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.

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.
 

Accomodation



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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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.

Itinerary


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.

Rates and Dates for Dressage & Trail

Dates Note:
Weekly from Saturday to Saturday
For Jan, Feb and March: the full riding program only upon request with enough participants.
Sold Out Dates (as of 07/23/19): August 10th to September 1st, September 7-14, October 5 -12 & October 19-26

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

Climate:
                                            Poggibonsi area