ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: English.

Type of Riding: Trail ride.

Type of Tack: Australian stock and Western saddles, designed for comfort.

Hours in the Saddle: 5-6 hours daily (stopping for a siesta midday).

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upwards. This ride requires a good level of fitness, riders should be comfortable in all three paces, and may be expected to walk their horses over some small sections of the trail. Horses are ridden on a loose and relaxed long rein.

Maximum Weight: 83kg (13 stone).

Number of Guides per Ride: 1 or 2 per group. Maximum number of riders per guide is 6.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/6

Looking after the horse: Guests are not required to groom or tack up their horses but are more than welcome to assist.

ABOUT THE HORSES

The horses at Chianti Rufina are "happy horses". They all live out in an established herd during the summer and the winter. Jess and her husband believe that it is important for the horse's mental and physical well-being that they get time to 'be a horse'. They need time to play, groom, roll and interact with other horses at some point during every day - this is the horses way of relaxing. They will all take care of the most nervous of riders whilst always being ready for a gallop when asked. The herd is small, but well chosen. They are a good-looking bunch, but also well trained and level headed. You will find amongst them halflingers, Arabians, Anglo Arabians, Italian saddle breds and an Argentine Criollo.

Here are a few who you might meet.

• Evita is an Argentinian Criollo mare. She is a comfortable, light mouthed mount especially suitable for nervous riders.

• Biscotto is a famous Italian breed "the Maremanno" from Southern Tuscany. He is well schooled, and has a relaxed, easy going character.

• Taribo is a brave and sure footed trekker who adores cuddles. His breeding is Arab/Spanish.

• Jasmine is an eight year old arabian mare. She is a light and sensitive to ride, and provides a fantasic mount for an experienced rider

• Navarro is a six year old Sardinian anglo arab. He has a cheeky and individual personality.

• Maestro is a Lipizzaner. An eleven year old former dressage horse from Slovenia. Calm and fun ride.