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Horseback riding tours
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Italy
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Colle dell'Orso - through the Valley of the Bear
Abruzzo/Molise
Italy
Ride with the wild horses and visit the enchanting Magic Forest...
Come explore the Alto Molise with its rolling hills, vast meadows and forest lands from the comforts of a Western saddle and one of our handsome and trusty Quarter horses, Appaloosas or Paints. In this rural and unspoilt part of Italy, far from the crowds, “festina lente” (hurry slowly) is part of the life-style, as are traditional late dining hours. We may not always be able to keep a strict time-table, but we do hope you will enjoy the “dolce vita”, the delicious Italian cooking and excellent wines, unspoilt nature and absence of stress! Things were not so quiet long ago - it took the Romans three centuries of warfare before they finally conquered the region, which then became part of the infanous Roman Empire (79 B.C) and with this ride we wish to share with you the history and beauty of our location. First we offer you a couple of relaxing days on the farm, which itself impressively dates back to 1885, and from here we we have gentle explorations nearby, before we head out on our big trek. Our trail will start with a visit the remains of a Samnitic temple and then follow the Tratturo Castel di Sangro - Lucera. A Tratturo, a 2000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south! We will ride across a splendid plateau with a variety of cherished views and then we enter the "Valley of the Bear". The trail will get steeper, climbing to an 3,700 ft elevation over narrow paths and through beech-woods with carpets of leaves and enjoying the most splendid views of the Abruzzi and Matese Mountain ranges, with impressive peaks of approximately 6,500 feet. And low and behold we will come upon the biggest attraction of the ride - the semi-wild horses which live on the huge mountain plateau (sightings of wild horses are not guaranteed)! From the end of April until the beginning of November there can be hundreds of them! And a thrilling canter with one of these herds is truly an unforgettable experience! But even after we see the wild horses, the adventure still continues onward to the Magic Forest, an enchanting woodland completely sheltered by rocks with only two ways of access, a unique and special ride. Finally we ride through Civitanova del Sannio a pre-roman Samnite settlement and follow the Trigno to Pescolanciano, climbing the hills that border on the UNESCO protected forest of Collemelucio and eventually we find ourselves back home of the farm, for a delicious farewell dinner! The farm is at the edge of the woods and overlooks a beautiful valley and the nearest neighbours live in Carovilli, a little village 4 miles away. This is the right place to relax one final night and get away from it all.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Isernia
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Airport:
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Rome or Naples
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Transfer:
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Isernia train station at 7:45 PM - drop off 9:30 AM on last day
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations (3 farmhouse dormitory, 1 at local agriturismo, 2 in mountain lodge and 1 at country hotel), meals with wine and beer, sleeping bag and towel for mountain lodge nights, 5.5 riding days, transfer from Isernia train station, luggage transport, taxes
| A | 2013 | AP Valley of the Bear | 8d / 7n | €995 | $1295 |
| Upgrade dorm nights to private room at B&B (double occupancy) | €90 | $120 |
| Upgrade dorm nights to private room at B&B (single occupancy | €150 | $195 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from the Isernia train station included at set times
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Transfer on Day 1 is at 19.45h (7:45pm) and on the day of departure at 09.00h (9:00am).
Rates do not include:
Gratuities, drinks and snacks outside of meals (a collective Euro 30 per rider is to be paid locally to pruchase these for the group).
Itinerary:
Day 1 You are expected to arrive on Saturday evening. After a welcome drink there will be dinner with your hosts. A three-course Italian dinner will be served every night, accompanied by local wines.
Day 2 The morning is yours. You may sleep late, take your time over breakfast, do whatever you like. Before lunch there are a safety-briefing and a short demonstration in western riding. After lunch we do a test-ride (3 hours) to enable you to get acquainted with the horse you are going to ride on the trekking. Dinner and overnight are at the farm-house.
Day 3 At about 10 a.m. we leave the house and ride through Alto Molise with its hills, meadows and woods. In the shade of mighty oaks we are having a picnic near the remains of a Samnitic temple. The Samnites were the original population. It took the Romans three centuries of warfare before they finally conquered this region, which then became part of the Roman Empire (79 B.C). After lunch we continue our way through the endless hills. At the end of the day we arrive at an “agriturismo”. They await us for dinner, which is based on regional specialities. We spend the night here, too.
