Europe > Italy

Horse riding holidays and dressage lessons in Italy

Horse riding holidays in Italy offer something for everyone. Trail rides through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, classical dressage lessons for riders with prior knowledge, or beginner lessons for those who want to learn. Coupled with classic Italian cooking and wine this really is "la dolce vita" - the sweet life!
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From the horse’s mouth

  • Wild Sicily - Madonie to Etna
    July 2023 Imme Dorothea aged 44
    First I rode Dedalo who was quite the opposite of what I described as preference. I prefer horses with a strong „Go“ whilst he is a very very relaxed and slow horse. Because of a light injury I was asked to change the horse and could ride Viola who was perfect, motivated to move and easy to handle. I was impressed by... Read all
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  • Riding with Tuscan Cowboys
    September 2022 CATHERINE aged 62
    The trip to Il Cornacchino was absolutely SUPERB! Heaven on earth - not only excellent horse riding on very responsive but safe horses but excellent and healthy food every day and the wine was good too!
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  • Wild Sicily - Madonie to Etna
    June 2022 Charlotte aged 72
    The horses were all well-trained, well-behaved, and strong enough to breeze through a grueling week of up & down paths for 7-8 hrs and 6 days long. I was given Zeus, a tiny Arab who they were converting from guide horse to customer horse. They said he might be difficult (which I don’t mind), but he was also fine.... Read all
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  • Madonie short break
    September 2021 Ann aged 49
    Lizzie and Alex were amaaazing! We have been on a lot of foreign rides and this one stood out for the technical trails, superb guides and food, comfortable tack and treatment of the horses. I truly felt like we got a genuine Sicilian experience from people who are deeply proud of the land, combined with a British... Read all
  • Riding with Tuscan Cowboys
    July 2021 JAMIE aged 45
    This was most definitely my happy place. What a place, the horses are just so well trained, and the staff are just wonderful. The accommodation whilst super basic really feels like home should feel. I will be highly recommending this place to everyone! and will be returning. Everyone I met here have been visiting for... Read all
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  • Horse riding training in Sardinia
    Horse riding training in Sardinia
  • Silhouette of a horse and rider in the stables at Il Paretaio
    This is based out of a gorgeous 17th century Tuscan farmhouse
  • Cantering on the beach in Sardinia
    Cantering along the seashore
  • Horse riding holiday in Tuscany
    An ideal destination for friends and families
  • Dressage training in Italy
    Classical dressage riding holiday in Tuscany
  • Horseback riders on a trail ride to Mount Etna
    An adventure trail ride from the Madonie to Mount Etna
  • Trail riding at Il Paretaio in Tuscany
    The stables are home to over 30 well-trained horses
  • Sardinia horseback trail ride
    Riding in Sardinia
  • Beach horseback trail ride, Sardinia
    Enjoying a canter on the beach
  • Horseback riders crossing a field in Sicily
    Sicily as seen from the back of a horse!
  • Horseback trail ride in Tuscany
    Horseback trail under the Tuscan sun

Visa & Health

Formalities

British citizens: other nationalities, please contact us.

The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days

At border control you may need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay, and
- use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing
- Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.

Passport validity from 1 January 2021
From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

Please visit for the FCO website for up-to-date information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy

Addresses of consulates

  • Ambassade à l'étranger :
    Piazza Farnese 67
    00186 Rome
    Tél. : +39 06 686 013 02
    Fax : +39 06 686 015 66
  • Ambassade en France
    51 rue de Varenne
    75007 Paris
    Tél. : 01 49 54 03 00
    Fax : 01 49 54 04 10
    ambasciata.parigi@esteri.it
  • Ambassade d'Italie
    ChancellerieElfenstrasse 14
    3006 Berne
    Tél. : 031/350 07 77
    Fax : 031/350 07 11
    ambasciata.berna@esteri.it
  • Ambassade d'Italie
    Rue de Livourne 38
    1000 Bruxelles
    Tél. : 0032/2/543.15.53
    Fax : 0032/2/537.57.56
    passaporti.bruxelles@esteri.itvisti.bruxelles@esteri.it

Health

UK Citizens: A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.

For up to date information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. UK citizens will require an adapter.

Budget and money

The main currency is the euro. You will find ATM ("Bancomat") in every city, town and most villages. Both credit and debit cards are used.

Telephone and jetlag

Phone code: +39

Country information

Country ID

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People, culture and traditions

Capital: Rome
Official languages: Italian
Government: Unitary Parliamentary republic
Area: 301,340 km2
Population: 60,483,973 (2017 estimate)
GDP PPP total: $2.399 trillion (2018 estimate)
Currency: euro
Time zone: UTC+1, UTC+2 (summer)

Choosing the right riding holiday

Choosing the right riding holiday

Italy has so much to offer. Whether you are looking to ride along the Mediterranean coastline, or discover its mountainous paths and medieval villages, you can discover Italy’s picturesque landscapes and culture on a horseback riding holiday that is perfect for you.

For riders looking for a riding holiday that brings together comfort, traditional Italian cuisine and fantastic trail riding, we recommend the following centre-based holidays:
• “Mountains, Forests and coastlines of Sardinia” – for competent riders wanting long hours in the saddle and a good pace.
• “Sardinia Country House” also welcomes both non-riders and beginners (in addition to more experienced riders!) who want to get their first taste of trail riding in the magnificent Sardinian countryside, or the chance for flatwork or jumping lessons.

For those of you who have a passion for dressage, why not enjoy one of our Tuscan dressage stays where you can enjoy the comfort of a charming Tuscan farmhouse with a fabulous outdoor swimming pool!
• The “Classical dressage in Tuscany” programme is for competent riders with a basic understanding of dressage movements,
• The “Learn to ride - Tuscan farmhouse” ride is for more novice riders. This also a fabulous option for the non-riders in your life too!

Seeking a little more adventure? Why not join our longer trail rides and explore the Italian countryside on horseback such as our “Wild Sicily- Madonie to Etna”. A shorter, but still adventurous trail is the “Madonie short break” - perfect for those looking for a quick equestrian getaway in Sicily.

For those aspiring western riders, our Western ranch in Tuscany is a lovely place with many different programmes available – including a centre-based holiday, riding alongside Tuscan cowboys on the “Maremma Trail”, the “Etruscan trail” or the “Two lakes trail”. Our camping trail will also provide riders with opportunity to go swimming with horses!