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Horseback riding tours
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Western Riding in Tuscany
Tuscany
Italy
A ride through the history and nature of Tuscany...
The mystical beauty of the hill country surrounding Florence has always been a special place. For those that wish to explore beautiful the beautiful region on horseback, but prefer a Western style of riding, we have put together these most relaxing and lovely treks that explore the Chianti, Monte Giovi mountain range and many of the vineyards in the vicinity of Florence. The villa offers horse lovers a typical farmhouse made of stone, surrounded by verdant green pastures and the beautiful Tuscan olive groves from which the farm makes their own olive oil. The house originated from a watch tower which once belonged to the Guidi Counts during the 11th Century and guests are welcomed into a friendly, calm and relaxed country atmosphere, far removed from the formality of hotels in the city. Combining a relaxing Western equestrian experience with the wonderful and rustic ambiance of the farm and the excellent Tuscan style Italian cuisine - you will be delighted in every sense during your stay!
Our partner has organized popular riding holidays for over 20 years now. Franco Melis – a skilled guide and horseman with many years of experience – runs this beautiful estate situated in the Italian province of Pontassieve, only 20 kilometres from Florence. The centre is well known in Italy and throughout Europe for its quality horses and guides. His rides take place in the midst of their typical Tuscan countryside - olives, vines and woods surrounding charming farms, villas, and ancient towers and castles. You can opt for daily "star rides", the stationary program, or a combination of 3 days at the farm followed by a 3 day trek creating a progressive itinerary.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Pontassieve Riding Center
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Airport:
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Florence
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Transfer:
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Pontassieve at 4:30pm or Florence
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations (5 nights in private double occupancy rooms with shared bath at riding center and 2 nights at local farmhouse inns on the trail), all meals with table wine, 1 wine tasting, 6 horse riding days of different lengths (2 to 6 hours in saddle per day)
| A | 2013 | AP, MONTE GIOVI TRAIL | 8d / 7n | €905 | $1180 |
| Single rooms are on request only, please inquire | €0 | $0 |
| B | 2013 | AP, COLLINE DI FIESOLE | 8d / 7n | €975 | $1270 |
| Single rooms are on request only, please inquire | €0 | $0 |
| C | 2013 | AP, VALLOMBROSA | 8d / 7n | €865 | $1125 |
| Single rooms are on request only, please inquire | €0 | $0 |
Rates Note:
Single rooms are on special request only and may not be available at all the accommodations, so please inquire first for availability and cost!
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Pontassieve train station at 4:30PM, with return (rate per person)
- to be paid locally
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€
35
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$50
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2013
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Private taxi transfer from Florence airport, one way (rate per car and approximate)
- to be paid locally
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€
90
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$120
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2013
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Private taxi transfer from Pisa airport, one way (rate per car and approximate)
- to be paid locally
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€
160
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$205
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Group transfer from Pontassieve station (take the Florence-Arezzo-Rome train service) at 4:30PM on Saturday afternoon. Please confirm transfer by telephone when you arrive to the Florence train station before getting on the train. Pontassieve station it is only a 15 minute drive!
Private taxi transfers can be arranged from both the Florence and Pisa airports at extra cost. It is about a 1 hour drive from the Florence airport and 2 - 3 hours drive from the Pisa airport. Rates subject to change, please inquire on a per individual booking basis!
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| B |
2013
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05/18
- 05/25
|
8d / 7n
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AP, COLLINE DI FIESOLE
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1
/12
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Expired
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| B |
2013
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05/25
- 06/01
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8d / 7n
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AP, COLLINE DI FIESOLE
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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06/08
- 06/15
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8d / 7n
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AP, VALLOMBROSA
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| C |
2013
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06/15
- 06/22
|
8d / 7n
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AP, VALLOMBROSA
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/07
- 09/14
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8d / 7n
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AP, MONTE GIOVI TRAIL
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1
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/14
- 09/21
|
8d / 7n
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AP, MONTE GIOVI TRAIL
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1
/12
|
Reserve
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Depending on the dates that you travel, your ride will follow one of three trails.
The trails are structured so that Saturday through Tuesday include 3 days of riding in the surrounding hills and a return to the center for a lovely Tuscan dinner with Chianti wines. Then you take off for a 3 day trek across country with 2 overnights at local country inns or villas.
