Riding in Tuscany
Dressage Instruction
Dressage Lesson in Tuscany

Situated in a picturesque valley in the heart of Chianti, this horseback riding vacation offers empathetic instruction on well-schooled, calm horses. There are a variety of horses to choose from, and on-site instruction can help horseback riders improve dressage skills as well as general good horsemanship. All the instructors are highly qualified and passionate about horses and riding.

There are numerous activities for children and non-riding partners, including sight-seeing, photography courses, wine tasting and Italian lessons. There are periodic yoga weeks to enjoy for a full relaxation break.

Accommodation is in an 18th century country villa featuring 8 guest rooms, all with bathrooms, and each furnished simply and comfortably in the 19th century Tuscan style. There is a swimming pool with panoramic views over the Tuscan hills.

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from HK of New York on 10/04/2019

Ride Summary
It was lovely and I will have very fond memories from it for a long time!
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? NO
Please give more details to explain your response:
What could we do to improve this ride?
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
5
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
As a beginner the riding lessons were challenging enough and right level. I did not feel pressured or pushed or discouraged. I was impressed by the quality of teaching and an individual lessons!
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
NO
Any other comments:
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

Riding

This riding centre has 35 years of experience in classical dressage tuition. The quality of the tuition is excellent and can be delivered in English or Italian with instructors and guides that are BHS, GEA, FISR UISP trained and qualified. Lessons are 45 minutes each and riders are divided into small groups (max 3). Tuition can be offered from absolute beginners onwards. Riding can also be tailor-made according to your wishes, please enquire for more details.

8 Day / 7 Night: Programme A/B
Dressage for advanced riders - 6 or 10 Dressage lessons

8 Day / 7 Night: Programme C/D
Lessons for beginners and novice riders - 6 or 10 beginner lessons

5 Day / 4 Night Programme A
Dressage for advanced riders - 5 Dressage lessons

5 Day / 4 Night Programme B
Lessons for beginners and novice riders - 5 beginner lessons

Horses
There are about 30 well trained horses available. They are Lusitanos, Anglo-arabs, Berber, Arabs, English Thoroughbred and Italian horses. They are ridden in English tack and are very well schooled and responsive.

Activities
Non-riders have plenty of options including wine-tasting, cooking classes, yoga classes or rent a bike and explore the surroundings. This is a very good base for touring the area without changing accommodation: Florence and Siena, Colle Val d’Elsa, San Gimignano, Certaldo, Greve in Chianti, Pisa, Pienza,Volterra, Lucca are reachable by car. We recommend guests rent a car as there is plenty to visit. If arranged in advance, a local car rental company will deliver a car to the riding center.

Generally the riding programmes leave riders plenty of time for touring the area and there are many nice places you can reach in less than half an hour. The sea and sandy beach is about 75 minutes by car.

Wine Tasting
Every Friday a wine-tasting is organized for guests by a local producer (extra charge and subject to availability)

Free time between lessons can be spent relaxing at the centre or maybe book at treatment at one of the two local Spas in the area.

 

Non-riders and other activities:

This is a very good base for touring the area without changing accommodation: Florence and Siena, Colle Val d’Elsa, San Gimignano, Certaldo, Greve in Chianti, Pisa, Pienza,Volterra,Lucca are reachable by car. 

Generally the riding programmes leave riders plenty of time for touring the area and there are many nice places you can reach in less than half an hour. 

There are many things you can do while your partner/friend is riding: 
- you can just relax at the swimming pool (open from April to October) 
- tennis facilities are within 10 km 
- golf facilities in Florence, Castelfalfi or Siena.Ask for information. 
- explore the Tuscan countryside by bicycle. 
- join the riders for the picnic or wine tasting (additional charges apply)
- join an art seminar, a ceramic course or a cooking class (additional charges apply)
- learn italian (our teacher comes to the farm on request) 
- Enjoy a spa treatment locally
- Participate in yoga if you stay during a yoga week (additional charges apply)
- The sea and sandy beach is about 75 minutes by car.

 

 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

About 30 well-trained horses (Lusitanos, Anglo-arabs, Berber, Arabs, English Thoroughbred and Italian horses) are available. They will be assigned according to the skills and wishes of the riders. The lessons are divided into three groups and can be taught in English. The quality of tuition is high with instructors and guides being BHS, GEA, FISE UISP trained and qualified. Lessons are given in one of the two training arenas.



Beginners with no riding experience are welcome and do not have to bring a full riding equipment, as they can borrow chaps, whips and riding hats (not all sizes) on site. We have all-inclusive offers with half-board, and 2 riding hours per day. Extra riding can be booked on site.



The weekly dressage& courses are run throughout the year and it is possible to partake with or without your own horse. With the emphasis on correct basic schoolwork, riders are also encouraged to work on exercises in the lateral movements, transitions, canter and counter-canter as well as work from the ground.


Rider requirements

None, beginners can learn riding from the very first steps.
Post-beginners can extend their knowledge and skill.
Experienced riders can take dressage lessons.
The minimum age for riding is 2.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Guests are hosted in the heart of Chianti in an 18th century country villa featuring terra-cotta floors, wooden beamed roofs and arched ceilings. The house has 8 guest rooms, all with bathrooms, each furnished simply and comfortably in the 19th century tuscan style. The Tower Room has six windows giving a wonderful panoramic view over the scenic landscape. Guests can use the swimming pool with glorious panoramic view over the Tuscan hills. There is also a small apartment (approx. 45 sq. m) inside the main house on the ground floor, which has 1 bedroom with ensuite bathroom, 1 sitting room with kitchenette and a double sofa bed. (2 to 4 guests).



