Classical Dressage in Tuscany (Italy) - Michelle’s Experience
A week of Exceptional hospitality, gastronomy, and top notch classical dressage classes
After visiting this charming farmhouse and equestrian facility, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, in both 2020 and 2023, Mathilde from World on Horseback encourages anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in Italy—whether families, solo riders, or those serious about improving their dressage skills—to discover this dreamy equestrian destination. One of our guests, Michelle, reflects on her stay and shares her experience with us.
Hey there!
My name is Michelle, 29 years old, passionate horse-riding lover from south-western Germany (Saarland).
Since the age of 10 years, horses have been part of my life. I started at the time taking dressage classes in the neighboring village for 8 years, then I moved for university and found 2 wonderful horses to take care of during my studies. A quarter horse, ridden Western style (which I loved learning!), and a cuddly little Tinker ridden English (I’d call it a more “relaxed” dressage ).
After that, when starting to work as an IT project manager, my time for hobbies was very limited and I became an occasional rider – and discovered World on Horseback!
The charming Tuscan B&B is adjacent to the stables
Why did you chose Tuscany and this riding experience?
I found the location on the World on Horseback Instagram, it was my first horse riding holidays. And I could not have made a better choice! This place has such a unique vibe. Especially when stressed from work and everyday life, this place feels like a break from reality. Truly magical. I mainly chose the location because flights were easy from Frankfurt to Florence, and of course because the Tuscany countryside had already taken over my heart by storm with the photos and videos I previously saw.
How did you experience your days there and your dressage lessons?
When arriving at the beautiful property, I was greeted by a very warm and welcoming team. I could feel the love and effort that the family puts into hosting guests and making their stay enjoyable. The mum, I believe her name was Christina, was super well organized and always there for questions and needs.
Her son Pedro and his wife were in charge of the dressage lessons that I took, that mainly happened in the morning to ensure that the horses (and riders) don’t overheat in summer.
I think I never had better lessons than these. And I never felt “softer” horses either – the wonderful white gelding called Saltillo, who became my companion for the week, reacted so easy and relaxed to my aids as if he would read my thoughts. These horses are incredibly well trained, and they taught me a lot! How to be softer myself and ride more effortless. To better understand the horses’ movements and go with their flow.
And while riding these incredible animals, you look to the right from time to time to enjoy the view across the vineyards from the outdoor arena.
I have to highlight how well the horses are treated, they are clearly the priority of the team! Too warm for the horses? No riding. The tiniest little doubt that the horse may not feel good? No riding. They were very strict on what to do before and after riding to ensure the animal’s safety.
What did you think of the facilities and the meals?
The whole property, including stables, arena, pool, and the guesthouse were clean, beautiful and gave me the feeling of really being out in the nature. I loved my room there, it had a very rustic charm, but was air conditioned and had mosquito protection at the windows (which helps soooo much!!). It was cozy and comfortable.
Meals were SO INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS. Breakfast and dinner were included, and we could sign up for Lunch voluntarily at additional cost if we wanted. But honestly, I could have lived only on their bread and olive oil for a whole week. So good.
What about the atmosphere?
The group of travelers that I met there was totally mixed. No only in terms of ages and nationalities, but also with regards to riding experience (which was very well organized by level for the lessons).
We always had meals together and met in the afternoon at the swimming pool, and I even made a friend there, a girl from Luxembourg, who took me to the nearby city of Sienna. I loved that place! And we had a little adventurous road trip there… Italian roads are no cliché !
Overall I had a great time there and would recommend it to everybody. I felt at home there. It was such a peaceful time.