pax), one-way, per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
170
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$175
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2025
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Transfers from San Filippo included
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€
0
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$0
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2025
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Single supplement
- to be paid locally
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€
210
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$230
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2025
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Children discount (6-14 year old) - please inquire
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€
0
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$0
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2025
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Tourism tax, per week, per person (older than 14 years old)
- to be paid locally
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€
10
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$10
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2025
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Upgraded room, cost pp (double occupancy)
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€
105
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$115
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2025
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Non-riders - please inquire for rates
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€
0
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$0
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is possible from San Filippo, Poggibonsi train station, Florence airport/ city centre, or Pisa airport. Prices may vary based on driver availability and time of the day (nigh supplement)
There are also train connections and bus options.
Weekly from Saturday to Saturday
Shorter stays might be possible (min 2 nights) - please inquire
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, Airport transfers & Gratuities.
There are 2 riding packages available:
- Beginner Program: 6 riding lessons
- Intermediate Program: 6 dressage lessons
These packages can be customized to your needs... It is possible to book additional lessons.
Lessons
The lessons are divided into three groups:
- Beginners can learn riding from the very first steps.
- Intermediate riders can extend their knowledge and skill or partake in the riding out.
- Experienced riders can take dressage lessons and combine this with riding out.
Note: Please observe that the beginners' program is only for real beginners (absolute beginners or riders that are able to do walk and trot but not canter). Riders that are confident with the three paces can reserve the dressage program for the lessons or be aware to pay the price difference if they are unsure and book the beginners program but then become assessed as experienced enough by us.
The riding lessons are taken in the training arena adjacent to the house and last for about 45 minutes each. The lessons are in small groups (3 students max), which are arranged according to riding skills. It is also possible to pay a supplement in case you wish to get a private lesson. The lessons are in English, Italian or French.
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.
Non riders
The swimming pool of the riding center gives splendid views over olive groves and vineyards. If you enjoy sporting activities, there are tennis courts about 10km away, and golf courses in Florence, Castelfalfi and Siena.
Sightseeing
The riding center is an excellent base for touring the heart of Tuscany (you should have a rental car). Florence and Siena are just 30 minutes by car.
Castel del Nero’s Spa, is located just 10 minutes' drive away from the riding center and offers all the charm of a castle and a beautiful garden.
Hiking / Cycling
This is also 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 or you can hike or bike to the villages of Barberino Val d’Elsa and Tavarnelle directly from the riding center.
Cooking Lesson
We organize weekly cooking classes (extra cost - inquire for rate). Thanks to granny’s tools and techniques, you will learn to prepare Tagliatelle, Ravioli, Tortelli, Desserts and even Casereccio bread, which you can then enjoy with the other guests.
Yoga
Yoga lessons (extra cost - inquire for rate) for riders and non-riders are available throughout the year. The practicing of yoga is in fact very useful for riders because it will improve your balance and will teach you to breathe correctly, in addition it will increase your flexibility and capacity of concentration and body awareness. The lessons are suitable for absolute beginners or advanced yoga practitioners and will be held either early in the morning or in the late afternoon / early evening. If the weather allows an outdoor lesson, you will be doing yoga in the garden or by the swimming pool, otherwise inside. We provide matrasses and blankets if needed, all you need to bring is comfortable clothing.
Wine Tasting
Every Friday we can arrange a wine tasting (extra cost) for our guests at a local producer with great quality. This is subject to his availability. In case this local producer is not available we address our guests to other wine tastings.
Meeting:
San Filippo
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Train: Florence SMN Bus: S.Filippo
Transfer:
Florence airport or Florence train station
Distance:
22 mi
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is possible from San Filippo, Poggibonsi train station, Florence airport/ city centre, or Pisa airport. Prices may vary based on driver availability and time of the day (nigh supplement)
There are also train connections and bus options.
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Tack:
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English saddle; general purpose and dressage., Italian saddles
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Horses:
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Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs, Sella Italiano, Holsteiner, Kwpn, Maremmano, Merens and Pony breeds
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Pace:
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2-3 riding hours / day, the trail rides are generally calm: mainly walk and trot, sometimes canter. Hacking out is not available for beginner riders.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
5
out of 5) All riding levels
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Age:
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Min
6
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs / 85 kg
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
4 riders
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Riding Center
The riding center has been recommended by the English T.T.T. (Training the Teachers of Tomorrow) association. The quality of tuition is excellent and caters mainly to the novice to good intermediate rider. Instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP.
Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian, French or German. There are usually up to 20-24 riders at the center, but the riding groups are kept small (max 4 rider per session) and divided into different level groups.
Horses
We have approximately 30 horses, among which Lusitano, Anglo-Arab, Sella Italiano, Holsteiner, Arab, Kwpn, Maremmano, Merens and Pony breeds.
Riding Experience
Although these rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide, they are not suitable for beginners. In most cases, we follow small country paths or go across the Tuscan countryside.
Age Restriction
Please note we cannot guarantee hacking/trail riding for children under 14 years old. We can confirm it only once we have seen them riding.
Staff
A very dedicated and friendly team will welcome you at the riding center in Tuscany.
Coming from an equestrian family, Pietro started riding as a child and at the age of 19 he had already obtained the titles of Instructor both with FISE and with the British Horse Society, through which he became an "accredited Professional Coach". After several years in England, in 2020 he decided together with Natalie to return to Italy to take care of the development of the equestrian center.
Although Pietro has had an excellent competitive career, his true passions are coaching and training. Always interested in respectful training of the animal, with extensive knowledge in dressage, jumping, eventing and relationship with the horse, it can be said that Pietro is a complete trainer, or as many have defined him, "a true horseman".
According to all his pupils, Pietro's strength lies in explaining in an extremely logical way the training, and not just the how. A calm and open approach make him an appreciated coach both by top level riders (Pietro has also taught Grand Prix riders s.o. E 4* complete) and by those who do not yet have much experience but want to increase their knowledge.
Natalie has over 10 years of experience teaching, starting as a hobby back in the UK which then evolved into a profession over in Italy. With her calm and patient manner she has great success in helping riders to gain confidence and believe in their abilities. Coming from a ‘horsey’ family, she started with showing as a child, competing at the Royal International and Horse of the Year show, the two most important events in England.
She has trained with Olympic showjumper Geoff Billington, renowned coach Susie Gibson, and also dressage legend Dorothy Johnson to name a few.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport Note(a) Italy is. more
Poggibonsi area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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51
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53
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59
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66
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74
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82
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88
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88
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80
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69
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58
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51
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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35
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36
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41
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45
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53
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59
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64
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64
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58
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51
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42
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36
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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10
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12
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15
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19
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24
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28
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31
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31
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26
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21
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15
|
11
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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2
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2
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5
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7
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11
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15
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18
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18
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14
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10
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6
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2
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
To avoid the heat, it’s best to visit in spring and autumn. During the peak summer months of July and August, the weather can be very hot, but it still gets cooler in the evenings. It usually does not rain in the summertime. Autumn brings more comfortable temperatures as well as some rainfall, but there are still dry, sunny days. The winters are not too chilly with the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter being around 0°C / 32°F. However, at night, it sometimes gets very cold.
Beginners do not have to bring a full riding equipment - we can provide chaps, whips and riding hats (not all sizes).
No laundry service is available, but there is one in Tavarnelle (3Km from Il Paretaio).
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Personal Travel Insurance
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Normal riding gear or comfortable, yet sturdy pants. No leggings please.
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Riding boots or shoes with flat soles and heels that cover the ankles. We recommend mini chaps.
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Long sleeved cotton shirts (for sun protection)
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Riding helmet (not mandatory, but recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
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A wind breaker, rain gear that can be pulled over the saddle
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Light summer jacket
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Trekking boots / Comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
Guests are hosted in an 18th century country villa featuring terra-cotta floors, wooden beamed roofs etc. The house has 9 guest rooms (all with ensuite bathrooms and AC) and 1 apartment with kitchenette.
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 3 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.
WIFI is available in common areas.
There is no laundry service at the facility, but there is a laundromat and laundry service in Barberino val d’Elsa, which is the closest town. It is about 30 minutes' walk, but we can offer a ride should you like to visit.
Room Options
Linari: a special light and a beautiful view of the Castle of Linari.
1 double bed - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Robinia: a special light making the room very warm. It has the view on the background of a Robinia tree
1 double bed (or 2 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Pozzo: a very appreciated room in the hot summer because it is one of the coolest.
1 double bed (or 2 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Maneggio: a cozy single room. The only one with private but separated bathroom.
1 french bed can host only 1 person
Cavallo: a very spacious room with a special light at the sunset.
1 double bed or two single beds- can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Piccionaia: a charming and exclusive place on the top of the tower with 6 windows giving a wonderful panoramic view over the valley.
