Action-packed Long Weekend in Umbria

We start off with a half-day ride that takes us through the grounds of a magnificent 600-hectare private estate called La Tenuta dello Schioppo, but known locally as Il Parco delle Farfalle, the Butterfly Park. There are wide avenues perfect for cantering for those who want to, and trotting for those who don’t, and splendid views of mountains, valleys and hill villages in all directions. 

In a woodland glade a huntsman's table has been fashioned out of local chestnut wood, and this will be the stopping place for an aperitif. In May and June, these woods are carpeted with tiny wild strawberries. 

We ride back for lunch at the clubhouse with a free afternoon to relax or go exploring in nearby Spoleto (transport can be provided at reasonable cost).  

Alternatively you can have a free one-hour lesson with a FISE (BHS equivalent) instructor, doing flatwork or jumping, depending on your level. White-water rafting is also an option (supplement €45).
 

Dinner is served in the clubhouse. 

Pianella is the destination for this day-long trek of 5-6 hours (35 kms), a gloriously peaceful spot in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. To get there, we ride through woods and trails and down into a hidden valley where we pause to admire the exquisite little village of Castagnacupa, whose old stone houses have all been recently restored. 

From here we ride past a beautiful Romanesque church and into more woodland before reaching the shady meadow where we will have lunch, tying the horses to a post and rails and sitting on wooden tables and benches thoughtfully provided for picnickers. 

After lunch we head on through the old village of Pompagnano, close to Spoleto, and back over the hills via Catinelli, a village poised spectacularly on a rock outcrop and home to just two people, an old man and a woman who can often be seen tending to their animals.

Today’s ride is a spectacular one, and great fun too. 

The terrain and scenery is very varied during the 35 kms and 5-6 hours that riders will spend in the saddle. 

Winding through woodland trails we come to the hamlet of Torrecolla before passing a delightful stone church and heading along some wider paths. Then it's time to begin the long but gentle climb up to Monte Fionchi, a huge alpine meadow at the top of a 1300 metre high mountain, where riders can refresh themselves with a drink from an ice-cold mountain spring.

A leisurely picnic lunch will be served in a meadow close to another lovely Umbrian country church, the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio. 

The return leg takes us through the wild and staggeringly beautiful Valnerina, past abandoned villages stuck to the side of the mountain, through other inhabited hill villages and back to the stables.

Dinner will be served in the clubhouse.

Breakfast and departure.