Horseback riding in Italy

Riding with Tuscan Cowboys

Spend a week riding on a ranch in central Italy. Ride out in the Tuscan countryside with 4 hours on horseback each day. Explore on horseback the wide open prairies and woodlands of this stunning region. You can also decide to go for one of our specialised western riding, or mountain training programmes (only available on certain weeks) with the opportunity to learn how to work in partnership with your horse, driving a herd, guiding a pack horse on rocky ground, leading your horse with one hand and dealing with fences and obstacles without dismounting.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Centre based holidays
8 days/ 6 days riding
From £752
Open to non-riders

From the horse’s mouth

  • Riding with Tuscan Cowboys
    October 2023 Daniel aged 34
    A hidden gem in Tuscany
  • Riding with Tuscan Cowboys
    September 2023 CYNTHIA aged 27
    A perfect trip. I really have nothing to say except that it is an experience that i will never forget, and a trip that I will definitely do all over again. As for organizing the trip, I was assisted by Francisca and she did an amazing job, she was always available, she made sure everything was ready without skipping... Read all
  • Riding with Tuscan Cowboys
    September 2023 Helen Julia aged 55
    Wow! This trip was amazing! I went in the second week in September 2023 with my sister and I will never forget the trip. All staff were lovely and extremely welcoming. We met some other guests from different countries (most of them travelling alone) from Denmark, Germany, Belgium and the US, and we rode with them... Read all
  • 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!
  • 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
  • Group of western riders in Tuscany, Italy
    Riding holiday in Tuscany
  • Western rider and horses in Tuscany
    This is a western riding holiday
  • Trail riding in Tuscany
    Explore Tuscany on horseback
  • Stationary riding holiday in Tuscany
    On horseback in Italy
  • Horseback riders in a riding arena in Tuscany
    Learn the ropes of Western riding at this Tuscan ranch
  • Riders on a trail ride in italy
    Spend a week riding on a ranch in Italy
  • Rider giving a western riding clinic
    Training clinics are also organised on certain dates

Itinerary

Highlights

- Experience Western riding in the spectacular Tuscan countryside
- Live a week with Tuscan cowboys
- Ride well-broken in and well-trained horses
- Explore wide open prairies of 100 hectares home to herds of over 60 horses
- Enjoy authentic Italian meals prepared by one of Tuscany's best cooks!
  • Day 1 1 : Home - Rome- Il Cornacchino

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    On your arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, you will be met by one of the local team and driven to your guest house (approx. 2h 30 mins).

    Flights are not included but can be booked on request. Transfers are also not included and will be invoiced at the time of booking – alternative transfer options are available, please see “dates and prices”.
  • Day 2 2 : AGRITURISMO - 4 hours riding

    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Depending on your programme, you will go on 2 trails (2 hours each) through forests and valleys or have lessons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Choose your programme (see dates and prices)
    * The Intensive week programme with 2x2 hour rides outdoors per day, plus 2 full days riding.
    * The Natural western & Mountain training programme with one 2 hour lesson per day, available during certain weeks.

    Please note: lessons are held in the morning. You may join a trail ride in the afternoon (not included).
  • Day 3 3 : AGRITURISMO - 4 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Depending on your programme, you will go on 2 trails (2 hours each) through forests and valleys or have lessons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Choose your programme (see dates and prices)
    * The Intensive week programme with 2x2 hour rides outdoors per day, plus 2 full days riding.
    * The Natural western & Mountain training programme with one 2 hour lesson per day, available during certain weeks.

    Please note: lessons are held in the morning. You may join a trail ride in the afternoon (not included).
  • Day 4 4 : AGRITURISMO - 4 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Depending on your programme, you will go on 2 trails (2 hours each) through forests and valleys or have lessons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Choose your programme (see dates and prices)
    * The Intensive week programme with 2x2 hour rides outdoors per day, plus 2 full days riding.
    * The Natural western & Mountain training programme with one 2 hour lesson per day, available during certain weeks.

    Please note: lessons are held in the morning. You may join a trail ride in the afternoon (not included).
  • Day 5 5 : AGRITURISMO - 4 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Depending on your programme, you will go on 2 trails (2 hours each) through forests and valleys or have lessons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Choose your programme (see dates and prices)
    * The Intensive week programme with 2x2 hour rides outdoors per day, plus 2 full days riding.
    * The Natural western & Mountain training programme with one 2 hour lesson per day, available during certain weeks.

