Lagoni: on the way to the crumbling farmhouse that marks the location of our picnic, we will pass the geothermal steam sites that provide green engery for 30% of the Tuscan population.

These undergroud steam vents represent a unique characteristic of this region of Italy. On the way back, we have a beautiful birdseye view of the town of Travale. (half-day ride possible)

Galleraie: this ride follows mountain ridge through grassy fields and then turns down into the Cecina River where we follow the running water through a shady forest.

The picnic is held near the abandoned Hotel and Spa Galleraie, where we can visit ruins of antique baths from the time of the Etruscans. We will also pass through the town of Travale and see where the Butteri ride. (half-day ride possible as way to or back)

Gerfalco Mines: a path through nature leads us down into the neighboring valley and then up the next mountainside. We will pass through private farmhouses and small rivers.

The picnic is held at a former silver mine where there is a wonderful view of the sea and Maremma Tuscany. Before arriving at the picnic, we will pass through the small Medieval streets of the village of Gerfalco

Prata: old trade and animal paths cross through the native forests that characterize this ride. In this area of Alta Maremma Toscana one often meets wild animals such as fox, deer, wild boar or porcupines. From the “Poggio di Prata” we can look out at a 360 degree view of Tuscany including the Maremma coastline and the island of Elba. A full-course picnic awaits us near the mining village of Prata, which is also visible from the poggio. (half-day ride possible)

Poggio di Montieri: This panoramic ride leads us around the mountain Poggio di Montieri. Through chestnut tree forests, passing by the mideaval flowerchurch “La Canonica di San Niccolò” and around the mountain, fantastic views until Gerfalco and until the island of Elba follow us all through the ride. (sunset rides possible)

Boccheggiano: on the path that leads to this old medieval town, we will find the now abandoned mines where Pyrite was once extracted there.

River Merse: overgrown fruit trees surround crumbling farmhouses and, depending on the time of year, invite you to a fruit snack. After a long descent, we will ride through the crystal waters of the Merse River, and experience how nature has recaptured former agricultural land over the years. The picnic is held on the riverbank and on warm days, the high point of the riders’ week is a swim with the horses. After the picnic we may visit the abbey ruins of San Galgano. Their is an antique and mystical atmosphere around the standing remains of this Romanesque chapel, making this one of the most interesting sites in all Italy.

Horse riding at the beach (program special with extra cost): from the end of March to the beginning of May and from the end of September to the beginning of November we offer an experience that all riders dream of “galloping along the beach …!” We start at 9 a.m. from Hotel Prategiano with our minibus  and horse trailer and reach the Scarlino Nature Park within an hour. On horseback we cross the coastal park with its evergreen vegetation and arrive to the long sandy beach of Punt’Ala. After a long gallop along the beach, the picnic lunch awaits us on one of the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany: the bay of Cala Violina. Of course there is also the opportunity to play with the horses in the water and maybe even swim before we return to the Prategiano riding stables by minibus.

A lively, young, and very talented Maremman mare that was also trained to be a carriage horse before she came to us. She is an elegant and fearless horse for experienced riders – not scared to face any kind of terrain. Her pleasure on the rides shows with her sporty gates always forward. Babila is very clever and as soon as she is confident with her rider she becomes a cuddly sweetheart.

You will immediately notice this beautiful black, 170 cm high, 10 year old mare. She is the boss of the herd, a position which guarantees a permanent standing place at the best rolls of hay. Dispite her litte overweight shape, she is very agile and fast. Being a daughter of the famous stallion “M. Lasco”, she represents the modern improved pure Maremma breed. She is a perfect guide horse and has been trained also for dressage.

This 1,75 m tall Maremman gelding was born in 2008. He convinces his riders with his proud and wide gates and his calm character. “M. Umberto di Formole” is perfect for riding lessons of any level as well as for trekking in every direction. In combination with our very comfortable trekking saddles, on this big balanced bay you will feel like you’re surfing through the beautiful countryside of Maremma Tuscany.

The 173 cm high, 14 year old, Nikita is a real Maremma beauty! This strong, experienced and gentle mare will turn your trail ride into an unforgettable experience. Thanks to her smooth and long movements you will feel like flying over hills, green meadows and crystal clean rivers. She is a passionate guide horse, and best friend to her younger sister Taiga, both daughters of the famous Maremma Stallion “M. Felix.