Day 4 After breakfast we continue the trail, following the Tratturo Castel di Sangro - Lucera. A Tratturo is a 2.000 years old track that is still used to move cattle from the far south where grass is scarce in summer. After the Tratturo we reach Pescolanciano with its old castle. Here we stop for lunch. Next we go to the Colle dell’Orso. The trail gets steeper, climbing about 1,800 feet. The route leads us over narrow paths, through beech-woods with carpets of leaves. In the evening we reach a mountain lodge where we dine and spend the night. First of all we take care of the horses. We sleep in dormitories.
Day 5 Today is dedicated to the magnificent scenery of the plateau of Colle dell’Orso. During our ride we will enjoy the most splendid views of the Abruzzi and Matese Mountain ranges, with peaks of appr. 6,500 feet. The most impressive scene of all is, however, the herds of cattle and semi-wild horses in the plains. We will try to get near them and canter together. After this very special experience it is time for lunch. Then we return to “cowboy-land”, over the hills and through the valleys we ride as far as the so-called Magic Forest. This piece of woodland is completely sheltered by rocks and there are but two possible ways of access, which makes the visit quite adventurous. Leaving Magic Forest we go back to our mountain lodge, which is by the way equipped with a shower. In the evening we make a camp-fire or light the fire in the fire-place.
Day 6 In the morning we enjoy the beauty of the Colle dell’Orso, called Magic Mountain by some, just one more time. The picnic will be in the garden of a little church. In the afternoon the route descends, leading us back to civilization. In the late afternoon we leave the horses in a small riding centre. The riders dine and spend the night at a cosy hotel in Civitanova del Sannio.
Day 7 Today we take it easy. First we ride through Civitanova del Sannio. Then we pass a valley where the river Trigno has been dammed, creating a cistern. We follow the Trigno to Pescolanciano, climbing the hills that border on the forest Collemelucio. This is one of the forests protected by UNESCO. The project is called Man and Biosphere (MAB). Worldwide UNESCO protects 256 forests. Four of them are located in Italy; two of which in Molise. The last few miles on horseback take us over open heath land and dense oak-wood. About 5 p.m. we are back at the farm-house, unsaddle the horses for the last time and enjoy the farewell dinner.
Day 8 Departure after breakfast.
-- subject to change -
N.B. Due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the programme may have to be be adapted. The number of hours spent in the saddle, however, as well as the destinations remain unaltered.
Final Remarks
In this rural and unspoilt part of Italy, far from the madding crowd, “festina lente” (hurry slowly) is part of the life-style, as are late dining hours. We may not always be able to keep a strict time-table, but we do hope you will enjoy the “dolce vita”, the delicious Italian cooking and excellent wines, unspoilt nature and absence of stress!
Meeting:
Isernia
Airport:
Rome or Naples
Train station:
Isernia
Transfer:
Isernia train station at 7:45 PM - drop off 9:30 AM on last day
Distance:
115 miles
Transfer on Day 1 is at 19.45h (7:45pm) and on the day of departure at 09.00h (9:00am).
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Tack:
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Western tack
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Horses:
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Quarter, Appaloosa, Paint and cross breeds. 1 Freiberger
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Pace:
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All paces. 5 to 7 hrs in the saddle on most days. Due to the mountainous terrain there are also long stretches of walking.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Horses
Most of
the horses are Quarter Horses and Paints. The horses have been selected
for their character and looks. They are intelligent and easy-going. All
year long they live in the paddocks around the house. This natural way
of life makes them happy horses. They were all born in the mountains.
Therefore they are very reliable in this mountaineous area. These horses
will make you feel safe and secure.
Most of them are related in some way or the other.
There are 6 Quarter Horses, 1 Appaloosa, 2 Paints, 1 Freiberger, 4 Cross-breeds
Riding pace and comments
One of the big attractions of this trail are the semi-wild horses. If possible, we will try a round-up.
On Wednesday we usually canter many times in the valleys and on the high-lands. Friday after lunch there are also several canters in a plain.
Tack
Western saddles -- 5 hackamore bosals, 2 snaffle bits, 7 broken curb bits
All saddles have a little saddle bag on the horn. There are about 6 extra rain coats which can be borrowed. First come, first served!
Helmet / hard hat
Although the Italian law does not
require that riders wear helmets, we would appreciate it very much if
you bring and wear a riding helmet.
Riding hours:
You ride 5 to 7 hours per full riding day.
Maximum weight
The landscape is mountainous. The hours in the saddle are many. This means hard work for the horses.
The
weight limit is 90 kg / 200 lbs. Sometimes we can accept a rider who
weighs a few kilos/pounds more. This depends on his/her height,
experience, composition of the group and the program. Only 3
bigger/stronger horses are available.
Age:
The minimum age is 12 years if accompanied by an adult, otherwise it is 16.
Number of Riders:
The
minimum is 6 riders and the maximum is 10. Should the minimum of 6
riders not be reached ... we will offer an alternate itinerary (then
minimum is of 2).
Fund for refreshments and snacks:
For the trek we collect Euro 30 per person to go into a mutual fund for
refreshments on our way plus drinks and snacks other than at meals.
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
As
a result of environmental differences between the coastline and the
inland mountains, and varying distances from the sea, the climate has a
wide range of characteristics, from the typically maritime (modest
variations in temperature, mild weather in all seasons, scarce
precipitations) to the continental characteristics of the mountainous
interior (marked differences in temperature in contrasting seasons and
between day and night, heavy precipitations, including snow, up to over
2,500 mm./year, at higher altitudes). Rainfall is most frequent and
heaviest in late autumn and early spring, though of short duration, but
lasts longer in winter, with peak levels in November and the lowest
levels in July.
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Av high temp (°C) |
11 |
12 |
14 |
18 |
22 |
26 |
29 |
29 |
25 |
21 |
16 |
12 |
| Av low temp (°C) |
2 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
11 |
15 |
17 |
17 |
14 |
11 |
8 |
3 |
| Sunlight hours |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
| Rainfall mm |
55 |
53 |
63 |
55 |
35 |
44 |
34 |
54 |
61 |
74 |
71 |
77 |
Here are some basic things for you to consider packing
- make sure you bring warm clothing (even in late spring/summer):
• riding cap or hat
• trousers or jeans without thick seams
• shoes/boots with solid profile
• warm clothing (nights are chilly in the mountains, even in summer!)
• (long) chaps
• rain wear
• gloves
• pocket-knife
• flashlight
• sun-glasses
• suncream
• camera
• personal medication (if any)
• comfortable shoes (for the evenings)
• paper tissues
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
On Saturday, Sunday and Friday (Day 1, 2 and 7) the riders stay
overnight at the farm where your hosts will be preparing for you some
delicious home cooking. Italian
born and native Carmine and his Dutch wife Astrid welcome you in their
farm house, dating from 1885 and is at an elevation of about 3,000
feet. The house is at the edge of a forest and overlooks a beautiful
valley. The nearest neighbors live in Carovilli, a little village 4
miles away. You will spend 3 nights in total here. The
house is not that big or luxurious, but is very comfortable and clean. It makes for a lovely intimate home for up to 8 riders at a time. It was completely
renovated in 2003. Upstairs there is one private room with a double bed and downstairs is a dormitory style accommodatons with four single beds and one double bed. The first couple who book
will get the room upstairs - first come, first serve basis! Other riders will be divided over the
dormitory. There are two bathrooms with all the modern conveniences. The living-room has a nice fireplace, a piano and a
bookcase.
If you do prefer more privacy on these days, we can arrange for a room (with private bath) in the nearby B&B (8 minutes drive by car) with a supplemental charge - transfers are provided. Or if you are the last riders to book (numbers 9 and 10) ypu will be accommodated there as well and will have to pay this supplement.
Monday: Staying overnight at an “Agriturismo”. Double rooms. Dinner will be here as well. Horses stay next to the house.