    Please note: lessons are held in the morning. You may join a trail ride in the afternoon (not included).
  • Day 6 6 : AGRITURISMO - 4 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Depending on your programme, you will go on 2 trails (2 hours each) through forests and valleys or have lessons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Choose your programme (see dates and prices)
    * The Intensive week programme with 2x2 hour rides outdoors per day, plus 2 full days riding.
    * The Natural western & Mountain training programme with one 2 hour lesson per day, available during certain weeks.

    Please note: lessons are held in the morning. You may join a trail ride in the afternoon (not included).
  • Day 7 7 : AGRITURISMO - 4 hours riding

    Agriturismo Il Cornacchino
    Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the common room. Depending on your programme, you will go on 2 trails (2 hours each) through forests and valleys or have lessons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the farm.

    Choose your programme (see dates and prices)
    * The Intensive week programme with 2x2 hour rides outdoors per day, plus 2 full days riding.
    * The Natural western & Mountain training programme with one 2 hour lesson per day, available during certain weeks.

    Please note: lessons are held in the morning. You may join a trail ride in the afternoon (not included).
  • Day 8 8 : Il Cornacchino - Rome - Home

    After a final breakfast at the guest house, you will be driven to the airport in Rome for your flight back to the home. Flights booked to take off after 1:30 pm are advised.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights are not included.

- The prices are per person, sharing a double room, full board, and based on two 2-hour trails per day. For other programme, please see below.
Natural western & Mountain training programme (6 lessons of 2h each): £840/€970/$1020
Please note these are only available on certain dates - please contact us.

- Single supplement £155/€180/$190 per week.
This fee will not be charged if you are willing to share a room with another rider.

- Groups are made up to 8 riders of varying nationalities. Your guide will speak Italian and English.

- The transfers to and from Rome airport to the guesthouse are not included in the price and vary according the number of people (prices are per person, return rate):
> 1 Pax - £225/€260/$275
> 2 Pax - £190/€220/$230
> 3 Pax - £155/€180/$190
> 4 Pax - £130/€150/$160
> Saturday pick-up in Rome Ciampino: 3:00 pm. or Rome Fiumicino: 4:00 p.m.
> Saturday departure from the centre at 9:30 a.m, arrival in Rome between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.

- It is also possible to take the train from Fiumicino airport to Chiusi Chianciano - tickets found here http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-fr. Return tickets cost around €40-€50 and the trip takes around 2 hours 40 to 3 hours. The return transfer from Chiusi Chianciano to the guesthouse is €40/£35 (1 hour drive). Transfers to and from Chiusi Chianciano train station are on Saturday between 9:00 and 10:00 am and between 17:30 and 18:30 pm. Private transfers can be organised outside of these hours but at an extra cost of €80/£70 return rate per person.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English speaking horse guide

Accommodation

Double rooms in a guest house on the Ranch grounds.

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the final day (day 8). Water included at meal times.

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transport

International flights that we can book for you upon request

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accomodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Airport transfers
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    20/04/2024 27/04/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Contact an advisor
    27/04/2024 04/05/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Full
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    04/05/2024 11/05/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    11/05/2024 18/05/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    18/05/2024 25/05/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Full
    25/05/2024 01/06/2024 £843 €970 $1,045
    Full
    01/06/2024 08/06/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    08/06/2024 15/06/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    15/06/2024 22/06/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    22/06/2024 29/06/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    29/06/2024 06/07/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/07/2024 13/07/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    13/07/2024 20/07/2024 £843 €970 $1,045
    Full
    20/07/2024 27/07/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    27/07/2024 03/08/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    03/08/2024 10/08/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    10/08/2024 17/08/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    17/08/2024 24/08/2024 £843 €970 $1,045
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    24/08/2024 31/08/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    31/08/2024 07/09/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    07/09/2024 14/09/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    14/09/2024 21/09/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    21/09/2024 28/09/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    28/09/2024 05/10/2024 £843 €970 $1,045
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    05/10/2024 12/10/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    12/10/2024 19/10/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    19/10/2024 26/10/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    26/10/2024 02/11/2024 £883 €1,015 $1,095
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

A herd of 60 horses: Halfingers, Appaloosas, Pintos, Maremmano and Arabs. They have all been trained for outdoor western riding and trekking in particular. They are all very well trained, docile and reliable. They live year-round outdoors in small herds.

Guide & local team

Fabio has been raising, breaking in and training horses for over 30 years. He has made a reputation for himself through his skills starting young horses as well as reeducating, so-called, problem horses. Specialised in outdoor western riding; it is Fabio who supervises the horses' care and acts as blacksmith, as well as teaching horse riding and the taking care of the general management of the farm.
The team are all English speakers.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

To take part in this riding holiday, you must be an intermediate rider or above.