1 double bed + 1 single bed - can accommodate a max. of 3 people
Volta (upgrade): a very spacious room and with an independent exit to the garden and a large bathroom with bath tub.
1 double bed + 1 single bed (or 3 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 3 people
Teatro (upgrade): a very large and silent room with arched ceiling.
1 double bed + 2 single beds - can accommodate a max. of 4 people
Mangiatoia: a very appreciated room in the hot summer because it is one of the coolest.
1 double bed (or 2 single beds) - can accommodate a max. of 2 people
Appartamento "Stallina": a very nice apartment with garden and a nice view over the valley.
1 double bed + 3 single beds - can accommodate a max. of 5 people
Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.
Meals
Half board is included in this packages with breakfasts and dinners. Lunches are not included, but can be ordered daily. Often riders will go into the village, town or all the way into Florence or Siena to sightsee for half a day after or before their lessons.
Forget a diet here! Four courses are served for dinner and a good Chianti wine is always at your disposal (for an extra fee). The products are genuine and fresh, using olive oil that is produced at the farm. The cuisine is typical of Tuscany and delicious. The meals are served in the big dining room on a long table in front of the open fireplace.
A few of our specialties include: Lasagne, Malfatti, Tagliatelle, Pappardelle, Pizza, Ribollita and home-baked Bread.
Our main courses specialities include Gabry Roast Beef, Turkey Roulade, Loin with Spinach, Artichoke and Zucchini Tortini.
Our desserts include Ricotta and Chocolate Torte, Tiramisu, Raspberry and Yoghurt Mousse, “Granny and Grandpa’s Torte” and many more.
Dietary Restrictions
We cater vegetarian food upon request.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English saddle; general purpose and dressage., Italian saddles
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|
Horses:
|
|
Lusitanos, Arabs, Anglo Arabs, Sella Italiano, Holsteiner, Kwpn, Maremmano, Merens and Pony breeds
|
|
Pace:
|
|
2-3 riding hours / day, the trail rides are generally calm: mainly walk and trot, sometimes canter. Hacking out is not available for beginner riders.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
5
out of 5) All riding levels
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
6
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Weight:
|
|
Max
190 lbs / 85 kg
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
4 riders
|
|
Riding Center
The riding center has been recommended by the English T.T.T. (Training the Teachers of Tomorrow) association. The quality of tuition is excellent and caters mainly to the novice to good intermediate rider. Instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP.
Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian, French or German. There are usually up to 20-24 riders at the center, but the riding groups are kept small (max 4 rider per session) and divided into different level groups.
Horses
We have approximately 30 horses, among which Lusitano, Anglo-Arab, Sella Italiano, Holsteiner, Arab, Kwpn, Maremmano, Merens and Pony breeds.
Riding Experience
Although these rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide, they are not suitable for beginners. In most cases, we follow small country paths or go across the Tuscan countryside.
Age Restriction
Please note we cannot guarantee hacking/trail riding for children under 14 years old. We can confirm it only once we have seen them riding.
Staff
A very dedicated and friendly team will welcome you at the riding center in Tuscany.
Coming from an equestrian family, Pietro started riding as a child and at the age of 19 he had already obtained the titles of Instructor both with FISE and with the British Horse Society, through which he became an "accredited Professional Coach". After several years in England, in 2020 he decided together with Natalie to return to Italy to take care of the development of the equestrian center.
Although Pietro has had an excellent competitive career, his true passions are coaching and training. Always interested in respectful training of the animal, with extensive knowledge in dressage, jumping, eventing and relationship with the horse, it can be said that Pietro is a complete trainer, or as many have defined him, "a true horseman".
According to all his pupils, Pietro's strength lies in explaining in an extremely logical way the training, and not just the how. A calm and open approach make him an appreciated coach both by top level riders (Pietro has also taught Grand Prix riders s.o. E 4* complete) and by those who do not yet have much experience but want to increase their knowledge.
Natalie has over 10 years of experience teaching, starting as a hobby back in the UK which then evolved into a profession over in Italy. With her calm and patient manner she has great success in helping riders to gain confidence and believe in their abilities. Coming from a ‘horsey’ family, she started with showing as a child, competing at the Royal International and Horse of the Year show, the two most important events in England.
She has trained with Olympic showjumper Geoff Billington, renowned coach Susie Gibson, and also dressage legend Dorothy Johnson to name a few.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Dressage and Trail in Tuscany
Tour Code:
IT-SR04
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
March to November
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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