In the midst of an atmospheric and unique natural landscape, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies an ancient estate and adjoining riding stables under German management. Here you can explore Tuscany as you know it from guidebooks and postcards on safe, all-terrain horses. The Orcia Valley and the Crete Senesi south of Siena offer a mixture of culture and nature. Rolling hills covered with rich vegetation, including vineyards, olive groves, cypresses, beech and chestnut trees, interrupted by ancient estates, castles and medieval fortresses: a unique, enchanted landscape that will immediately captivate you! In keeping with the slow travel - slow food motto, your hosts will introduce you to the beauty of the landscape and the enormous variety of local products during the rides. The excellent produce, such as the high-quality truffles and countless fine wines, e.g. the excellent Brunello di Montalcino, the tasty Pecorino cheese and the many types of honey produced here, are truly something special. During the rides, you will encounter typical farm animals such as the Cinta Senese (a cross between wild and domestic pigs, kept exclusively free-range in the forest) or the large, white Chianina cattle.

Itinerary

Riding programme: Lessons are based on the principles of classical riding and aim to teach students about horses and the basics of gymnastic training. The goal is to have a healthy, happy horse that is easy to ride and moves confidently and fearlessly in the countryside. A 20 m x 40 m riding arena with panoramic views, a covered 12 m x 20 m arena and a round pen are used for lessons and horse training. The riding stable, which is located in the middle of beautiful rolling countryside and is an ideal starting point for long and short rides. Relaxing day rides and brisk cross-country rides are available.

Riding package: This offer is aimed at both experienced riders and those who are returning to riding and would like to enjoy peaceful rides in beautiful countryside. A total of 12 riding lessons, including 2 hours of lessons on request to prepare for the rides or to iron out any problems in the terrain.
The package also includes three 2-hour rides and a half-day ride. On the shorter rides, you will explore the picturesque surroundings of the Arbia Valley. You will experience the atmospheric hilly landscape of the Crete Senesi, pass typical romantic farmhouses, cypress avenues and small lakes. Or how about a night ride under the full moon or at sunset, followed by an aperitif in the castle park? The half-day ride takes you across wide fields and meadows, past castles and medieval fortresses. After a magnificent gallop along a long chain of hills, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Orcia Valley! The ride continues through forests along hidden paths, past the imposing castle of Castelnuovo Tancredi and along the game reserves of the estate. The return route finally takes you along well-maintained paths through the vineyards.

Trekking riding package: For advanced riders (minimum 2 people). The approx. 22 hours of riding in the countryside are usually divided into 2 full-day rides, 1 half-day ride and 3 approx. 2-hour rides. The shorter rides and the half-day ride correspond to the programme in the riding package.
There are also two day rides, with the following routes:

The ride In the footsteps of the Etruscans takes you to the Merse Valley. You start off riding along wide farm tracks past cornfields and green meadows. Soon you come to Castel Rosi. This romantic 16th-century castle is still inhabited by its owners and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The ride continues across wide fields and along winding paths, while the landscape around you slowly becomes wilder. At lunchtime, you will reach La Befa, a tiny village near Murlo, known for its Etruscan museum and archaeological sites. The wild forest and river landscape and the unique vegetation of this region have a very special charm. You will cross a stream several times before enjoying your saddlebag picnic on the riverbank. Afterwards, you will be refreshed and ready to get back in the saddle and head back to the riding stable.
The Crete Senesi day ride takes you through the breathtaking hilly landscape south of Siena. This extremely interesting part of Tuscany is famous for the play of light and the special colours of the earth. Gentle hills, cypress-lined avenues, old monasteries and churches, but also grazing sheep and truffle reserves can be found here. On the way, you will also pass the almost deserted, enchanted village of Monterongriffoli and the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where Gregorian chants can still be heard in the evening. In the medieval village of Chiusure, perched high on a hill, you can try hand-rolled pici in a typical trattoria or enjoy a picnic in the olive grove. After so many impressions of nature and culture, you will return to the riding stable.
The Montalcino day ride takes you to the vineyards of the famous Brunello di Montalcino. First, you will explore the rolling hills. Wide fields invite you to gallop to the majestic medieval fortress of La Torre. Then it's uphill, with countless vineyards lining your path. Always in view: picturesque Montalcino, majestically enthroned above the hills. The area is a mecca for wine lovers: along the way you will find small and large wineries, castles, fortresses and old farmhouses. Before heading back home, you can take a break and sample some regional specialities, accompanied by a glass of fine wine, of course!

Horse riding package for beginners/children: For beginners and children, there is a short horse riding package with 8 hours of lessons, most of which take place in the riding arena. Depending on the circumstances, a first ride out is also possible.Other activities: In addition to horse riding, there are endless other leisure activities on offer: several beautiful thermal baths built around natural mineral springs offer extensive care and beauty programmes. Freely accessible natural stone pools can be found almost everywhere, the most beautiful ones in Bagno Vignoni and Bagno S.Filippo (15-20 km away). Medieval towns and villages such as Siena (25 km), Montalcino (12 km) and Pienza (25 km) invite you to stroll around. Book a wine tasting, a cooking class or go truffle hunting with a local guide! If you're feeling sporty, hop on a bike or put on your hiking boots and follow the ancient, well-marked trails that once led pilgrims from Canterbury to Rome. If you enjoy painting or photography, the unique light effects in the middle of the Crete Senesi offer inspiring motifs that have attracted artists from all over the world for hundreds of years. There's something for everyone here!

Accomodation
The property: The ancient farmhouse, with a spectacular view of Montalcino and Monte Amiata, is located in the Senese hinterland, on a natural terrace in a secluded position. The farm, with a total area of 70 hectares, produces animal feed, olive oil and runs a Cinta pig farm (see above) as well as forestry and cereal cultivation. The landlord is not only a farmer, but also an artist known for his whimsical sculptures made from scrap metal. In addition to horses, five donkeys also live at farm , which sometimes by for breakfast.

The accommodation: On the second floor of the farmhouse there are 4 double rooms with private bathroom and WC and a wonderful view. They are tastefully furnished in Tuscan style and equipped with a small fridge. Guests have access to a cozy common room with a fireplace and TV, where you can also enjoy a hearty Italian breakfast. 
The apartments, some in the main house and some in the former hayloft, have a breathtaking panoramic view, their own entrance and an outdoor seating area. The apartments are equipped with a TV, washing machine and heating, so that they are also comfortable in winter. For groups of up to 13 people, upon request offers a spacious villa with several bedrooms and plenty of comfort. It is located on a secluded hill with 360° views. All guests have access to a beautiful pool with a view (usually open from 01.04.-31.10.).

Catering: The double rooms in the main building include breakfast. The Italian breakfast is rich and consists of homemade or local products, which are also sold directly. The apartments are self-catering, but you can book breakfast on request.

Saddle & Tack: English trekking saddles and bridle, Western saddles upon request.

Experience: You should be confident in all gaits for the rides. If you have little trail experience, book the riding package for rides. Children and beginners book the small package with 8 hours of lessons.

Horses: Around 20 horses of various breeds, including Shetland ponies and double ponies, Anglo-Arabians, Maremmanos, Sicilians and Spanish mixes. The horses spend most of their time in the herd on large pastures and are only stabled in bad weather.