Dressage & Trail

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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) and 2 apartments. 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.
There are also 2 separate apartments with kitchenette.

Meals:

Forget a diet here! Four courses are served and a good Chianti wine is always at your disposal (and included in the prices!). The products are genuine and fresh:  using olive oil that is produced at the farm. We cater vegetarian food upon request!
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.
This is an international riding center where you will meet at the same long table riders and non riders coming from all over the world. Often 6 different languages are spoken at the same dinner table!
You will certainly make new friendship and meet old friends if you are or will be one of our returning friends.
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.

Staff:

A very dedicated and friendly team will welcome you at the riding center in Tuscany.
Carla and Katiuscia will organize anything you need and will be your main contact persons during your holiday in Tuscany.
Miriam, Jenny, Stefano, Camilla, Rebecca (the trail guide), Helen and Dany will collaborate with Cristina and Gianni in all the horse riding activities.
Rosetta, Gabriella and Bava will serve you fantastic dinners, while Elide will have the direction of the shopping and gardening activities. Ivan is our nice and mad jolly.
You will have the chance to meet all these nice people during your stay.

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

Riding

The quality of tuition is very high: instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English, Italian or French or in German for beginners. There are usually up to 20-24 riders at the center, but the riding groups are kept small to max 4 rider per session -- divided into different level groups.

Hacking / Trail Riding:
The rides out are calm and always accompanied by a qualified guide. In most cases we follow small country paths or go across the Tuscan countryside. It is possible to organize riding out with wine tasting or full ride out with picnic.

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.

Itinerary

These riding packages are available (all are the same rate) :

1. Lessons and Hacking: 6 dressage lessons and 3 trail rides.
2. Beginner Program: 15 lessons or 11 lessons and 2 trail rides
3. Hacking Program: 5 half days, 1 full day ride and 1 wine tasting
4. Dressage Program: 10 dressage lessons 

Non rider rates include: 7 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner.


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 and 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 on trails is always accompanied by a local guide. In most cases they follow small country paths or go cross-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.

Non riders: The center also organizes courses in the Italian language and 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. 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.

Rates and Dates for Dressage & Trail

Dates Note: Weekly Saturday-Saturday. Available all year, but from Jan to early April and after November 1 - dinner will only be offered when at least 6 people are confirmed (discount for NO dinners Euro 220)

Other Info
Meeting: San Filippo
Airport: Florence
Transfer: Florence airport or Florence train station

Climate:

In spring 20º to 25º Celsius, during summer and fall 25º to 30º C. Central Italy has kind of ocean climate with mild winters and not too hot of a summer.

Temperatures in Celsius:

 Temperatures in Fahrenheit:

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). Travelers cheques are accepted.