The Treks
Trekking groups consist of between 6 and 9 people and are accompanied by a guide over the entire journey, and another one that rejoins them in the evening with the luggage and necessary equipment. Each day we cover between 25 and 30 kilometres, averaging 5-7 hours per day, including a stop for a lunch which is prepared fresh each morning and carried in saddlebags. The riders sleep in typical, clean and well kept farmhouses, and in the evening enjoy a meal of traditional local dishes. In some of these houses double rooms are available - in others, the rooms are multiple. The horses stay in paddocks or stables close by.
| Saturday |
Settling in dinner |
| Sunday |
2 hours riding - lesson and hack |
| Monday |
2 hours riding |
| Tuesday |
2 hours riding |
| Wednesday |
trek |
| Thursday |
trek |
| Friday |
trek |
| Saturday |
farewell and departure |
Here are the three progressive trail options:
MONTE GIOVI TRAIL
The Monte Giovi is a mountain range in the vicinity of Florence, which reaches an altitude of 982 metres. Thanks to both its extraordinary natural beauty and the historical sources dating from Etruscan and Roman times up until the recent partisan war found here, Monte Giovi is one of the most valued beauty spots in Tuscany. The name comes from Latin, being the Sacred Mountain dedicated to Jupiter. The Monte Giovi is a national Park with a protected area of 19,000 hectares.
Trail: On Wednesday you will set off for the trek, on horseback all day and provided with a packed lunch. The night will be spent in a farmhouse situated in the mountain forests. Passing through the Chianti vineyards of the beautiful Vetrice villa, we follow the River Sieve past the village of Rufina - famous for its wines - and forge the river twice. On the middle day you climb to the top of the mountain range along age-old wooded paths and on reaching the top will be astounded by breath-taking views of the whole of the Chianti valley, the valley of the Arno and of Mugello. The trek back to Vallebona is a dive into the landscapes and nature of a Tuscany unknown to mass tourism but rich with pleasant surprises.
VALLOMBROSA FOREST TRAIL
During the Vallombrosa - The Forest Trail we will reach the forest of Vallombrosa, one of the finest and most complete forest ecosystem of Tuscany where we will visit the imposing Abbey of Vallombrosa (from 1008). We will climb up to 1450m to the peak of the Pratomagno Mountains with magnificent scenery. We’ll admire villages, castles and little churches, historical and artistic heritage of this side of Tuscany.
Trail: On Wednesday we will set off for the trek, on horseback all day and provided with a packed lunch. We leave from Vallebona riding further the villa of Grignano we forge the River Sieve close the ruins of the old roman bridge. Passing through the Chianti vineyards of villa Selvapiana and the beautiful castle of Nipozzano, famous for its wines, then we reach in the afternoon the forest of Consuma, after passing by the castle of Ristonchi. The night will be spent at Podernuovo situated in the mountain forests, property of a composer and conductor who gives us hospitality in his charming villa dated Napoleon age, where a music school is organised. The place is simple and charming, with familiar and typical cuisine.
Thursday from Podernuovo we climb to Monte Secchieta and stop for overlooking to the large windy meadows of the peak of the Pratomagno 1450m to admire the spectacular sightseen on whole Tuscany.
We’ll stop for the picnic in the secular woods of Vallombrosa, one of the biggest forests of Europe, beautiful and luxuriant of oaks, firs, and beech, close to a refreshing spring. We arrive for visiting at the impressive Abbey of Vallombrosa. The monastery was founded by the monk Giovanni Gualberto in 1008, and is enriched with many works of art.
Back to Podernuovo through the heart of the forest - of 1200 hectares rich of plants and animals with the highest trees (Douglasie) of Europe: 60 meters!
Friday morning on the way to Vallebona through the old village of Castelnuovo close to the chapel of Tosina, -sec. XI- we arrive at the lake of Falgano where will have the picnic and a swim.
Saturday: after breakfast, "Goodbyes" and departures.
COLLINE DI FIESOLE TRAIL
A trek, which passes over the Tuscany hills, through ancient vineyards and olive groves, with visits to traditional wine cellars. This trek is based very much on the area surrounding Vallebona, in the centre of the Rufina and Pomino Chianti wine area. It is an ideal small trek, also for those who wish to combine riding with rest, sport with culture.
Trail: Wednesday will see the start of the trekking, with all-day rides and pauses for picnic lunch. You will stay overnight in a charming "Agriturismo" belonging to friends of ours, in a perfect farming style, situated 10km from Fiesole.
During the trek you will visit the famous Villa Demidoff and its monumental Park, and stop for lunch at Castello del Trebbio, where we will also visit the cellars for a "wine tasting".
Stationary Riding Weeks, also known as Star Ride Weeks:
The week program with all meals and 18 hours of riding consists of a daily ride of 2 hours each in the first 3 days of your stay Sunday - Monday - Tuesday. Then in the last 3 days - Wednesday -Thursday - Friday - there will be 4 hours of riding a day.
Sample Program
Saturday: Settling in, dinner
Sunday: 2 hours riding - lesson and hack
Monday: 2 hours riding
Tuesday: 2 hours riding
Wednesday: 4 hours riding
Thursday: 4 hours riding
Friday: 4 hours riding
Saturday: farewell and departure
Beginners will learn to:
· groom and saddle western horse
· handle the horse in a safety way
· walk beside the horse when needed
· mount and dismount unassisted
· walk trot and canter
· hack
Advanced riders with learn:
· to saddle western horses
· typical western paces like jog and canter
· various exercises on circles, bending and changing direction
· Hacking in the country-side
· On Friday you can enjoy a day trip with with a stop for a picnic lunch. (4 hrs included - cost per extra hour 15 Euro). The day trip will not take place in case of bad weather or without enough riders.
Lessons
Riding lessons conducted in English, German and Italian are organized according to experience. We have a large outdoor school: 35x75 m: sand, well drained. Our arena is a "panorama viewpoint" overlooking the valley. The riding-instructor rides during the lesson, to demonstrate the paces and exercises and help the riders. The first Riding-Lesson is an introduction in our way of riding, preparation for the following hacking and handling of our horses. We start with mounting in a sure and correct way. During the lesson we will work out the several paces, how to stop and start them, rising trot and balance just standing up. Preparation for hacking in the country-side and how to do uphill and downhill riding. If the pace will change during the hack you will be informed and you will have the time to prepare yourself. The guests will be prepared especially in how to sit in balance to the typical western paces like walk, jog and canter, exercises on circles, bending and changing direction. All exercises and lessons will prepare you to in the countryside our goal is for you to discover Tuscany in a pleasant way.
Rides
The pace is adapted to the trails: moderate in general, with trot, canters and gallops when possible. The countryside is varied and spectacular, the rides are very different like riding through olive groves and vineyards or climbing up the hills with forest of cypresses and pines, cantering along the river etc. We are insured for our responsibility during the rides, but all riders must have their own insurance to cover accident damages to themselves and to others. First aid for humans and horses is part of the ability of our professional licensed guide. 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. Riders must be able to mount and dismount unassisted and to walk beside the horse when needed.
The riding center is only 20km from Florence and guests can easily take advantage of the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cities of art in the world. Alternatively you can relax in the countryside or go for a short walk and swim in the nearby swimming pool, or visit other ancient towns and villages of Tuscany.
Visit to cellars and wine tasting in the neighborhood.
Meeting:
Pontassieve Riding Center
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Pontassieve train station
Transfer:
Pontassieve at 4:30pm or Florence
Distance:
12 miles
Group transfer from Pontassieve station (take the Florence-Arezzo-Rome train service) at 4:30PM on Saturday afternoon. Please confirm transfer by telephone when you arrive to the Florence train station before getting on the train. Pontassieve station it is only a 15 minute drive!
Private taxi transfers can be arranged from both the Florence and Pisa airports at extra cost. It is about a 1 hour drive from the Florence airport and 2 - 3 hours drive from the Pisa airport. Rates subject to change, please inquire on a per individual booking basis!
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Tack:
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Western, (English sadle is available)
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Horses:
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Italian breeds (Maremma and Sardinian)
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots and canters
4 -5 hours daily
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
198 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
12 riders
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The well-being and sound preparation of our horses is of prime importance to us. Our
horses are capable of teaching basic skills to absolute beginners as
well as being able to accompany and entertain more advanced riders. Vallebona 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.
