2728 Riding in Italy Anyone?

The place on the Tuscan/ER border where we cross country ski is on a North-South bridleway that spans the whole country. There are a couple of Yorkshire lasses who moved there after qualifying in England as riding instructors. They haven't been that impressed with the school and describe the horses as nags so it could be for that reason that the school hasn't done well. Also they have been catering to local holidaymakers who fancy a day in the saddle rather than those who want to make a holiday around riding a horse. If you would like more information send me a PM.

I would love to go on a riding holiday. I love horses and the great outdoors. Much rather spend two weeks doing that than sitting on a beach!

I would certainly be interested in the idea of some 'sightseeing on horseback' in Italy - perhaps half/full days would be of interest to experienced riders, on well cared for horses, rather than hourly lesson type situation.

What would be available for non horsey partner?

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Personally I would prefer English saddles rather than Western but otherwise sounds a good idea. Agree that full/half days maybe more popular as so many other things to do and see. [/SIZE][/FONT]

You can check out our site - moderators please note we are not advertising... this is just an idea at the moment - For non horsy partners Marche has plenty to offer, mountain biking, quad bikes in the mountains too, swimming in the mountain lake, hiking, the beach, cultural trips, art and architecture, Italian shopping....nice mens handmade shoes that sort of thing. Oooh paragliding or being strapped to an instructor and throwing yourself off the side of the mountain - If none of that appeals how about lazing about in a hammock under the olive trees whilst you are riding?
Maybe I'll start a page with all the mad Italian beaurocracy of hoops we jump through to become an agritourismo. Anyway check us out on [url]http://www.montiazzurriranch.com[/url]

[LEFT][quote=Sally]... this is just an idea at the moment [/quote]

Will you be catering for children who already have riding experience? If so, we'd definitely consider something like this.... day out or weekend?
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I'd love to be able to offer this as day trips for people renting my place near Monte san Martino - it would be great to also cater for children who have done some riding before - am not aware of any English speaking places in the area. Please let us know if you are going ahead!
You're not the Sally who has the monastery apartment in San Angelo de P who is a horse whisperer are you?

M

Sally just looked at your site, I must say it looks fabulous, I love horse riding and I would definitely come to see you, wish you all the luck with your venture. Francesca

[QUOTE=derekL][LEFT]

Will you be catering for children who already have riding experience? [/LEFT][/QUOTE]

Yes, I think so, the emphasis is on riding experience - I don't want to be responsible for beginners - but we will try to find Quarter Horses, this breed are generally nice temperaments. Yes good idea, maybe people could have a 'day' or a weekend on the ranch, and look after the horse for a day/weekend as well as ride one??? What do you think?

[QUOTE=Marinaw]You're not the Sally who has the monastery apartment in San Angelo de P who is a horse whisperer are you?

M[/QUOTE]

Ciao - Yes thats me, only whispering in training though..! (I tell them all my secrets). Yes day trips I will add, If people want they can learn Monty Roberts 'join-up' techniques for a weekend perhaps. Thanks for this guys...

Aha! We stayed there while we were house hunting, only met your husband though - nice place. Would be more than happy to let future guests know what you're offering - the website looks lovely. You're definately not going to start until next year?

Marina

[LEFT][quote=Sally]Yes good idea, maybe people could have a 'day' or a weekend on the ranch, and look after the horse for a day/weekend as well as ride one??? What do you think?[/quote]

I think if you also cater for weekends or simply a whole day, then you're also opening the market to locals and people who will be in the area anyway (holiday-home owners and other holiday makers).
[/LEFT]

[LEFT]
My kids are horse mad, as are all my neighbours here. Most have ponies and quite a few members of the family are involved in racing. However, I think the 'Western' style thing is a good idea because it's different to what we're used to. They'd love it.
I remember doing something similar once in Estes Park, Colorado. Slightly disappointing because it was only for a few hours and the horses, probably after years of doing the same trail day in day out, couldn't be manipulated no matter how hard you tried! Anyway, and even though it was just for a few hours, I wore a cowboy hat and felt as though I was riding off into the sunset!
Use this type of theme in your promotions and no man over the age of 35 will want to spend the day on the hammock when he can be John Wayne instead! ;)

[/LEFT]

Hmm.. Spaghetti Westerns spring to mind Derek! :D

I think it's a very nice idea Sally.. it's a fabulous area and I just wondered if you will also be catering for very experienced riders.. something a bit more challenging perhaps?

I have friends near Smerillo.. not so far from you and they also like a good hack.. especially in the mornings.

:) :)

Ciao,
I think it will be aimed at experienced riders on the whole, the hills are steep in places and just promise some fab gallops. I think just from these replies we'd have customers, just got to deal with the whole Italian red tape thing now.... Is anybody else out here registered as a farmer/living off the land category?

[QUOTE=derekL][LEFT]

Use this type of theme in your promotions and no man over the age of 35 will want to spend the day on the hammock when he can be John Wayne instead! ;)

[/LEFT][/QUOTE]

Will get John to dig out the old guitar and strum us some country and western under the stars......Spaghetti n' beans sittin' on straw bales.....;) Excellent!

[QUOTE=Aliena]

I just wondered if you will also be catering for [B]very experienced riders[/B].. something a bit more challenging perhaps?
:) :)[/QUOTE]

another Aliena talent perchance?:)

Sally,
a client of mine did something similar in Recanati (south\east to you): settling a county-house + horses and receiving even a grant from Regione Marche.
You might ask him some advices (on the bourocratic side too)
You're quite far from Recanati, so he shouldn't fear your competition and might be friendly.
Anyway, here's the web site:
[url]http://www.igelsi-countryhouse.it/[/url]

[LEFT][quote=Sally]......Spaghetti n' beans sittin' on straw bales.....;) Excellent![/quote]

The 'beans' scene in the movie 'Blazing Saddles' springs to mind..! :)

[/LEFT]

Hi Sally
Just a quick note to say definitely do the ranch thing. Think it would be fantsatic. I would definitely come for a holiday! In fact I would work for free for you. I'm great at shovelling manure! Love getting my hands dirty and adore horses. Let me know if you get it up and running and I will be straight over! My email is [email]tessamyers1@aol.com[/email] if you wnat to talk horses and italy!

Tessa

Sally, your website looks amazing. I hope that this idea takes off in a big way. It is a shame you have to wait until 07 as I think we would all be joining up a lot sooner. Please keep us all informed as I for one will be signing up for a trip asap Good luck:)
Michelle
ps i can't think of anything better Italy, horses, gorgeous food, sunshine,mmmmmmmmmmm

Hi Sally, congratulations on a great site and look forward to sending you guests as well. You both deserve a huge success after all the hard work. Will put a link to your site on ours.

Hi

I would be there like a shot!

Love horses - almost as much as Oscar my dog!

Rapide561

Hi, when you open tell me, it might be interesting to set up some sort of collaboration between my cooking tours and your ranch.

Meanwhile, I'll monitor your website waiting for the big news!

Good luck!
Angelo