In my research I read about one company that leads tours on horseback up to Sant' Antimo, but now I can't remember where I read about it...and I know I read several Agritourism sites that advertised either onsite riding or within a few miles.

Has anyone ever done horseback riding in Tuscany OR heard of a good place to rent horses? We'd like to spend a half to full day taking in the Tuscan scenery that way, but would like suggestions as to where to rent (from what "ranch" and also what area to see on horseback).

Thanks!

I don't know about Tuscany, but I have a friend who has an equistrian center in Trecenta, near Rovigo. There's a hotel, two restaurants, fishing, riding, etc. I believe the web site is www.labisa.it.
Callie

Thanks, Callie. I should clarify that we've already booked our agritourismo ... we'll be staying outside of Pienza. Unfortunately La Bisa is a little farther than we were hoping to go.

Any other ideas?

www.spineto.net
They have horseback riding on the property.

There is an agriturismo in Castelmuzio that has a riding stable.
La Vigne

quote:

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Originally posted by Rubia:
we'll be staying outside of Pienza.

Any other ideas?

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Ciao, there is a great place here, in Cortona, which is only half an hour drive out of pienza, the place is called "El Comanchero", and the guy than runs it is the perfect "Marlboro man", In his past life he was a cowboy!!! I believe that this is a very doable thing! This is a club, and they also serve GREAT dinners , he wears cowboy shirts!!!

We could also meet and have coffe togheter!!

They don't have a website yet, but this is their e-mail.

elcomanchero@libero.it

Ciao

I believe Boleskine's son did some riding in Chiusi too. If I see her around this morning, I'll have her come by and reply.

Here's a place down in Buonconvento. They don't have a site but you can contact Fattoria Pieve a Salti at: phone 0577 807244 or fax at: 0577 809507

Also, try: Centro Ippico della Berardenga tel: 0577 355071 You can see the facilities at: www.chiantiriding.it

Another spot near Siena in Cetona is: www.pornelleto.it. They have riding for their guests but it's worth a try. Depending on what time of year you're vacationing, they might have space if you contact them in advance.

I know of other places but they are in North Tuscany. If the above don't work out, let me know. There are two or three other places out near Grosseto, but your Pienza loacation is prettier.

Best regards,

Thanks for all the help, lots of options. Have any of you used the stables you mentioned?

Amy--where did you find that link??? The agritourismo we're staying at is Cretaiole! And I've never found that page on their website. It looks like it's a stable run by the owners of Cretaiole. Is that correct?

Alessandra -- I love the Marlboro man idea...I'll email him in case Cretaiole doesn't work out.

Thanks again everyone!

Quote: Have any of you used the stables you mentioned?

Yes, we have. Last autumn, late September when the vineyards were those orange fading into yellow colors, we had a group of fourteen who wanted to hike the hills of Tuscany and ride.

The places we stayed at were geared for this.

Not sure "stables" has the exact feeling. These are working country farms where riding is offered. They are family run ranches, home cooking, English saddles and not much English spoken. What an adventure.

For insurance reasons and your own safety, many ranches will require you to stay on their well-marked trails with their leaders.

You'll love it.

Best,

my friend who own the only stables in New York City, stayed HERE and loved it, it is near Barbarino Val d'Elsa

Here's a website for a place in Murlo (not far from Montalcino). I have no personal experience with them but am considering a ride when I go in Sept, if I'm feeling brave. (Owing to too many concussions I need to be really careful about falling on my head).


http://www.ginepreto.com/index.htm

Ciao,
Jeanne (39 days to Buonconvento )

quote:

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Originally posted by Rubia:

Amy--where did you find that link??? The agritourismo we're staying at is Cretaiole! And I've never found that page on their website. It looks like it's a stable run by the owners of Cretaiole. Is that correct?

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I just did a bit of Googling, and followed some links.