Explore rolling mountains, hidden valleys and medieval hill villages in this unspoilt corner of Umbria, where time has stood still. There is excellent horseback riding available for both beginner or experienced riders and this is the perfect equestrian short break to relieve the stresses of life while honing up on riding skills, or to simply add onto a holiday in Rome. The equestrian centre offers delicious meals, fun and varied riding in a glorious setting, and hosts that welcome guests like long lost friends. This action-packed long weekend takes in one half-day and two full-day horseback rides. There is even a one-hour lesson to help riders develop their technique, or even do some jumping.
This riding centre was founded more than 30 years ago and has carved a reputation as one of the best-run riding establishments in Umbria. The panoramic setting is surrounded by woodland, and overlooks mountains and valleys on all sides. It is a family venture headed by brothers, Agostino and Giancarlo Bevilacqua. They are helped by their three children, all expert horseback riders, and their wives Giuliana and Clara (who are also amazing cooks!) Clare, a British ex-pat who has been living in Italy for a number of years, is on hand to guide trails and be the point of contact for guests.
For those wanting to explore further, the stables are just 13 km from Spoleto, and the larger towns of Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and Todi are all within easy reach. as are many of the vineyards of the region. This equestrian holiday is perfect for adding onto the start or end of a holiday to the Eternal City.
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 JS of Milford on 20/07/2024
Day 1
Arrive in Spoleto. Guests are picked up at the train station and transferred to stables. A three-course dinner with wine will be served at the local trattoria. Accommodation is in comfortable chalets.
Day 2
Start off with a half-day ride through the grounds of La Tenuta dello Schioppo, a magnificent 600-hectare private estate, known locally as the Butterfly Park. There are wide avenues perfect for cantering and trotting while enjoying the views of mountains, valleys and hill villages in all directions. Stop for an aperitif served at a huntsman's table before riding back for lunch. Free afternoon to relax or explore nearby Spoleto (transport can be provided at reasonable cost). Alternatively, guests can have a free one-hour lesson with a FISE (BHS equivalent) instructor, doing flatwork or jumping, depending on the riding level. Dinner will be served at a local trattoria.
Day 3
Today's ride is a 5-6 hours (35km) trek to Pianella, a gloriously peaceful spot in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. The trail leads through woods and paths, down into a hidden valley where riders can pause to admire the exquisite little village of Castagnacupa, whose old stone houses have all been recently restored. Pass a beautiful Romanesque church before heading into more woodland to reach the lunch spot. The horses graze while riders enjoy a picnic lunch and rest for a while before heading on to the village of Pompagnano, close to Spoleto, and back over the hills via Catinelli, a village poised spectacularly on a rock outcrop and home to an old couple who can often be seen tending to their animals.
Day 4
Today’s ride (35km/5-6 hoursis) leads though varied terrain and changing scenery. Wind through woodland trails until reaching the hamlet of Torrecolla, with its delightful stone church. Begin the long but gentle climb up to Monte Fionchi, a huge alpine meadow at the top of a 1300m high mountain, where riders can refresh themselves with a drink from an ice-cold mountain spring. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in beautiful surroundings before starting the return leg through the wild and staggeringly beautiful Valnerina. Pass the abandoned villages that seem to be stuck to the side of the mountain before reaching the stables. Dinner will be served at a local trattoria..
Day 5
Breakfast and departure.
In the warmer months, it is possible to replace one of the day rides with a night ride (if all guests agree). Riders leave in late afternoon and ride up onto the hills for about 3 hours to watch the sunset. Then a 3-course dinner is served at a table in a dramatic hill-top setting, before riding back by moonlight, often accompanied by fire-flies. An unforgettable experience!
A tourist tax of €1.50 is payable for the first 4 nights of all stays, in cash on-site.
Other activities and extra days: It is possible to add extra days onto this short break in order to experience some of the other activities which are on offer from this super riding centre. Please enquire.
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 and cycling is available nearby for a reasonable cost. Visits to Spoleto, Assisi can be arranged if own transport is not available.
Special day ride: In the summer months the hosts may offer to take guests to Castelluccio di Norcia for a truly unforgettable day ride. This is a suspended mountain plateau in one of Italy’s loveliest national parks, about one hour’s drive away. Riders will visit and ride through lakes where there are wild horses and foals and riders can canter over the spectacular mountain plain, which is covered with wild orchids and narcissi. Horses are taken by horsebox and guests by jeep. Supplement payable locally to cover transport
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.
Night Rides: In the summer months night rides are also an option which avoids riding in the heat of the day and gives a whole different experience of Umbria!
Swimming Pool: An on-site swimming pool has spectacular views over the hill and valleys. Hot tub area available for use for a small fee.
The Bevilacqua family also run the following week long 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.
Show Jumping Combo - Enjoy lessons taught by the Centre's instructor Andrea Bevilacqua, a trained FISE instructor with years of experience teaching show jumping and dressage. In addition to the invaluable lessons you will also have the chance to ride out and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. Beginners and novice riders can also receive lessons appropriate to their level as can children, and dressage tuition is also available.
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 65 horses of all types available at the stable. They are, without exception, 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. 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.|
All riders are provided with saddle bags with essential items such as water, phones, cameras and en-route necessities. 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. Body protectors are compulsory for jumping lessons and riders under 18-years-old and can be borrowed on site.
The terrain is varied, passing through woodland trails, and open meadows, with a small amount of roadwork on quiet country roads with little traffic. Some parts are steep and may involve riders dismounting to lead their horses for a few hundred yards. Qualified English speaking guides are always on hand to help dismount and remount. One guide to every 5-6 riders. Max number of riders in group: 10.
If you choose tuition this will take place in one of two large outdoor arenas will all necessary facilities. All instructors have Federazione Italiana Sport Equestre (FISE) qualifications. This roughly translates as the BHS instructor qualifications. Please see the Show Jumping and Dressage Combo webpage on our website.
Riders of all levels are catered for with an appropriate mix of tuition and riding out, thus there is no previous experience necessary.
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. There is a minimum age of 14 for the riding out programme, although experienced younger riders may be accepted. Please enquire if you have younger children who would like to ride. 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 100kg
The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 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 the 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 with sun loungers has similarly vast views over the surrounding countryside. There is also a refreshing swimming pool for the warmer months.
All meals are catered by a local trattoria (about 700 m away from the riding centre) and is known for its home cooking, including a wood fired pizza oven. 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, unlike many other regions of Italy, the temperature is not excessive in this part of Umbria. 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
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
Copy of passport
Wearing a waist pouch is a handy method for keeping items such as camera and lip-balm readily accessible.
Riding hats are compulsory.
This is a 5 day/4 night programme with 3 days riding available on set dates, however these are flexible and other dates can be added for 2 or more riders.
2025: 12 Apr; 3, 17 (Full), 31 May; 28 Jun; 5 Jul; 23 Aug; 6 (Full), 20 Sept; 4 (Full), 25 Oct
Other dates on request for groups of 4 or more
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 809 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 109 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 539 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 949 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 129 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 629 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 1,089 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 149 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 725 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | double pp | 10,749 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 1,475 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 7,139 |
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.
