Classical Dressage in the Heart of Tuscany, Italy

Have you ever wondered where the roots of classical dressage lie? While many associate this equestrian discipline with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, its origins can be traced back much further. It all started in 400 BC, when the Greek military commander and philosopher Xenophon documented the earliest principles of horsemanship and dressage training methods aimed at preparing horses for war.

Fast forward to the Italian Renaissance, where three Napoleonic noblemen revisited Xenophon's works and combined their own riding techniques to create a modern version of classical dressage- a form of equestrian art that prioritizes the beauty of movements. Their teachings quickly gained popularity, spreading to horsemanship academies across Europe and forming the basis of what we now know as "Haute École.”

Il Paretaio - A world class dressage Riding holiday:

Today, Italy still boasts some of the world's most prestigious classical dressage schools, and Il Paretaio is one of them. Nestled in the rolling hills of the picturesque Chianti region, surrounded by vineyards, this riding school and B&B farmhouse offers top-notch equestrian training with a focus on mindset and communication. With over 30 horses, including Lusitanos, Arabians, Anglo-Arabs, and Dutch Warmblood, all carefully selected for their abilities and easy temperaments, Il Paretaio provides riders of all levels the opportunity to experience the beauty of classical dressage.

At Il Paretaio, the training philosophy is gentle and ethical, relying on a pressure-release method that emphasizes relaxation in the saddle. Complemented by practices like tai chi and yoga, the goal is to foster a deeper connection between horse and rider. For experienced riders, there's even the chance to learn and perform advanced dressage figures on schoolmasters against the breathtaking backdrop of Tuscan hills and olive groves.

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Maximizing Your Learning Experience

Many guests come to Il Paretaio for a week or two to perfect their dressage skills, but are often surprised by how much they can achieve in such a short amount of time. With 1-2 hours of daily lessons, either in semi-private or individual sessions, riders receive personalized instruction and get to see the fruits of their hard work in real-time. And with highly qualified instructors tracking progress, riders can expect valuable feedback and make significant advancements in a relatively short period.

A Warm Welcome, the Italian Way

At Il Paretaio, the family-like atmosphere extends to the dining table, where guests and hosts gather for delicious, home-cooked Italian meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Accommodations are in a traditional 18th-century Tuscan farmhouse, complete with charming exposed wooden beams, arches, and stone walls, offering a comfortable and authentic experience. And when not in lessons, guests can take a dip in the open-air pool and explore the rich culture of the surrounding region, including UNESCO-protected towns like Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano.

If you're a lover of art, history, and dressage, a riding holiday at Il Paretaio in Tuscany may just be the perfect destination for you. For more info or to book your next riding holiday with Il Paretaio, click here!

To browse through loads of cool riding holidays in Italy, click here!

To browse through various dressage holidays around the world; click here!

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