The 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. You may use a variety of horses throughout the holiday or chose to stay with one favorite, it is up to you!
Western-style here is predominant, although English is also available.
There is a large outdoor riding arena (35 meters by 75 meters). The arena is a panoramic viewpoint and overlooks the Val de Sieve. Riding lessons are available in English, German and Italian. The lessons are organizes according to experience.
Trekking groups consist of between 6 and 9 people and are accompanied by a guide over the whole journey, and another one that rejoins them in the evening with the rucksacks and necessary equipment.. Each day we cover between 25 and 30 kilometers, averaging 5-7 hours per day, including a stop for a lunch which is prepared fresh each morning and carried in saddlebags. During our overnight stays on the trek the horses stay in paddocks or stables close by.
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
The center is located 372 meters above sea level, so it is cooler on summer evenings and then not too chilly in the winter. The highest expected temperatures in the peak of summer may reach 33 C / 91 C and the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter could see 0 C / 32 F. Most rainfall occurs in Spring and Fall.
What To Bring – recommended!
* 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.
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.
..view other reports for different trips
The country estate offers horse lovers a typical charming stone farmhouse surrounded by green pastures and beautiful olive groves from which the center makes its own olive oil. The house is a refurbished watch tower which once belonged to the Guidi Counts in the 11th century. Guests are welcomed into a friendly, calm and relaxed atmosphere.
There are six bedrooms, each with two or more beds. The rustic rooms are very spacious – typical of old Tuscan rural homes. There are three bathrooms to share between the rooms.
All guests dine together, either indoors or on the outside terrace that offers stunning views of the Florentine countryside. Available is a wide variety of authentic Tuscan country cooking, and the cook, a Tuscan woman named Luisa, is always happy to satisfy the culinary wishes of the guests. The center is renowned for its great range of pasta dishes and the tables are never lacking in olive oil or flasks of Chianti! We plan every meal balancing them with different typical recipes and the seasonal genuine ingredients. The menu is simple and tasty!
When you are not riding you can relax in the green surrounding at the center or walk up to Camorli (2.5 km) and relax at the pool!
During the cross country trekking riders sleep in typical, clean and well kept farmhouses, and in the evening enjoy a meal of traditional local dishes. In some of these houses double rooms are available. Bathrooms are on a shared basis. One overnight on the "Vallombrosa Trail" is in a very rustic setting, but it makes up for it with its charming owner and conductor of classical music. This is not a trail for people looking for luxury, but you will love the genuine atmosphere so typical of Tuscany.
The riding center is 20 km/12.5 miles from the center of Florence, so you can easily visit one of the most famous art centers in the world during the week.
A one hour drive away are the famous cities of Arezzo, San Gimignano, Siena.
The closest village is Pontassieve - 6 km - with a colorful market on Wednesday morning.
Our hosts belong to the Strade del vino Chianti Rufina: we suggest to visit the cellars with wine tasting in the neighborhood.
Shopping is available at outlets with many famous Italian brands, half an hour drive.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western, (English sadle is available)
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Italian breeds (Maremma and Sardinian)
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters
4 -5 hours daily
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
10
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
198 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
The well-being and sound preparation of our horses is of prime importance to us. Our
horses are capable of teaching basic skills to absolute beginners as
well as being able to accompany and entertain more advanced riders. Vallebona 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.
The 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. You may use a variety of horses throughout the holiday or chose to stay with one favorite, it is up to you!
Western-style here is predominant, although English is also available.
There is a large outdoor riding arena (35 meters by 75 meters). The arena is a panoramic viewpoint and overlooks the Val de Sieve. Riding lessons are available in English, German and Italian. The lessons are organizes according to experience.
Trekking groups consist of between 6 and 9 people and are accompanied by a guide over the whole journey, and another one that rejoins them in the evening with the rucksacks and necessary equipment.. Each day we cover between 25 and 30 kilometers, averaging 5-7 hours per day, including a stop for a lunch which is prepared fresh each morning and carried in saddlebags. During our overnight stays on the trek the horses stay in paddocks or stables close by.
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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Western Riding in Tuscany
Tour Code:
IT-ITVALCH
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,180.00
Dates :
May to Sept
Trip Rating :
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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