Tuesday: Staying overnight at a rustic mountain lodge. It is a little stone house with 2 toilets and 1 shower. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms. Here single rooms are impossible! It is dormitory style! Most riders love the mountain lodge. It is not very luxurious, but cosy. And the horses will be left in the garden. Over here the group always becomes a team. Some riders go and look for wood. There is only hot water if you make a fire in the fire-place. Others help feeding the horses, preparing dinner, a.s.o. Weather permitting, you can sleep outside on the veranda and watch the many stars.
Wednesday: Same as Tuesday
Thursday: Cozy hotel. Double rooms. Dinner will be downstairs in the restaurant.
Meals
Meals are served on
the terrace or in the kitchen and in restaurants during the trek.
You can be assured that at all these destinations you will be comfortable and very well fed.
The food is wonderful with great care being taken to provide local specialties cooked with fresh ingredients. Vegetarians and those with special diets can be catered for with prior notice. Carmine used to own a restaurant and this is apparent from the wonderful recipes he shares with his guests. You may be lucky and find that Astrid will let you have these recipes when you leave! Astrid's tiramisu is the very best.
Breakfast is usually 'continental'. Expect a lot of delicious pasta, salads, cheese and bread. You will also taste the juiciest, sweetest tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, tasty salami and other delights like tiramisu and fresh peaches. Lunchtime often consists of salami, cheese and bread for a picnic style lunch, accompanied with a glass of crisp wine.
Wines and beers are included during meals. All other drinks must be paid for, unless the hosts arrange a 'fuondo casa' which is like a kitty. A share of this is usually about 30€ for the week and covers extra drinks, ice creams etc.
You will never go hungry here! Our own testers called the food 'imaginative and delectable' and 'original and sumptuous'!.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
|
Western tack
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Quarter, Appaloosa, Paint and cross breeds. 1 Freiberger
|
|
Pace:
|
|
All paces. 5 to 7 hrs in the saddle on most days. Due to the mountainous terrain there are also long stretches of walking.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
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|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
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Max
10 riders
|
|
Horses
Most of
the horses are Quarter Horses and Paints. The horses have been selected
for their character and looks. They are intelligent and easy-going. All
year long they live in the paddocks around the house. This natural way
of life makes them happy horses. They were all born in the mountains.
Therefore they are very reliable in this mountaineous area. These horses
will make you feel safe and secure.
Most of them are related in some way or the other.
There are 6 Quarter Horses, 1 Appaloosa, 2 Paints, 1 Freiberger, 4 Cross-breeds
Riding pace and comments
One of the big attractions of this trail are the semi-wild horses. If possible, we will try a round-up.
On Wednesday we usually canter many times in the valleys and on the high-lands. Friday after lunch there are also several canters in a plain.
Tack
Western saddles -- 5 hackamore bosals, 2 snaffle bits, 7 broken curb bits
All saddles have a little saddle bag on the horn. There are about 6 extra rain coats which can be borrowed. First come, first served!
Helmet / hard hat
Although the Italian law does not
require that riders wear helmets, we would appreciate it very much if
you bring and wear a riding helmet.
Riding hours:
You ride 5 to 7 hours per full riding day.
Maximum weight
The landscape is mountainous. The hours in the saddle are many. This means hard work for the horses.
The
weight limit is 90 kg / 200 lbs. Sometimes we can accept a rider who
weighs a few kilos/pounds more. This depends on his/her height,
experience, composition of the group and the program. Only 3
bigger/stronger horses are available.
Age:
The minimum age is 12 years if accompanied by an adult, otherwise it is 16.
Number of Riders:
The
minimum is 6 riders and the maximum is 10. Should the minimum of 6
riders not be reached ... we will offer an alternate itinerary (then
minimum is of 2).
Fund for refreshments and snacks:
For the trek we collect Euro 30 per person to go into a mutual fund for
refreshments on our way plus drinks and snacks other than at meals.
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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Colle dell'Orso - through the Valley of the Bear
Tour Code:
IT-ITVB01
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,295.00
Dates :
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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