Train & Trail in Tuscany Tuscany Italy   Located only half an hour from Florence, in the midst of the Tuscany countryside, this beautiful Agriturismo welcomes you on a weeklong riding holiday. This package offers horse lovers a chance to stay in a typical stone farmhouse with Tuscan charm and atmosphere. During your holiday, you will experience close contact with our horses, mixing trail rides and lessons in the riding school. The trail rides through the classic Tuscan landscape vary continuously, between vineyards and olive trees, along woods or along hills, and through rivers and streams. The days' timetable is based around the care of the horses, who have been schooled at the riding center in Western style. Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Pontassieve Airport: Florence Transfer: Pontassieve train station Riders: Min 1 riders Max 18 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Pontassieve train station (Florence-Arezzo-Rome line). Pick up is scheduled for 4:30 pm on Day 1 (Saturday). Taxi transfers can also be arranged from Florence Airport (FLR), or Pisa International Airport (PSA) on demand.

You can choose to sign up for a 12-hour riding package or an 18-hour riding package.

It is possible to ride both in the morning and afternoon, choosing between lessons and 1-2 hour rides out in the countryside. Lessons and rides are arranged according to the experience and preparation of the riders so that everybody can get the most out of the experience. We adapt our riding program to our clients' needs and abilities.

The 18-hour riding package includes 2 hours of riding for the first three days (morning or afternoon) and 4 hours of riding for the last three days (morning + afternoon).
The 12-hour riding package includes 2 hours of riding each day.


Note: We supply riding helmets. For your safety, we recommend to ride with a helmet. Riders under 18 will not be allowed to ride without wearing a helmet. 


Riding Lessons
Lessons are organized according to the level of each rider and we can teach at any riding level from beginner to experienced. 
Riding lessons are available in English, German and Italian.

The first lesson is an introduction to our style of riding, which combines English, western and trekking techniques and styles. The horses are trained in Western style (with one or two hands), with the knowledge of new training techniques (Parrelli / Andersen).
The instructors carry out the lessons on horseback so that they can constantly demonstrate and assist the riders.
The training of riders is very similar to that used with horses: the simple exercises to learn the basics are done with experienced horses that facilitate the actions, even if approximate.

Thanks to the trustworthiness and experience of our horses, even absolute beginners can ride out on a hack in the countryside after their first hour's lesson.

Over one week, beginners will learn to develop a good seat on the horse and be able to control it in walk, trot (sitting and rising) and canter.
Beginners' lessons start with work on posture and balance, at a walk, controlling the horse with one and two hands, before going on to changing direction and breaking into trot on demand.

For riders with a bit more experience we analyze the various methods of controlling the reins (direct, open, neck and indirect reins) and the effect each of these has on the horse (stop, change of direction, turn on the forehand, lateral steps, roll back), applying them to the different paces of walk, trot and canter.


Trail Rides
The countryside around the farm is varied and spectacular. We can go for rides through olive groves and vineyards or climb up the hills across forest of cypresses and pines or along the river.
As the surrounding countryside is vast and varied, we can adapt our trails to suit all riding levels.
The pace is adapted to the trails: moderate in general, with trot, canters and gallops when possible.

On Fridays, we usually organize a full-day ride (4 – 6 hours in the saddle) with a stop for lunch in the middle of nature or in a farmhouse, depending on weather conditions.


NYE Special
Every year, during the Holidays, we organize a special week with 12 riding hours.
Accommodation in a single room is not possible during that week.
We arrange a special dinner with many delicious courses for December 31st and we go on a midnight ride with torchlights to celebrate the new year.
On January first, we go on a long trail ride, with a picnic break in nature.


Non-Riding Activities
Non-riding companions are welcome. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.
The farm is located on the Strade del vino Chianti Rufina (wine route) so we suggest to visit the cellars with wine tasting. 
The closest village is Pontassieve with a colourful market on Wednesday morning.
Florence is only about 20 km away. 
By car, you can easily visit some of the region's famous sights including Arezzo, San Gimignano, Siena... (all located within about 1-hour drive of the farm)  
Shopping at outlets with many famous Italian brands can be found within a 30-min drive of the farm.  

                                                Florence area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	52	54	60	67	75	83	89	89	81	70	59	52
Average Low Temperature (°F)	36	37	42	46	54	60	65	65	59	52	43	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	11	12	16	19	24	28	32	32	27	21	15	11
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	3	5	8	12	16	18	18	15	11	6	3

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, as the riding center is located in the mountains. Autumn sees the countryside glow with abundance of wild mushrooms and just-pressed olive oil. The winters are not too chilly with the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter being around 0°C / 32°F.

