In October, as the golden Tuscan light stretched long over olive groves and pine forests, we hosted something truly special — our very first exclusive beach trail ride in Italy. Now before I delve into the memory archives from this trip, I would like to mention that each year we host beginner friendly horseback rides during October in Italy. You can read up about our previous trips here. They are open to all riders of any ability, total beginner or experienced and it is important to know that the general theme of the treks here are laid back and most importantly enjoy the scenery, they are not fast paced which makes them ideal for beginner / novice riders or riders that would like a slower paced riding holiday. However, our County to Coast trail ride is exclusively for Intermediate to Advanced riders due to the nature of the terrain and pace of the ride, are you ready to hear all about it?
Booking page: Horse riding holiday in Tuscany, Italy
Over eight nights and six unforgettable riding days, we followed ancient tracks from the quiet hill town of Montieri all the way to the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. With local Maremma horses and an Austrian Draft horse, traditional saddles, and a spirited international group of riders, this trail from country to coast offered everything: forests, rivers, wide canters, rainy laughs, and the sweet reward of a beach splash with our horses. This ride was a celebration of freedom on horseback — and we’re already dreaming of the next one... book now and save your saddle! Limited spaces with a max group of 6 riders (Plus a guide and host).
Written by Hanna Rogers
As with each meet up here in Tuscany, our group met at Follonica train station in the afternoon, where our private transfer brought us to our charming base, Rifugio Prategiano, nestled in the hills above Montieri. A few of the riders on this trip also joined me the previous year here in Tucany, so it didn't take long for us all settle in and pick back up where we left off with the bonus of a couple new recruits! As the sun dipped behind the hills, we shared our first dinner together in the hotel, buzzing with anticipation for the week ahead.
After a relaxed breakfast, we met the horses — most of them Maremma, the hardy local breed once used by Tuscan cattle herders, the stables also have a couple of gentle Austrian Drafts with big hearts and even bigger strides. One of them named Perla is joining us for this trek. We also had Shiva (my lovely girl), Taiga, Valoroso, Fiera, Vega, Chirone and Rambo. We rode mostly in traditional Maremma saddles, which proved ideal for long hours on the trail, some of the horses are ridden in English tack, and Perla has a lovely western saddle for her wide back. A short afternoon ride let us get comfortable with our horses and each other, as we wound through the forest and got our first taste of the countryside.
The trail ride officially began. Leaving the hotel behind in the morning, we quickly went from forest filled hills to fields of olive groves and rolling golden meadows bright with solidago (goldenrod). The landscape shifted constantly — ancient farm roads, quiet woods, and open fields. We stopped for lunch and put up the gazebo as some showery clouds passed by and we had the horses resting nearby, before continuing to Massa Marittima, where the horses stayed overnight at a local farm and had the company of some very friendly cows and even friendlier happy dogs. Each evening, we returned by transfer to the hotel for a hot shower, Tuscan dinner, and plenty of laughter.
Heavy rain overnight made for a muddy, splashy adventure. We crossed numerous rivers and rode deep through Tuscan forests, the air earthy and cool. At lunch, the clouds finally broke and the sun warmed our backs. Spirits lifted (although they were never low to begin with, but got even higher with the sun’s rays), we sang as we rode through more forests onto wide, open landscapes with mountainous views to the next horse camp in Gavorrano. The trail was challenging but deeply rewarding — a real immersion in the wild, rural heart of Tuscany.
Another wet start didn’t dampen our spirits. Riding through fields with big banks and crops and onto more forested paths, we stopped at a charming lunch spot where plenty of wine kept our cockles warm. The second half of the ride was filled with singing (lots of it), jokes, and muddy boots as we reached the horses' camp at Portiglioni, near the coast.
We made it — the Tyrrhenian Sea appeared in a bright flash of blue beneath the trees. The day was sunny and perfect. We cantered along the beach at Puntone–Scarlino, the waves steadily crashing beside us. It was pure joy — wind in our hair, salt on our lips, hooves flying over the sand. After a coffee and ice cream stop, we climbed up into the Area Naturale Protetta delle Costiere di Scarlino, riding rugged coastal trails high above the sea. At one point, we tied the horses near the beach, walked ourselves down, threw our riding clothes onto the rocks, ran into the water and swam for a while, laughing like kids. It was the dream of riding to the sea, made real.
After so many trail miles, we traded hooves for cobblestones and headed to Siena for a full rest day. Whilst we explored the city the horses were transported back to the stables and equally enjoyed their day off. In Siena, we wandered the historic alleys, sipped limoncello, sampled local truffles, bought some souvenirs and finished the day with cocktails at a stunning museum/restaurant. It was a beautiful contrast to the rugged week behind us — elegance, history, and indulgence.
Our final ride was a short half day ride, a sweet farewell to the horses and the trail. A quiet few hours winding through the green fields and autumnal forests gave us time to reflect, thank our horses, and take in the last views of the Tuscan hills, which was undeniably breathtaking. The bond between riders and horses — and between each other — had grown strong. We enjoyed our last night at our favourite pizzeria in Montieri, enjoyed some limoncello and laughed the night away. This was one heck of a trip and some of my favourite memories to date. And I am so excited to say we will be returning for our second Country to Coast trip again this October!
As always, the Maremma horses impressed us all — sure-footed, calm, and full of personality. Their stamina on the rocky, varied terrain was remarkable. The Austrian Draft, though heavier, was equally at home, and a joy to ride. Though the horses camped each night, we returned to the comfort of the hotel and would return to them in the mornings which meant we had warm showers, hearty Tuscan meals, deep chats over wine in front of the fire and a good night's rest! Rainy days turned into laughter-filled trail songs. By the end, we weren’t just a group — we were a team!
This exclusive Hooves Around The World trail was one of our most unforgettable yet — a perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and celebration. Whether it was the beach gallop, the Siena cocktails, or the rainy rides that bonded us most, we’ll be dreaming of Tuscany until the next one.
Want to ride it with us next time? Book your trip here and follow our Instagram and website for updates on more Tuscany adventures!