On specific programmes:

> Riders should be at ease at all 3 paces across uneven terrain. You will spend around 12 hours in the saddle over the course of your 5 riding days.
> Lessons will take place in the morning and you have the option of joining the riding excursions in the afternoon - the afternoon rides are not included in the price.

There is a rider weight limit of 100kg/ 15½ st/ 220 lbs

Pace

You will ride at all 3 paces over sometimes rocky terrain.

Tacking ability and participation

Each person is responsible for grooming their horses. Horses will be tacked and untacked for you. You also have the option to assist with feeding and watering.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Previous experience of Western riding is a plus, but is not necessary.

Equestrian equipment

Western saddles and saddle bags

Helmets are mandatory for minors. We recommend all our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

You will be staying in a comfortable and welcoming guest house in the grounds of a horse farm. You will be staying in double rooms with either a private or shared bathroom.

Meals

The chefs always search out fresh and healthy products for their traditional Tuscan cuisine. The day's menu is never the same twice and each day there are delicious meat and vegetarian options. The dining room is also open to people who aren't staying at the guest house, giving you the chance to get to know the locals!

Water is included at meal times and wine can be paid for locally.

Climate

Tuscany has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, cold winters and a rainy season from the start of autumn to the beginning of winter. The months that are the most humid are October and December - often seeing heavy rain that can last for several days.
However, autumn and in spring, it is still likely that it will be hot during the day, with a lot of sunny days. July and August are the hottest and driest months.

Tips

Tipping is not obligatory, however one can be made to the local team at your discretion.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is strongly recommended, and mandatory for minors. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat: cap for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper Body
- Thermals in case of cold weather (long or short-sleeved T-shirts)
- Short or long-sleeved cotton shirts (to provide protection from the sun) or T-shirt in a quick-drying material
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm Goretex-style jacket (water-proof and breathable)

Legs
- 2 pairs of jodhpurs or long leather trousers
- 1 change of trousers (riding trousers or jeans)
- 1 pair of waterproof over trousers)
- A swim suit may be useful
- Cotton or synthetic underwear (non-irritant)

Hands and feet
- 1 pair Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps or long boots.
- 1 pair of sandals
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Night gear
- Pyjamas or tracksuits or thermals for sleeping in

Other useful items
- Small bumbag to be worn whilst riding
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Backpacks are not to be worn whilst riding. Everything should be kept either in pockets or in a bumbag : lip balm, sun screen, small camera, glasses, rope etc.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- A pair of binoculars

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Vitamin C tablets
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Painkillers
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- The airline allows only one bag to be checked-in per passenger. Make sure it weighs no more than 20kg; if it exceeds this weight, you will have to pay excess luggage fees at check-in
- Hand luggage is limited to 7kg (measuring 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm), it mustn't contain any sharp objects (knives, scissors, nail file or nail scissors, etc.) and the quantity of liquid allowed per passenger is limited to 100ml per container.
In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant over 100ml and all bottles can be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bags. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The butteri are part of a long history of equestrian traditions in Italy, and more specifically Tuscany. These skilled horsemen originally used to work with wild horses and look after the Maremma longhorn cattle – and some of them still do, today! Not dissimilar to the traditional US western riding style, the Butteri developed a riding style fitting their needs of working livestock in the saddle. A Buttero rides with one hand, and usually holds a mazzarella, a long stick that helps him guide cattle. They use two types of saddles: the scafarda, of military origins, and the “poorer” bardella. The butteri normally wear traditional clothing including grey cotton pants, a velvet jacket and a black hat.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Daniel aged 34 1 trip
    October 2023
    A hidden gem in Tuscany
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • CYNTHIA aged 27 PARIS 1 trip
    September 2023
    A perfect trip. I really have nothing to say except that it is an experience that i will never forget, and a trip that I will definitely do all over again. As for organizing the trip, I was assisted by Francisca and she did an amazing job, she was always available, she made sure everything was ready without skipping... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Helen Julia aged 55 WEST MALLING 1 trip
    September 2023
    Wow! This trip was amazing! I went in the second week in September 2023 with my sister and I will never forget the trip. All staff were lovely and extremely welcoming. We met some other guests from different countries (most of them travelling alone) from Denmark, Germany, Belgium and the US, and we rode with them... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • CATHERINE aged 62 CARDIFF 2 trips
    September 2022
    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!
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • JAMIE aged 45 DUBAI 1 trip
    July 2021
    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
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Aneta Olga aged 36 DUBAI
    July 2021
    The itinerary was perfect for my first holiday in the saddle. All the guides were great. Flavia was amazing with my friends who had less experience. I particularly appreciated rides with Flavieto, as he is very energetic and was ready for more brisk rides with lots of trots and canter transitions when the groups were... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide