Italy - Show Jumping Combo

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 KA of Leesburg on 26/10/2018

Day 1
Upon arrival at Spoleto train station, guests will be transferred to the riding centre. After settling in, and depending on the time, guests will be able to have a look around the stables, relax in the clubhouse or sit down to enjoy a delicious meal at a local trattoria.

Day 2
The horse riding holiday starts off in a fairly leisurely way on the first day, this gives the chance to get to know the horses. Pass through shady paths among the chestnut woods and admire the magnificent gnarled old trees which have supplied chestnuts to generations of people living in this area, and to spot the wild cyclamen and other flowers that grow in the woods. Climb steeply up into the foothills of Mount Acetella, today’s destination. There are plenty of chances to trot or canter along these paths, but don’t forget to stop and take stock of the magnificent views and high mountain peaks in the distance, with the stables and Montebibico, a medieval village where time seems to have stood still, nestling in the foreground. This is a great place for a photograph.

Afterwards, head up to the top of Mount Acetella itself, just a short climb, to be rewarded with more stunning views from the top of the world. Head back to the stables via another series of trails for lunch. In the afternoon, riders will make their way to the stables to become acquainted with the horses and meet the instructor for the week, and enjoy the first 1-hour lesson.

Day 3
Today it is time to recap on the previous days lessons with two more classes in the morning and afternoon. There will be free time in between the lessons to relax.

Day 4
This half-day ride leads through the grounds of a magnificent 600-hectare private estate called La Tenuta dello Schioppo, but known locally as Il Parco delle Farfalle, the Butterfly Park. There are wide avenues perfect for cantering for those who want to, and trotting for those who don't, and splendid views of mountains, valleys and hill villages in all directions. In a woodland glade a huntsman's table has been fashioned out of local chestnut wood, this is the stopping place for an aperitif. In May and June, these woods are carpeted with tiny wild strawberries. Ride back for lunch.

Day 5
Pianella, the destination for this day-long trek of 5-6 hours (35kms), is a gloriously peaceful spot in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. To get there, the group will ride through woods and trails and down into a hidden valley, home to the exquisite little village of Castagnacupa, whose old stone houses have all been recently restored. From here, ride past a beautiful Romanesque church and into more woodland before reaching the shady meadow for lunch. Tie the horses to the post and rails and relax on wooden tables and benches that are provided for picnickers. After lunch. head on through the old village of Pompagnano, close to Spoleto, and back over the hills via Catinelli, a village poised on a rock outcrop and home to an old couple who can often be seen tending to their animals.

Day 6
Today is back to work with two one-hour lessons in the morning and afternoon.

Day 7
Today is the final day of riding and the chance to re-cap on the week's Show Jumping or Dressage tuition, with a 1-hour lesson in the morning and afternoon to round off the week.

Day 8
After breakfast guests will be transferred back to Spoleto train station.

Note: As with many riding holidays, this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Golf is available at two excellent locations in Perugia for riders and non-riders alike. Please enquire for more details.

Wine tasting: Guests who are interested will be taken to a local enoteca for a memorable session tasting Umbrian wines and sampling the excellent local olive oil on bruschetta. Supplement payable locally approximately €25 plus transport if guests don't have their own car.

An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, with spectacular views over the hills and valleys is a recent and very welcome addition. (Hot tub use has a small fee)

For those wanting to explore further, the stables are just 13 km from Spoleto, a Roman, medieval and Renaissance jewel and a great place to spend some time, for riders and non-riders alike. The larger towns of Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and Todi are all within easy reach as are many of the vineyards of the region.

If you have arranged a car rental for your stay there are a large number of sights in the area and your hosts are always ready with information, suggestions, guide books and routes. 

The area immediately surrounding the riding centre is a good place for walks, with trails leading off through the chestnut woods. Guided walks to collect wild asparagus (Spring) or mushrooms (Autumn) can be arranged at a reasonable cost.
Rafting (approx €75 for 2-3 hours) and cycling is available nearby for a reasonable cost. Visits to Spoleto and Assisi can be arranged if own transport is not available. 

The Bevilacqua family also run the following programmes:

Umbrian Adventure - Explore rolling mountains, hidden valleys and medieval hill villages in this unspoilt corner of Umbria, where time has stood still. Take a day ride to a nearby swimming pool to soak away those aches and pains, and during the summer months experience the magic of a night ride lit by fireflies.