What to bring:
•Riding Hat: A hat is essential for protection from rain and sun. Hard hats are compulsory for under 18's. If possible, take your own or we can lend you one
•Riding Trousers: for the western saddle cow boy jeans are ideal – they are flatly seamed and are particularly long in the leg. Jodhpurs are fine if worn with half chaps.
•Long sleeve tops: Lightweight long sleeve tops protect from the sun and from scratches from branches and undergrowth.
•Footwear: The correct footwear is important for riding. We use light walking boots, high on the ankle, not too big. Ideally, short boots or gym shoes should be worn with half chaps. We do not recommend riding boots with a smooth sole.
•Waterproof jacket
•Ear plugs: can be useful in shared accommodation
•Warm sweater
•Hat:  to protect from sun and rain
•Swim costume, suncream, sun glasses
•Insect repellent: recommended in July, August and September
•Ear plugs: can be useful when sharing the room with other people
•a first-aid kit accompanies all trips, but you should not forget personal medicines, for example those for allergies.
•Sensible underwear: be sensible with underwear - dress for comfort. Torch, penknife
•We provide 2 towels - you may need an extra one
•Electricity 220 V, you need an European adaptor
•And don't forget to bring your camera
•Insurance documents: It's important to make sure you are insured for all the activities of your riding holiday. Our insurance pays for damages depending on our acknowledged responsibility of the accident. Payment is authorised following a request for damages to be considered by the insurance company. A personal policy is different in that it always pays you out according to your agreed contract. This is what we advise you to do. Be aware that occasionally personal policies exclude dangerous sports such as riding, but by warning the company you can include it.
•Payment is made on departure by cheque or cash; sorry we can't accept credit cards

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Accommodation
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
The farmhouse is located on the hills overlooking the rivers Arno and Sieve, in the heart of the magnificent Tuscan countryside.

The house has been recently refurbished with eco-sustainable materials, all while keeping the original charm of this beautiful Tuscan farm.
There is an outdoor pool nearby that guests can enjoy. The pool is sanitized with sea salt: it protects the environment from pollution, and the skin and eyes from the annoying effects of chlorine.
Here, guests are welcomed in a familiar way, surrounded by a serene and relaxed atmosphere, far from the formalities of a hotel.



Accommodation is provided in double rooms. There are also two rooms with a single bed.
The rooms are airy and fresh, and each has its own bathroom.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included.

For lunch and dinner we offer you a wide range of typical dishes of the Tuscan tradition, known for its genuine flavors. We balance our meals between the different regional recipes with the ingredients that the season offers. To embellish our dishes we use the products of our garden.

We all eat together, either indoors or on the terrace, which offers a stunning view of the countryside. 

Breakfast includes coffee, tea, milk, fresh bread with butter, honey, jams, yogurt and muesli.

Lunch and dinner at the farmhouse, start with 2 first courses such as tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and rigatoni with black cabbage and potatoes, followed by meat such as roast pork loin or rabbit accompanied by vegetables. For dessert, we like to serve panna cotta or a homemade cake.

During full day rides, we serve a picnic lunch featuring cold pasta salad, salami, cheese, vegetables...

Chianti wine, water and extra-virgin olive oil are included with all meals.

Special Diets:
Vegetarians catered for, but please let us know in advance.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western (English saddle is available)
Horses:		Italian breeds (Maremma and Sardinian)
Pace:		According to experience Moderate with trots and canters and gallops when possible | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(1 to 3.5 out of 5)    Beginner to Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 18 riders

Riding Experience
Lessons and rides are arranged according to the experience and preparation of the riders so that everybody can get the most out of the experience. Riding programs can be adjusted.
There are many different trail rides possible, as the surrounding countryside is vast and varied. Trail rides can be adapted to suit all levels.

Tack
Our horses are all trained western style, although English saddle is also available. During trails, horses are equipped with saddlebags to carry the daily picnic lunch.

Pace
The pace is adapted to the trails. It is moderate in general, with trot, canters and gallops when possible.

Riding Helmet
We supply riding helmets. For your safety, we recommend to ride with a helmet. Riders under 18 will not be allowed to ride without wearing a helmet.

Horses
The well-being and sound preparation of our horses is of prime importance to us. Our horses are all carefully selected by us for their good nature and trekking ability and we have horses suitable for all riding abilities. They are well-balanced because of the natural way of their maintenance, living together outside in herds. The horses are secure on any kind of terrain and well trained for lessons in the arena.
Our stables has 35 horses of different breeds (Maremma, Quarter horse, Sardinian, Anglo-Arab), all of which have been trained or re-trained following the principles of “natural horsemanship” to guarantee maximum physical and psychological condition and reliability.
Our horses are not restricted to lonely stables but live altogether outside in the fields, which allows them to remain healthy, both physically and mentally. Their diet is constantly monitored and their work regime adapted individually according to age and condition.
The same attention is given to the relationship between horses and riders, so as to guarantee each guest the best suited workmate, offering also the possibility of using a variety of horses throughout the holiday. Our riding philosophy is based on mutual respect and confidence between the horses and the riders.

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.