Welcome Jess!
Nestled in the gorgeous hills of Tuscany, Castellare di Tonda is an equestrians retreat filled with all the amenities....
Where are you in the world?
I live
near Florence in the region of Tuscany, Italy.
Tell us about your
Horseback Riding Tours of Tuscany....
I am a
guide at Castellare di Tonda, a 900 acre holiday retreat with a Quarter horse
breeding stud and equestrian center attached.
What breed of horse do
you favor best for your stables?
We
obviously love our quarter horses (for their wonderful temperaments) but due to
the hilly terrain, we often prefer to use local mountain horses for the trail
riding (Fjords, Haflingers, Bardigiani etc). We also have a wonderful team of
Criollo horses that are used for trail riding - these are perfect for nervous
riders. They are just unflappable!
Do riders choose their
own rides, or do you decide which would be the best ride for them?
We have
two weekly riding programs to choose from, though if a client just wants a day
ride, or to do lessons instead we can tailor make a program for them.
What is the terrain like
where you ride?
Mixed. We
have the classic rolling hills lined with vineyards and olive trees, but we
also have wild forests, mountains and open fields. One of the nicest things
about this area of Tuscany, is that the ground is made up of Tufo soil - a soft
volcanic sand which is great for the horses legs.
What type of riding do you
offer?
We specialize
in western riding, and train reining horses for competition here onsite.
Do you have a favorite
equine adventure?
I love
riding to San Vivaldo, a local monastery. There is calmness about the hill
where the monastery is situated that is very particular. The riding is hard
(6-7 hours) but varied and interesting for both riders and horses. Lunch at the
trattoria (restaurant) beside the monastery is also excellent - this is one of
the best restaurants in the area, and somewhat of a local secret.
What has been the most
memorable ride for you?
There are
many, but riding to towns like Volterra or San Gimignano are always special.
These old medieval towns make one feel like they have been transported back in
time... and the sound of horses hooves on the cobbles only add to this special
feeling.
What are your goals for
future equine programs?
We hope
to introduce more European riders to western riding, and also to show more
international riders how wonderful the Tuscan countryside is when experienced
on horseback.
Any advice for those
seeking international Horseback Riding Tours?
I recommend
going through a good riding holiday agency like In the Saddle or Hidden Trails.
These agencies know their stuff, and guarantee that the horses are well treated
(tack is in good condition) and that the rides are safe and professionally run.
I can’t imagine anything worse than arriving somewhere on a riding holiday, and
finding thin, mistreated horses or unqualified guides that put client’s safety
at risk. We recommend In the Saddle… http://www.inthesaddle.com/rides/view/143_castellareditonda_tuscany_italy
Follow Jess and book a ride in gorgeous Tuscany….
Website: www.castellareditonda.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Castellare-di-Tonda-Horse-riding-holidays/59196578171?fref=ts
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