Food:

Dinners consist of three courses and a good Chianti wine is always at hand, though not included in the price. The cuisine is traditional Tuscan and the products are genuine and fresh: the olive oil used is directly produced on the farm.



Specialities:

More than 30 different types of Tuscan crostini-Pizze, focacce and pasta of any kind: particularly good is the lasagne al forno (also in vegetarian version) and the Tortelloni of Maremma. Pork, beef, wild boar, chicken cooked in many different ways and always accompanied by two different vegetable choices. Tirami su, panna cotta, torta della nonna, home made cantucci are some of the dessert specialities.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions


Climate Summary

The coastal regions, have a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and generally dry summers.

Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Italy and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites

Health (ride specific)

If you wish to visit either of the local spas for a treatment you may want to look at the websites to choose in advance:

Castel del Nero, just 10 minutes away, is set in a castle with a fantastic atmosphere are great facilities with an extensive range of treatments http://www.castellodelnero.com/eng/tuscany_spa_hotel.htm

Villa San Paolo is a little farther away, 20-25 minutes, but offer amazing value at around €50 per day http://www.toscanaspa.com/en/

Electricity

In Italy the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Mobile, WiFi and charging

Electricity is available to charge equipment.

Packing List

Beginners do not have to bring full riding equipment.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Hat or beret and a buff bandana (sometimes, especially when it is very dry, horses can kick up a lot of dust during the rides)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots). Avoid smooth soles. Comfortable for walking
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Waterproof jacket
- Jersey
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses with string
- Sun cream (essential)
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Torch
- Binoculars
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding

Provided by hosts
- Chaps
- Whips
- Riding Hats (not all sizes)

Programmes

8d / 7n programme available from mid March to mid November, and over New Year. Programmes can be tailor made and shorter stays with a minimum of 2 nights can be arranged please enquire.

Departure Dates

2025: 8-Day / 7-Night - Every Saturday between 15 Mar - 09 Nov; Christmas dates TBC

Pricing
Single supplement must be paid if booking alone.

Non-rider and children prices are available - please contact your Travel Consultant

No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme A double pp half-board (6 dressage lessons)1,239
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme B double pp half-board (10 dressage lessons)1,469
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme C double pp half-board (6 beginner essons)1,135
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme D double pp half-board (10 beginner lessons)1,299
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme A double pp half-board (6 dressage lessons)1,459
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme B double pp half-board (10 dressage lessons)1,729
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme C double pp half-board (6 beginner essons)1,335
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme D double pp half-board (10 beginner lessons)1,529
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme A double pp half-board (6 dressage lessons)1,599
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme B double pp half-board (10 dressage lessons)1,895
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme C double pp half-board (6 beginner essons)1,459
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme D double pp half-board (10 beginner lessons)1,675
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme A double pp half-board (6 dressage lessons)17,435
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme B double pp half-board (10 dressage lessons)20,655
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme C double pp half-board (6 beginner essons)15,929
2025 Day 7 Night 8d/7n6Programme D double pp half-board (10 beginner lessons)18,269
Recommended Reading

Chickens Eat Pasta', written by Clare Pedrick



A valley in Italy: confessions of a house addict - Lisa St Aubyn de Teram



A Room With A View - E.M Forster



A Traveller in Italy - HV Morton



The Italian Tradition of Equestrian Art - Giovanni Tomassini



Privileged Horses. The Italian Renaissance Court Stable - Sarah Duncan



For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com

A fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com


Other Country Information

Italy forms a peninsula in Southern Europe extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Elba and about 70 other smaller islands. It is mostly mountainous, though between the Apennines (which form the spine of Italy) and the eastern coastline there are the fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna in the north and of Puglia in the south. The Alps in the north divide Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

The Roman Empire was once the most powerful in the world, covering Europe and extending into modern day Asia. Their horsemanship skills second only to the Mongols further east. The incredible sophistication of Roman culture still leaves its mark across Europe and has been the foundation for countless artistic movements, including the Renaissance, through cities such as Florence and the medieval university city of Bologna.

Italians are understandably proud of their heritage and are renowned as people of great taste and as having an eye for the aesthetic. Their architecture and fashion leave most of the world in their shadow, appearance is very important to them and the majority of Italians will never leave the house without ensuring they are impeccably and elegantly attired.

Italian food, from pizza to pasta, has been adopted by the rest of the world but you will never taste a better pizza anywhere else. As with the rest of mainland Europe meals are eaten late with plenty of wine and preferably al fresco.

Italy is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. (There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram).

The international dialling code is +39.

Important information regarding rail travel:
Visitors are often caught unawares by train and transport systems requiring validation. Tickets bought in Italy for Regionale and Regionale Veloce trains are not marked for any particular time or train and become valid only when time-stamped at a validation machine. Without this validation, train operators assume the rider is trying to fare dodge, since the ticket could be reused. So validation is absolutely essential before boarding, and there are small boxes in the station or near the platform. After being time-stamped, the ticket is valid for the amount of time shown on the ticket.

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Florence Airport, Florence Station or Pisa Airport (PSA)
Transfer:
2025: Please note prices might vary slightly with fuel price increases. Florence Airport, Pisa Airport €120 - €170 each way per car. Max 4 people per car. Supplements may be applicable for night time transfers. Payable on site. Transfer times are approximately 50 minutes from Florence station, 1 hour from Florence airport and 1 hour 45 from Pisa Airport.
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Florence (FLR) return from £290pp (Season Dependent)
2025: London to Pisa (PSA) return from £195pp (Season Dependent)
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