Horseback ride on the beach in Italy

What a beautiful day at the beach! What is more thrilling than galloping along a white deserted beach on the sparkling green Med?  This morning we packed up the horses and headed toward the protected natural park at Cala Violina.  With three amazing clients, Andrea on his mountain bike, and me with our smallest horse, Gina, we set out through the beautiful Mediterranean landscape toward the sea. 

After a refreshing gallop along the shore and some splashing in the waves, we met a group of hungry Italians for an amazing lunch by the sea. They told us fantastic stories about their adventures and mountain bike tours through Tuscany.

And there was wine, of course!  Then it was time for some bareback fun with the horses.  Our friend Barbara took a swim with the haflinger Asia. Everyone had a good laugh at the poor Italian girl who was quite surprised to see a horse go galloping by while she was sunbathing.  I wish I could have seen her face! 

On the ride back, the warm sun was shining and a cool breeze kept us totally comfortable.  In the Park of Cala Violina, the atmosphere is tranquil; the only sounds are the birds and the waves. There is something sublime about sand and sun, friends, beautiful weather and horse riding in Italy. Che bella l’Italia!!

Horseback ride to Tuscanys famous mines of Gerfalco

 

Today we rode to Gerfalco, one of the full day ride destinations that is offered at the Trail Riding Center in Tuscany Prategiano. Esmarelda, a delightful chestnut and Nikitia a local Maremma bred horse were our horses for the trip. Nikitia is fast becoming one of my favourite's here at the stables. She is a forward moving mare , who is fantastic to take out for a long ride. Her gait's are very comfortable, and she has the stamina to go all day.

Setting out for the morning, the Tuscan countryside had put on a nice day for us, without a cloud in the sky and 25 degrees we both quickly had out arms bare to soak up the rays.  It was a perfect spring day for riding.After trekking through the forest, crossing river's and galloping through fields, we eventually found ourselves in the small medieveil viallge of Gerfalco.

After having a litle sight see of the town, we headed up to a beautiful open area where we had views of the sea, and to finally sit down to a well deseved rest, (for us and the horses), and to join the rest of the Prategiano gang who had arrived with the bus with a hot picnic lunch made freshly by our chief Sarah.

After 2 courses, cheese, salami, bread and or course some delicious Tuscan wine, we all were well feed and happy to enjoy the sunny afternoon chatting with new friends.

A few kilo's heavier we were ready to saddle back up  and continue on with our afternoon riding back to the hotel. Passing along the road we meet a local farmer with his flock of sheep, Nikitia who pretends she is the boss of everyone was terribly afraid of the fluffy white moving animals, and didn't even mind letting Esmarelda go first!

Back the stables, we gave the horses an well deserved bath before letting them off to go, roll in the paddock and get all dirty again, It is always the way! But I could not complain after having such a fantastic day during our riding holiday in Italy. Plan to come to Italy and see Tuscany on horseback!

Trail riding in Maremma Tuscany

The “River Ride” is the ultimate full-day trail ride at our Trail Riding Center Prategiano.  Today, I had the pleasure of guiding our new friend and two-week guest, Bianca, to the River Merse for the first time this season.  The first time is always a bit exciting as no one knows what awaits after a winter of weather and change; plus, springtime means water, high water.  Nonetheless, Miss Bianca was bubbling with excitement at the prospect of this adventure.

What a perfect spring day with the sun shining, a cool breeze, and maybe a cloud or two. We set out for the village of Montieri, passing through the southern edge of the small town and then headed down the gravel road lined with quaint farmhouses, horses, and gardens.  Entering the woods, we continued following the downward slope of the mountain, heading toward the Merse Valley.  At the bottom, we crossed into open fields brimming with wildflowers and young grass.  Gallop time!  Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of a free run through open green. The horses gave their jumps of approval and riders let out a whoop whoop!

When we arrived to the river I was glad to be riding one of our taller horses.  In the spring, the water is rushing and fills the banks, but with a sense of adventure we crossed the waters like pioneers.  What fun!  The river touched the horses’ bellies and they put down their noses for a cool drink.  At the picnic site on the riverbank, chef Emilio cooked up some wonderful steaks on the fire, and we sat down to a full- course lunch.  After, a short car ride took us to the Abby of San Galgano, an ancient cathedral with an interesting history.  After a look around and a coffee at the bar, we headed back, saddled the horses, and set off up the mountain.  This part of the ride is one of my favorite times horseback riding in Tuscany.  The stillness and light of the late afternoon in Tuscany is spectacular. Winding up past the familiar hillside homes, waving to friends outside in the evening, and returning on horseback to the quiet of the farm is something truly special.