Italy, Florence
Franco has been hosting riders for more than 20 years, and has become well known both in Italy and other countries for his quality horses and experienced guides. Franco is a skilled guide and horseman with years of experience as a horse trainer and riding instructor. The horses are very well trained and ridden in the western style. The farm is located in the middle of typical Tuscan countryside with olive groves, vineyards and woods surrounding the old courtyards, towers and castles. The farm is traditionally Tuscan, with a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The farm offers horse lovers a wonderful setting with its typical stone house surrounded by green pastures and the beautiful olive groves, and you can even make your own olive oil. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and relaxed, far from a formal hotel.
Here you can choose a week-long farm program with 12 or 18 hours riding. You arrive on Saturday and familiarize yourself with the farm and greet the horses. Sunday begins with a lesson, allowing you and the horse to understand each other, and you get insight into how Franco's western-oriented riding philosophy works. The day continues with a ride in the surrounding countryside.
When not riding you can relax with walks in the surrounding area, you can walk a short distance to a nice swimming pool or visit Florence, Siena or San Giminiano. It is recommended to take a car, but it is also possible to organize a taxi.
Program
During this week you combine riding with basic western lessons. It is a flexible program where you can also a take a side trip to Florence or other nearby places of interest.
- 12-hour horse riding / week
You have a lesson in the morning and ride in the afternoon, or just take a 2-hour ride depending on your riding experience. You can book extra riding hours on location if you want to ride more. It costs EUR 20 / hour and is payable locally. On Friday, you head off on an all-day ride of 4-6 hours with a stop for a picnic lunch or lunch at a restaurant (the lunch at restaurant is not included in the price). The all-day ride is weather permitting and if enough guests want to ride.
- 18-hour horse riding / week
The same program as above but more riding hours. For example, the first three days you ride 2 hours / day and on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 hours / day. On Friday, there will be a full-day of 4-6 hour ride with a picnic lunch or lunch at a restaurant (the lunch at restaurant is not included in the price). The all-day ride is weather permitting and if enough guests want to ride.
If the number riding hours during the week exceeds 12 or 18 hours (subject to the program) you will pay extra on location, 20 EUR/hour.
New Year
New Year's Eve week with 12 hours riding and New Year's Eve Special dinner with many delicious courses, torchlight on horseback at midnight, then party. On the first day of the year you have a longer ride, with a picnic break in the meadows, a great way to start the new year.
Accommodation & Food
The farm has spacious double rooms with shower/wc. Single rooms can be booked at extra cost.
Safe deposit box: Yes in office
A/C: Yes
Hair Dryer: No
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No
Everyone eats together, either indoors or on the terrace with a nice view of the surroundings. The good food is a variation of Tuscany's good home cooking, and the chef will do all he can to satisfy all requests. Meals often include different kinds of pasta dishes, and the table never lacks olive oil or a good wine. The breakfast normally consists of coffee, tea, milk, yoghurt, muesli, fresh bread, marmalade. Dinners often start with two different pasta dishes (eg broccoli or tomatoes, olives, parsley and olive oil) or lasagna with pesto tortellini with creamy sauce. It then continues with meat, duck or chicken, served according to Tuscan tradition. It is often served with zucchini, carrot and peppers with aubergines. The dinner ends with a homemade dessert. The menu changes subject to the tastes and flavors of the season.
Horses
There are about 30 horses and most are of Italian descent (Maremma, Sardi). All are very well trained on the farm. The horses are well balanced and live naturally outdoors in herds. There are quiet horses for less experienced riders and livelier horses for those who wish. You will use Western saddles with loose reins.
Climate
Autumn / spring about + 20-25 ° C (68-77 F). Even in winter it will often be about + 20 ° C (68 F) when the sun is shining, but it can also snow.
Travel Information
Ability description: Level, trail ride 1-3 >>
Included in the price: 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. red wine with meals.
Not included: Flights, transfers, insurance, local tax, drinks and extras not mentioned.
Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Flight: To Florence or Pisa.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay on spot.
From Florence airport about 47 km. Taxi Price: ca. 100-120 EUR one way for 1-2 persons.
From Pontassieve train station, about 9km from riding centre. Pick up around 4.30 pm on Saturday.
Price: 55 EUR return/person.
Train: From Florence to Pontassieve (end destinations Arezzo or Rome). See trainTreinItalia here>>
Rental car: If you want to explore the surroundings or come by flight to another airport, we recommend you to rent a car.
Riding: 2-3 hours/day, western, outdoor rides and lessons with the same accommodation throughout the week
Season: All year round. Low season between Feb - May and Oct - Dec. High season in the period May - September.
Single rooms: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will apply.
Currency: Euro
Credit card: Possible at riding center (except american express), small expences is preferably being paid with cash.
Tipping: Not expected.
Tourist tax: "Imposta di soggiorno" is 7 EUR/week/person which will apply and is payable directly on site. Children under 16 do not pay tourist tax.
Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: 220V, adapters are available.
Group size: 1-8 persons.
Age limit: 10 years
Viktgräns: 80 kg
Closest village: 1 km away where there are restaurants and pubs, bigger town is 7 km away. There are lot of special sightseeings in the surroundings, usually a car is needed.
Beach: No
Pool: Yes waling distance, open may-september.
Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet and rain jacket.
Saddle bag available: Yes
Special diet: Inform when booking.
Feedback from our travellers
"Fantastic Food and Lovely Atmosphere!"
"Fantastic food – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great guides and lovely riding paths. Very good, kind, and calm horses. A family-like atmosphere. We are very happy and would love to come back!"
– Lowe Westlund
"A Perfect Riding Holiday!"
"Varied riding through amazing landscapes on well-cared-for horses, gourmet food, great accommodation, and genuine care from all the staff in everything they did!"
– Carita Henning Landstedt
"Delicious Food and Beautiful Landscapes!"
"Very good food! The chef arranged alternatives to meat without any issue. Always good wine with meals and dessert in the evening. What a landscape! You can’t get enough of it, with wonderful rides around the farm. Lovely people, fantastic horses! Great information on the website! It matched well with how I experienced the farm. I will definitely return to Raimonda and Franco in Italy, but of course, I want to explore more countries from horseback."
– Moa Sobelius
"Incredible Riding and Food!"
"Extremely good! Simple breakfast, but the late lunch and very late dinner were always incredibly delicious! Pasta twice a day, but so tasty! The trail rides were a true joy with their varied surroundings. Well-trained, safe horses, there’s something for everyone. I will definitely return to experience the warmth, the atmosphere, and the food again, as well as learn more about the Western style they teach."
– Janina Råstedt
"Well-cared-for Horses and Delicious Food!"
"The horses were very well cared for and secure, which was comforting since the rides sometimes went through tough terrain. The food was very good, and the long rides were varied and exciting. I really enjoy discovering a new country on horseback. I’m already looking forward to my next trip to Portugal."
– Monica Nilsson
"Charming Old House and Beautiful Tuscan Food!"
"Beautiful old house! Simple but very cozy. Very good Tuscan food. Lovely moments around meals where everyone gathered, both guests, staff, and the family. The horses seemed very happy, had great temperaments, and were lively and kind. Felt very secure. A fantastic adventure!"
– Annika Gustavsson
Similar tours
Italy - Lazio Castle Ride
Italy - Tuscany
Spain, Mallorca – Dressage, Jumping & Trail Rides
Ireland, Galway - Cross-Country Riding
France - Lot Valley
