Lessons and Trail-riding in Tuscany

A week of enchanting trail rides mixed in with equitrekking equitation groundwork and riding lessons.

Belmontes Equitrekking Centre offers an exciting combination of lessons and trail rides through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, fascinating and rich in art, history and traditions.

Everyone can benefit from these horsemanship lessons utilizing equine pyschology, versus the often used fear and intimidation techniques, the time invested pays huge dividends quickly by increasing one's enjoyment in all disciplines of riding. Our general horsemanship lessons in defensive riding, bareback and bitless riding, groundwork and le-trek make the sport safer and lead to a more rewarding relationship with the horse.

We offer riders the chance to learn our style of New Zealand/Sardinian horsmenship, we blend both English and Western disciplines when training our horses, as they are required to be calm and responsive on a long rein out on the trails, and forward going and accepting of the contact in the school.

Our philosophy is that if we learn to be understanding of our horses natural fears, to be considerate of each horses individual talents and abilities, understanding of their natural way of expression, and understand their needs and ways of communication then the sky is the limit to what we can achieve with them!

Paolo and Jess studied classical riding under Gianni and Cristina di Marchi before concentrating on the concept of trail riding and wilderness trekking. Their horses however, are still trained under the Di Marchis concept of "lightness" as a soft horse on the trail, that yeilds off the leg to open a gate, or move for traffic, is as important as a school horse that preforms these movements freely in the arena. For this reason, the horses at Belmonte are equally lovely to ride in the school, as outside in the fields.

The farm offers an excellent course in general equitation for all riders.Throughout the week we will introduce you to riding bareback and riding with no bridle- so that you too,by the end of the week can ride your horse without saddle or a bit. Lessons are dedicated to the idea of enriching the experience between horse and rider by teaching the principles of good horsemanship from the ground through the saddle.We teach psychology between horse and rider and ground work to give the basis for effective communication when in the saddle, and ridden lessons are based on improving riders skills by developing a balanced seat through relaxation and mental imagery. Riders are also guided in techniques to assist in developing athletic movement in the horse through balance, flexion, collection and relaxation.

Our progrmme of lessons can be beneficial to riders of most skill levels. The skills taught are applicable to any riding discipline , but over this week there is a special emphasis on trekking and le-trek (riding over diverse terrain and obstacles).At the end of the week you will have developed an enhanced connection between you and your horse, you will be confident riding on all types of terrain, through rivers and over small obstacles, these skills can then be used back home, or in future riding holidays.

This is a fabulous area for trail riding, and putting your skills into practise every afternoon is incredibly satisfying. Our clients often tell us that even if they take lessons every week, they never have time to put their newly found skills into action. This week is an intensive course in both general equitation, and trail riding.Trails can be taken at a walk, trot and collected canter through wild forests, Chianti vineyards, and past castles and convents.

The exact schedule is kept flexible to meet individual needs, but includes 1 hour of ridden instruction, and one hour of groundwork/lunge lessons in the morning and 2-3 hours of trail riding in the afternoon for 5 days.

You have one free day on Wedenesday to see Florence or Volterra.

Sample Schedule:

Saturday: Meeting point 16.30 Pisa airport. Transfer to Montaione, assignment of rooms and dinner at Iano.

Sunday: After breakfast, meet at stables.
Lesson: Learn the philosophy behind Natural Horsemanship and how it has improved communications between horses and their owners.Learn the basic techniques to sensitize and desensitize your horse to be less spooky and more confident. Learn ground techniques to move your horse’s feet to increase your horse’s respect for you as a leader. And what you learn on the ground, will transform to under the saddle. You will build on your ground techniques for a more confident ride
Lunch in the clubhouse.
Afternoon trail:Casterfalfi and Tondi: Castles and forest trails

Monday: Lesson:Learn basic one-rein stops for confident control of your horse in any situation. Learn the techniques of riding with a loose rein and feel the confidence and trust build between you and your horse. Learn simple leg cues to move your horse off at a walk, trot, or canter and how your independent seat teaches a horse to stop without verbal command or reins.
Lunch at Clubhouse.
Afternoon trail:Vignale: the abandoned hamlet in the forest.

Tuesday:Lesson:Advanced sensitizing and desensitizing techniques. Learn techniques in circle driving, side passing and change of direction lunging with your horse. Advance your riding skills by learning techniques in lateral flexion at the walk, trot and canter.
Afternoon ride:The Mysterious convent of San Vivaldo

Wednesday: Day of relaxation. You may choose to do some sightseeing in the beautiful art city of Florence, or Siena?

Thursday:Lesson:Learn step-by-step methods of correcting behavioral problems such as spooking and shying, stall vices, saddling, blanketing and bridling issues, and learn good techniques to use with agressive horses, buckers and bolters.Work on flexation and defensive riding in the ring.We complete a small le trek style course out in the countryside, where you will be required to show a good working relationship with your horse.
Afternoon ride:The ruins of Pietrina Sactuary

Friday: Lesson:Today the entire lesson will be completed bareback, with only a rope halter(no bit). Using the techniques you have learnt over the week, disocover the joy of riding your horse naturally. Afternoon ride:Villamagna and the Volterra hills with aperitif on the trail.

Evening campfire with BBQ dinner to celebrate the week.

Saturday: Departure at 10.30am to Pisa.

Trip length: 8 days/7 nights from Saturday to Saturday

Departure Dates:
2010:Febuary: 20- 27,March: 6-13, 20-27,April:03-10,17- 24, 24-01 ,July 3-10,August 28-04

Ride Price: 1200 euro (Feb and March price 1000 euro)

Approximate riding time per day: 4-5hours

Riding ability required:Intermediate and above

Group size:1-9

Transfer from Pisa airport and to pisa airport:35 € at set time.

Single supplement:2010: None if willing to share, otherwise €140