Taiga is a very beautiful 7 year old and 175cm Maremma mare and if you look for her in the yard she will always be side by side with her older sister Nikita. She has very comfortable walk and nice movements. Always attentive she secures the back of our trail groups. She keeps her young spirit and never ending energies preferably for experienced riders. But also with her, you will enjoy the amazing views over Tuscany in a relaxed way.

Valoroso (italian for “brave”) represents the sporty type of the Maremman breed with the mixing-in of elegant thorough bred. The beautiful black gelding has participated at some games of the Butteri – the Maremman riders – and that’s also why our guests love riding him in the arena for some dressage lessons, too. He seems to be a bit shy infront of his human friends but shows off his stallion moves towards the other horses on his field. Valoroso – a wonderful and precious horse that already many of our guests were keen to take home

This beautiful young mare unites the quality of her Maremman mother Shiva with the elegance of her award-winning father “Corde di Santo Stefano” who won the stallion license test of Italy in 2002. Her mother made her a calm and absolutely pretty horse with a big, strong body whilst her father gave her the elegant and elastic movement of a Holsteiner with a lot of talent for jumping

This is our lovely gelding Bertino! He was born in 2002 with Maremman and French genes. He will take our experienced riders on our exciting horseback trail rides. His chestnut brown colour with a black wavy mane and his bold attitude make him a beautiful fun horse for our horse riding tours through Maremma Tuscany.

Everybody who got to try this beautiful spanish gray mare was immediately in love with the young PRE horse. Her spanish walk with that pretty short back is very comfortable and simply beautiful to look at. Fiera is always eager to follow her horse friends which makes her an ideal trekking horse. We feel very lucky that we even have two of this spanish beauties – Fiera and her sister Muonekita.

Despite of her young age, the gray PRE mare Muonekita (spanish for “dall”) is a surprisingly calm but also curious horse. Her friendly and faithful glance makes our riders hearts melt immediately and also for our staff at the stables, to ride little “Moni” for the first times was just like they expected it – a sweet cakewalk.

Our big American trotter is a lovely and very friendly brown gelding that will melt your heart with his sweet eyes. He is a super comfortable trekking horse with his long legs and his strong back. Our other horses and also our horse riders love him because of his pleasant character – and his amazing canter!

Oli is the slim black lady of our herd. She has a light body constitution and is 7 years old. With her big black eyes she is always looking around, making sure that her friends are close to her. She does not like to stay alone or be a leader of a group. She is a very nice horse for any rider who likes a faster path as well as for those who just begun their riding career.

For his brown-white appaloosa colour he became favourite especially among our youngest riders. But colour is not the only great thing about him. He is a very patient and relaxed riding partner and keeps his calmness in any siutation. At the same time he likes also a fast trot or canter and is therefore loved also by experienced riders. He is always eager to start the trail and deserves all your hugs!

Pintora is the white horse of our stable. She was born in Spain as a Lusitano and then brought to Tuscany. For her energetic and curious character she is a great horse for experienced riders. Her movements are very soft and comfortable. She is a passionate guiding horse, very brave and sensitive. After coming to our stable she fell in love with Juliano so they share a field together. A Lusitano might not be typical for Maremma Tuscany, but you will love this beautiful mare with a height of about 155 cm.

The chestnut colored mare, 155 cm high, Esmeralda was born in 2004. Thanks to her easy going and relaxed character she is a suitable for children and the beginner rider. Although she occasionaly tastes the plants she finds on her way, she is always obedient and careful with her rider. She loves to play in the river and you will really enjoy riding her. Absolutely unafraid of anything, she is perfect for beginners, for those simply striking for pleasure on horseback in Tuscany’s nature.

The brown italian warmblood is always friendly to the everyone – horses as well as people. She is very reliable and has a great stamina and motivation. With the height of 1,65 m and her nice character she is a perfect horse for trekking as well as horse riding lessons.

Chestnut coloured Top Gun is one of our oldest horses, but he is still full of energy and one would never guess his real age of 20. He has been with us for many years and knows all details of any trail in the whole region. Besides he is also a great teacher for children or beginner riders. His best friend is Esmeralda and you can recognize him for his white socks on every leg.

Gina is our smallest and oldest horse. She was born at our stables 25 years ago and has been one of our best trail horses with an extremly forward going character. Now she enjoys a more quiet life on the yards, joining a short ride from time to time. Given her friendly character we use her also for walking with the youngest cowboys.