Chianti, Italy
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Murgesi, Arab, Holstein, Thoroughbred, Selle Francaise, Anglo Arab
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, calm, forward going
Number of horses:
15
Height of horses:
15hh - 17hh
Weight limit:
85kg
Tack type:
English
Pricing
Riding and Relaxing Week
Price of £725 includes two hours of lessons every day except Monday which is rest day for the horses. Half board accommodation including wine. Transfers to the nearest railway station of Montevarchi or Siena are included.
Single supplement £120
Special Offer - Riding Week
Price: £695 based on double room accommodation
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This is a wonderful opportunity to ride in the most beautiful countryside through rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. You can discover Tuscany on horses personally trained by your expert host. Once horses join the stables, they are never sold. They are retrained and schooled sympathetically and are friendly and easy to handle. You can take trails from one to three hours long over various routes and, for the experienced and fit, we can offer long distance trails in the spring and autumn.
At this destination we are able to offer you opportunities to improve your riding technique both on the flat and over low jumps as well as the option of individual lessons for the advanced rider. Lessons are organised according to level - beginner, intermediate, expert and advanced. Beginners start gradually in groups of maximum three pupils on reliable horses proven to be suitable for the novice rider. The riding centre has an open air paddock, an indoor riding school and a cross country course. Donatella and her husband Sadio have taught hundreds of riders over the years, both beginners and advanced and they personally take both the lessons and lead the trails.
This riding centre has been recommended by Ian Stark in Horse & Hound for the attention given to the pupils here and for the care of the horses. Even the most nervous rider will be encouraged slowly and gently to overcome their fear and reluctance.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The 19th century farmhouse has been recently restored to a high standard. It is situated in the senese Chianti centred between Siena, Florence and Arezzo. In this tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by meadows and woods with a view of a medieval castle, you will be able to stay in one of the four en-suite bedrooms or a self contained apartment for two in a separate converted barn. All the bedrooms have beautiful views. There is a large living area, a club house with a television, a changing room and a laundry.
The food here is typically Italian and you will enjoy local Tuscan specialities. The three course dinners are typically Italian with pasta always on the menu. Aperitifis, wine and coffee are included. Guests have use of the kitchen and there are some fabulous local restaurants and trattorias so you will be able to enjoy the local hospitality and gastronomic delights if you wish.
We have been told by a very satisfied client that we should mention what a wonderful cook Sadio is. His simple Tuscan home cooking with generous portions was wonderful and to watch him cook at the huge open hearth was a highlight.
Activities
The position of the farm makes it an ideal base for cycling and biking and for those who wish to mix cultural tourism with outdoor pursuits. You can wander through the narrow medieval streets of Siena, you can enjoy a glass of chianti at Castello di Brolio or Brunello at Montalcino. You can visit the Cistercian abbey of Monte Oliveto, get to the heart of Chianti through the village of Volpaia or visit the famous cities of Florence and Arezzo, Cortona or San Gimignano. None of these destinations is more than an hour away from the riding centre. You can have personalised spa and massage treatment available at the nearly spa town of Terme di Rapolano.
Further Details
Languages: English, Italian and French
Health requirements: None
Age limit: Minimum 18 years (14 if accompanied by an adult)
Tuition: Yes
Included: Transfer from Pisa on Riding & Tasting holiday only
Not included: Flights & Transfer
Travel Information
Ryanair fly to Pisa and the flights are very competitively priced. You could also fly to Florence. We can arrange transfer but car hire is not expensive. Transfer to and from Pisa is 150 euros per person payable locally.
Airport: Pisa
Alternative Airport: Florence
Programmes
Riding and Relaxing Week
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This riding and relaxing week is ideal for those who wish to combine their horse riding with plenty of leisure time. Tuscany is a wonderful area rich in history and culture. The beautiful countryside is fabulous to explore with its rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. Beginners have two lessons a day with a maximum of three students at the same level. Your experienced instructors will give you guidance and confidence and after three days you will be able to take a ride and from then on you will be able to alternate lessons and rides. More experienced riders may also benefit from some lessons with a highly skilled instructor but will also be able to ride around the bridle paths through unspoilt country accommpanied by an qualified guide. The horses here alternate between lessons in the menage and rides in the country so are both well schooled and comfortable with the local terrain. During this week there is an opportunity for the advanced rider to improve their skills. The experienced instructors are skilled in teaching flat work and balance skills. The school was recommended by Ian Stark in Horse and Hound in 2000 so you can be sure that you are getting excellent tuition here. After a morning on horseback you can enjoy the delights of the local area, there is much to visit within an hour of the stables. There is also a spa in the nearby town of Terme di Rapolano. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Beginners. novice and experienced can benefit from the lessons here. |
| Type of ride: | Tuition or hacking |
| Total riding time: | Ten hours but more can be arranged locally |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday from June 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Special Offer - Riding Week
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Experienced riders will have a fabulous time riding through Tuscany on well schooled horses - riding past farms, medieval villages, olive groves and, of course, vineyards. You may even find yourself helping with the grape harvest. You will stay in the comfortable farmhouse and taste superb Tuscany food and organic wine. You will ride for 6 half days riding through the castles, abbeys and vineyards of the Chianti area. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Based stay Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 half days |
| Departure dates: | 14 - 21 September; 27 September - 4 October; 11 - 18 October 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |