Horse Riding Experiences
in the Val d'Orcia
A.S.C. Certified Instructor · From the farm to the saddle · UNESCO Landscape
Grooming · Beginner Rides · Advanced Trail Riding 🗓 Book Your ExperienceAn Authentic Connection
with the Tuscan Countryside
Our experiences offer a genuine connection with the Tuscan countryside — both from the ground and in the saddle. We ride through golden hills, open fields, and ancient woodlands across one of the world's most beautiful landscapes: the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All activities are led by an A.S.C. certified instructor holding the National Diploma recognized SNaQ – Level 1 Outdoor Riding. The farm is officially affiliated with the National Federation of Sports Facility Entrepreneurs (F.N.I.I.S.) for the current year.
Advance booking required. All activities are subject to availability, weather conditions, and operational safety evaluation.
Certified Instructor
A.S.C. National Diploma recognized SNaQ – Level 1 Outdoor Riding. Professional expertise and your safety guaranteed at every step.
Authentic Landscape
Panoramic rides through the hills, fields, and forests of the Val d'Orcia — to Pienza, San Quirico, Siena, and beyond.
Safety First
Certified helmets mandatory for all mounted activities without exception. Rider experience assessed before every advanced ride.
Gourmet Options
Tuscan breakfast buffet, gourmet lunch, or a Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting — combinable with any experience.
Meet Our Horses
In the Saddle in Val d'Orcia
Choose Your Adventure
From a gentle first meeting with a horse to multi-hour rides through the Val d'Orcia hills and along Siena's ancient walls — there is an experience for every level and every age.
Horse Introduction
No riding. Suitable for children and adults of all ages. A genuine first connection with the horse in complete safety.
- Meet the horse, safe approach and equine behavior
- Horse body language and communication
- Grooming — the foundation of horsemanship
- Time for photographs
Ground-Led Riding
Designed for children under 14 or adults who prefer full assistance. The horse is led from the ground by our professional staff at all times.
- Horse led by qualified staff throughout
- Maximum safety and continuous assistance
- Ideal for the youngest riders
- One adult must accompany on horseback (full price applies)
Beginner Riding (14+)
Your first time in the saddle with professional guidance. A guided group ride through the countryside around Podere Spedalone.
- Meet the horse and optional grooming (up to 30 min)
- 45–60 minute guided group ride
- Adapted to rider experience and weather conditions
- Beginners and intermediate riders welcome
Advanced – Val d'Orcia
Panoramic trails through hills, fields, and woodland. We offer curated preset routes through the most scenic stretches of the Val d'Orcia, as well as fully customised experiences designed with you based on duration, level, and what you'd like to discover. Possible destinations include Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, Lucignano d'Asso, and the Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta.
- Preset trails or fully customised itineraries on request
-
Winery visit with guided tasting – €50/person (optional)
- Option A – Montalcino area: visit to a winery in the foothills of Montalcino with tasting of 4 wines: Rosso di Montalcino DOC, IGT Toscana, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG.
- Option B – Orcia DOC area (near the Chapel of Vitaleta): tasting of Orcia DOC Rosato, Orcia DOC Sangiovese, Toscana IGT Sangiovese, and Toscana IGT Sangiovese. Same price.
-
Wine tasting with lunch at the winery – €80/person (optional)
Includes bruschetta with organic EVO olive oil, a traditional Tuscan first course, a board of local products with vegetables, and dessert. Available in the Montalcino area or the Orcia DOC area depending on the riding route. - Lunch or trail snacks available on request (additional cost)
Advanced – Val d'Arbia
One of the most scenically dramatic riding experiences in the region. You depart from a working farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Crete Senesi, in the countryside surrounding Vescovado at the foot of Siena. The terrain is extraordinarily varied — open grasslands, ancient farmsteads, cypress-lined lanes and the characteristic ochre clay hillsides that make this landscape unlike anywhere else in Italy. On longer routes, the medieval silhouette of Siena rises on the horizon, and trails can extend all the way to the city's ancient walls.
- Departure from Vescovado (~1 hr drive from reception)
- Crete Senesi: one of Tuscany's most dramatic landscapes
- Routes that may reach Siena's medieval city walls
- Minimum 2 riders required
- Rider experience strictly assessed prior to confirmation
Times & Meeting Points
When We Ride
June, July, August:
Two daily slots to avoid the summer heat.
- 9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM
All other months:
- 9:00 AM (grooming-only experiences)
- 10:00 AM
- 3:00 PM
Exact time must be confirmed in advance. All activities subject to availability and weather conditions.
Where We Meet
Experiences normally depart from near the main farmhouse building at Podere Spedalone.
Depending on season, weather, or horse welfare needs, activities may depart from our valley stables:
- 5.1 km away (~11 minutes by car on public roads)
- Not easily accessible on foot
- Guests must use their own vehicle — transport not included
The Val d'Arbia experience departs from Vescovado, near Siena — approximately one hour by car from our reception. Transport not included.
Safety & Equipment
Horse riding carries inherent risks. We take safety extremely seriously — for you and for our horses.
Helmets Mandatory
A certified riding helmet is mandatory for all mounted activities without exception. Helmets are available on site.
Recommended Gear
Riders are strongly encouraged to bring personal protective equipment: safety vests, airbag vests, or fitted gear. Long pants and closed-toe shoes required.
Rider Assessment
For advanced experiences, we reserve the right to assess rider experience level and, for safety reasons, adjust the experience accordingly.
Waiver Required
All participants sign a waiver before the activity. For minors, a parent or legal guardian's signature is required.
⚠️ Cancellation Policy: Horse riding involves inherent risks including serious injury or death. By booking and participating, each guest acknowledges and accepts these risks and agrees to hold Società Agricola La Dolce Vita S.r.l. harmless from any liability. Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance; otherwise the full amount will be charged.
Gourmet Options
Pair your riding experience with the authentic flavours of Tuscany. Available with all experiences.
Gourmet Breakfast Buffet
Before or after the experience (one time only). Homemade breads and jams, savoury farm preparations, fresh seasonal fruit, cappuccino and espresso.
Gourmet Tuscan Lunch
Antipasto of local salumi and Pecorino di Pienza, handmade pasta with heritage grains, and a homemade dessert.
Winery Tasting
Montalcino area: Rosso di Montalcino DOC, IGT Toscana, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Brunello Riserva DOCG. Orcia DOC area (near Vitaleta Chapel): Orcia DOC Rosato, Orcia DOC Sangiovese, Toscana IGT Sangiovese ×2. Depending on riding route.
Winery Tasting & Lunch
4-wine tasting + lunch at the winery (Montalcino area or Orcia DOC area depending on route) — bruschetta with organic EVO oil, traditional Tuscan first course, local produce board with vegetables, and dessert.
Overnight Horse Boarding
We offer overnight boarding for guests travelling with their own horses. A welcome rest stop for those riding through the Val d'Orcia.
Guests of the Property
Rate reserved for guests who are staying overnight at Podere Spedalone.
- One bale of hay included
- Fresh water included
- Fenced grass paddock or enclosed turnout, separate
- Shed for shade and shelter
- Arrivals by 4:00 PM
Additional feed on request: €30 per horse per meal (beet pulp, locally grown organic oats, or other agreed supplements).
Non-Staying Guests
For guests not overnight at the property, boarding includes the obligatory purchase of at least one meal per day per person at our restaurant.
- One bale of hay included
- Fresh water included
- 1 meal/day at our restaurant (breakfast, lunch, or dinner)
- Arrivals by 4:00 PM
- Insurance entirely the responsibility of the horse owner
Horses will not be supervised by the property. All care, management, and responsibility remain entirely with the owner.
Our Certified Guide for Your Group
Upon request, our certified instructor may be available to host and guide your group on riding excursions in the surrounding area using your own horses.
- €140 per hour for the guide (minimum 3 hours)
- +€30 per person per hour for riders using their own horses
- Subject to availability and advance booking required
Local Riding Lessons
Reserved for residents of the Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana — because horsemanship is an art worth nurturing close to home.
Subsidised Rate
For all residents holding a valid ID confirming residency in Val d'Orcia or Val di Chiana, we offer 1-hour riding lessons at a strongly subsidised rate.
- Approx. 30 minutes ground work (grooming, handling)
- 25–30 minutes in the saddle
- Available for all levels
- Beginners and experienced riders welcome
For rates and availability, contact us directly and send a copy of your ID to verify residency. Limited availability.
Certified & Affiliated
A.S.C. certified instructor — National Diploma recognised SNaQ (Level 1 – Outdoor Riding). Farm affiliated with F.N.I.I.S. for the current year.
All Experiences at Spedalone
Every experience can be paired with breakfast, lunch, or a wine tasting. Contact us for availability and bookings.
Horse Introduction
45 min · €100/pp · Non-riding · All ages
Ground-Led Riding
~60 min · €160/pp · Children <14 or full assistance
Beginner Riding (14+)
60–90 min · €160/pp · Beginners & intermediates
Advanced – Val d'Orcia
Min. 2h · €160/hr · Recommended 3–5 hrs · UNESCO
Advanced – Val d'Arbia
2–5h · €180/hr · Min. 2 riders · To Siena
Overnight Horse Boarding
€45–50/night · With or without stay · Trailers welcome
Guided Riding for Groups
€140/hr guide + €30/rider/hr · Min. 3 hours
Local Resident Lessons
1 hour · Subsidised rate · Val d'Orcia & Val di Chiana
Book 2+ Rides on
Consecutive Days — Save 10%
-10%
Book two or more horse riding experiences on consecutive days — including any food and tasting add-ons — and receive a 10% discount on the total. The more days you ride with us through the Val d'Orcia, the more you save.
This offer is valid exclusively for direct bookings made with us — by phone, email, or via our contact form. Prices on OpenTable or other third-party booking platforms may be higher and the discount cannot be applied retroactively. No refunds or price adjustments will be made for differences between direct and third-party rates.
Book Online
Advance booking is required for all experiences. Book your slot via OpenTable — available every day.
Ready to Ride?
Advance booking required. Subject to availability, weather, and safety assessment.
Contact Us & Book