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

  • Riding with Tuscan Cowboys
    May 2025 Ji An aged 30
    This place is truly fantastic for novice riders. When I first arrived at the stable, I didn’t feel confident at all—especially when it came to cantering. I had always felt nervous about it, unsure if I could keep my balance or follow the horse’s rhythm. But the instructors there were so kind and supportive. They kept... Read all
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  • Family Programme in Tuscany
    May 2025 Rawad aged 33
    Amazing place, horses are treated with full respect, people are very nice and welcoming, and the food is great! Highly recommend it.
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  • Wild Sicily - Madonie to Etna
    June 2024 Paula aged 40
    The horses were fantastic. Well-suited to the environment and the ride, they were solid in traffic and mountain goats in rough terrain.
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  • Family Programme in Tuscany
    April 2024 Karina aged 31
    I had the opportunity to ride with 3 different horse during my stay. Ixora was the first one I got on my first day. She knew exactly what she was doing and was very kind to me. She behaved really well on my first day. Then, I had Mose. He is an incredible horse, very gentle and listen to you. He is also very strong... Read all
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  • Family Programme in Tuscany
    April 2024 Jane aged 39
    This was my first ever horseback riding vacation and im thrilled to have chosen Equus. Francisca was very good at answering all our questions so we were very well prepared. The trip itself was a dream, the location, guides, accomidation, food! The horses were all very well taken care of and they were all very sweet,... 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

Please refer to your home country's Foreign Office website for up-to-date information. Although we endeavour to keep this section updated, requirements can change quickly, and your home country's Foreign Office website takes precedence.

This section is mostly directed towards UK citizen. Other nationalities, please contact us.

Visa

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.
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
  • Show proof of travel insurance
  • Have your passport stamped on entry/exit

Passport Validity

You must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago.
You should also have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

EU Entry/Exit System for non-EU travellers

From October 2025, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals travelling in or out of the Schengen area.
The EES is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports.
You will need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken when entering and exiting the Schengen area.

You may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts. You can read more information here.

Please click here to check the updated entry requirements.

Health

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.

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).

Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their GP around five weeks before travelling. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities.
For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended.

Please click here to check health recommendations.

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 may request 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.

You can check our "Insurance Guide" here.

Voltage

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Budget and money

The official currency in Italy is the Euro.

Telephone and jetlag

Country code: +39

Country information

People, culture and traditions

Capital: Rome
Official languages: Italian
Government: Unitary Parliamentary republic
Area: 301,340 km2

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!