Umbrian Short Break in the Saddle - This is a 4 night package with riding on 3 days; ideal for a quick getaway to sunny Umbria or for adding onto a trip to Rome perhaps. Experience unspoilt Umbria on beautiful horses whilst being treated as one of the family, this is such a welcoming break.

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.

There are 40 horses of all types available at the stable. They are all in excellent condition and well schooled. Anglo-Arabs, Maremanni (a sturdy local breed), Thoroughbreds and Argentinians are the main breeds. They vary in size from 13.2-16.2 hh. All are shod and several are trained in neck reining. The stable has a large outdoor Menage and a generous selection of show jumps, making it the perfect place to further your skills or brush up on your technique.

For the Show Jumping/Dressage tuition, clients will ride Italian Saddle horses and Dutch Warmbloods - some of which are currently at competition level and are competing regularly with their riders. There is a variety of tack from English saddles, Trekking saddles (large comfortable Western-style saddles), Western and Endurance saddles.

The temperament of the horses varies from docile schoolmasters to suit novices to more lively rides for experienced riders. All are very sure footed in the steep terrain and totally traffic proof, though roadwork is minimal. Horses will be prepared, saddled and cared for by the grooms and guides, but the spirit is friendly and informal and anyone wanting to help will be very welcome.

Riders are provided with saddle bags with pockets for water, cameras, phones etc. A wide range of riding hats suitable for children and adults are available on site, and it is compulsory for all riders to wear one.

Riders of all levels are catered for with an appropriate mix of tuition and riding out thus there is no previous experience necessary.
Due to the hilly terrain covered, a large amount of the riding out is at the walk. There are frequent opportunities to trot and canter for experienced riders as well as jumping in classes.
There is no minimum age for arena riding. Please note - Children under 14 are not allowed, by Italian law, to hack out on treks. They can, however, ride on-site, with lessons and pony games. Not suitable for non-riders,
Maximum rider weight 85kg. Minimum rider age 14 yrs.

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

All accommodation is in self-contained apartments or comfortable en-suite bedrooms at the riding centre. These are attractively built in traditional Umbrian style and equipped and furnished to a high standard. Each apartment has a room with one double bed and a sofa bed in living room. There is an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and bidet. The rooms are comfortably furnished with good quality bed linen, towels etc. The living room has a fridge, TV and cooking facilities (although the holiday is fully catered). Rooms are not cleaned during your stay, but you may request clean towels etc within reason.

Next door is the club house with a dining room and bar. From the club house there are views over the riding arenas as well as spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The attractive outdoor patio and seating area has similarly vast views over the surrounding countryside. A new swimming pool and hot tub area was built in 2019 and has spectacular views over the hills and valleys.

All meals are catered by a local trattoria at the end of the road (about 700 m away from the riding centre). It’s a family run trattoria with very good home cooking, including a wood fired pizza oven etc. Guests are taken there and back by car if they do not wish to walk, although many enjoy the stroll.

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

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

This beautiful and unspoilt corner of Umbria has something to offer all year round, though January and February can sometimes be too cold and icy for safe riding.

Spring (mid March onwards) is a lovely time, with wild asparagus on the hillsides. May and June are particularly good months, as the wild flowers are in full bloom and temperatures have not become too hot. For the same reason, September, and early October are good choices.

In July and August, temperatures tend to rise significantly, but the high altitude means the heat is never unbearable and the riding is tailored to allow longer lunch stops, avoiding the hottest part of the day.

This is a mountain setting, so in late Autumn (November/December), temperatures do fall, but this period can produce some very good riding weather with the added bonus of the roast chestnuts for which this region is famous, new wine (mid-November) and new olive oil (early December).

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

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.

Mobiles phones/tablets and digital cameras can be charged in your accommodation. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Copy of passport
All terrain sandals
Wearing a waist pouch is a handy method for keeping items such as camera and lip-balm readily accessible

Riding hats are compulsory for all riders

8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days. Available on set dates. Other dates are available for groups of 2 or more.

2025: 12 Apr; 3, 17, 31 May; 23 Aug*; 6, 20 Sept; 4 Oct (*Denotes High Season)

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 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

The riding stables are situated in some of the most spectacular countryside to be found anywhere in Italy.
Set up on a plateau overlooking the mountains and valleys around Spoleto, the scenery is stunning, with varied landscapes ranging from craggy rocks and peaks to soft rolling hills and cool and quiet woodland, home to porcupines, woodpeckers and wild boar.

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.