Trail Ride and Show Jumping Combo

Your horse riding holiday will begin at a relaxed pace on the first day, allowing you to become familiar with your horse. You'll meander through shady paths amid chestnut woods, where you can admire the ancient, gnarled trees that have provided chestnuts to the local inhabitants for generations. Keep an eye out for wild cyclamen and other woodland flowers as you make your way.

The trail will then lead you steeply up into the foothills of Mount Acetella, your destination for the day. There will be ample opportunities to trot or canter along the paths, but be sure to pause and appreciate the breathtaking views. From here, you can see distant high mountain peaks, with the stables and the medieval village of Montebibico nestled in the foreground—a perfect spot for a photo.

Afterward, you'll ascend to the summit of Mount Acetella, a short climb that offers even more spectacular vistas.

Following this, you'll return to the stables for lunch via a different series of trails. 

In the afternoon, you will meet your horse and instructor for the week and enjoy your first one-hour lesson, further enhancing your riding skills and preparing you for the adventures ahead.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to reinforce the skills you've learned with two additional lessons, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Between these sessions, you'll have some free time to unwind and relax, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and perhaps exploring the area at your leisure. 

This day offers a balanced mix of structured learning and personal time, ensuring you feel both accomplished and refreshed.

This half-day ride will take you through the grounds of the magnificent 600-hectare private estate, La Tenuta dello Schioppo, known locally as Il Parco delle Farfalle, or the Butterfly Park. The estate features wide avenues ideal for cantering for those eager for a faster pace, and trotting for those who prefer a more leisurely ride. You will be treated to splendid views of mountains, valleys, and hill villages from all directions.

During the ride, you will stop in a woodland glade where a huntsman's table, crafted from local chestnut wood, serves as the perfect spot for an aperitif. In May and June, these woods are blanketed with tiny wild strawberries, adding to the charm of the setting. After the refreshing break, you'll ride back to the clubhouse for lunch, rounding off a delightful morning of exploration and enjoyment.

Pianella, our destination for today's day-long trek spanning 5-6 hours and 35 kilometers, is a haven of tranquility nestled in the heart of the Umbrian countryside. To reach this picturesque spot, we traverse through woods and trails, descending into a hidden valley where we pause to admire the charming village of Castagnacupa. Here, the recently restored old stone houses exude timeless beauty.

Continuing our journey, we pass by a stunning Romanesque church and venture deeper into the woodland until we arrive at a shady meadow, the perfect spot for our lunch break. Here, we tether the horses to sturdy posts and rails and gather around wooden tables and benches thoughtfully provided for picnickers.

After lunch, we continue our exploration, passing through the historic village of Pompagnano, situated near Spoleto. Our route then takes us back over the hills, passing by Catinelli, a village perched dramatically on a rock outcrop. Home to just two inhabitants – an elderly man and a woman – who can often be seen tending to their animals, Catinelli offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life amidst breathtaking surroundings.

After your rest day from the school yesterday, it's time to get back to work with two one-hour lessons, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These sessions will help you refine your riding skills and build on the progress you've made so far. In between the lessons, you'll have time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Today marks your final day of riding and offers the perfect opportunity to recap on your week's Show Jumping or Dressage tuition. You'll have two one-hour lessons, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to consolidate everything you've learned and refine your skills. This will round off your week nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion to your horse riding holiday.

After breakfast transfer back to Spoleto train station.


This is a sample itinerary and treks may be altered as a result of local conditions especially weather.