Imagine waking up in Pienza, the “Ideal City of the Renaissance,” and deciding to discover the surrounding landscape not from your home on wheels, but from the back of a horse. At that moment, your gaze embraces the Crete Senesi, those lunar hills of clay and limestone that stretch towards the horizon like motionless waves of earth. You will find yourself in the beating heart of one of Italy’s most visited regions, yet, once in the saddle, every dirt road becomes a personal journey, every cypress standing out on the horizon tells you of forgotten stories, and time slows down to the rhythm of your horse’s canter.
Here, at the ASD IL DESTRIERO in Buonconvento, countryside riding is not a simple tourist activity, but a way to discover the territory following the principles of conscious classical riding. It is an experience that touches the heart and the mind, transforming every moment into a memory.
From the Camper to the Riding School: The Route from Pienza to Buonconvento
If, like us, you stopped in Pienza at the Pienza parking lot, located in Via Mario Mencatelli, a stone’s throw from the historic center, reaching Buonconvento is a simple and pleasant undertaking. The distance is about 30 kilometers to the northeast, a journey of about 50 minutes that runs alongside the magical curves of the Sienese countryside. Take the provincial road through San Quirico d’Orcia then continue towards Buonconvento following the signs. ASD IL DESTRIERO is located at Località Giuncheto, Strada Comunale della Befa, in the green area of the Crete Senesi, 10 km from Montalcino and 25 km from Siena. Once you arrive at the riding school, you will discover that it is not a cold and industrial place, but a structure deeply rooted in the territory, where the horses live in harmony with the surrounding countryside. The approach begins here: the horses of ASD IL DESTRIERO are not simple “work tools,” but companions who have learned to trust humans through the teaching of academic classical riding.Conscious Riding: A Philosophy on Horseback
The ASD IL DESTRIERO school is based on English riding and, specifically, on academic classical training, teaching how to work on the ground, in the saddle, and in the countryside in complete safety with the intent of maintaining the well-being and respect of the horse. This is not a self-serving tourist slogan: it is truly the heart of what you will discover during your experience. The routes suitable for first rides last about 1 hour, making this experience feasible even for beginners. For experienced riders, multi-hour or full-day treks are recommended, with the possibility of stopping for a good glass of wine or a tasting of local typical products such as pecorino cheese and “cinta” cured meats. The large training arena with a panoramic view allows you to start without anxiety, relying on the expert hands of instructor Gaby, a historical reference point of the school.The Horses: Sensitive and Intelligent Companions
The horses are of different breeds, from the Anglo-Arabian to the Murgese, and live free in the summer on the hills around the center and in large covered paddock-boxes in the winter, always being able to socialize and live according to their nature. You won’t easily part with them: each animal has a distinct personality, and your horse will soon become a loyal friend who will guide you through the beauties of the landscape.
foto tratte da equitazionedicampagna.com
foto tratte da equitazionedicampagna.com
Routes Through the White Roads and the Calanchi (Badlands)
The landscape surrounding Buonconvento is extraordinary. You immerse yourself in nature with the horses and follow the white roads hidden in the woods, galloping through the fields. The paths are bordered by cypress trees and towards the end of June the cereals ripen in the fields and the sunflowers turn clockwise. Imagine: you are on horseback, the wind carries the scent of the Tuscan earth, and around you, you see nothing but a gentle succession of rolling hills. The *calanchi* – those erosion formations that create an almost lunar landscape – appear suddenly, surprising in their alien beauty. It is one of those moments when you truly understand the value of discovering a territory with the right timing: that of the horse, that of nature.The Route Towards Siena: A Ride Through History
Following the paths recommended by ASD IL DESTRIERO, your route will touch the beating heart of the Crete Senesi: the white roads of Asciano, the almost unreal landscape between hills and oak woods, perhaps a stop at the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore (an architectural masterpiece immersed in wild nature). The landscape changes dramatically according to the seasons. In autumn and winter, the atmosphere is rarefied, with the fog that, when it lifts, gives way to the blue, and the fields are tinged with many bright greens. In spring, everything turns golden, right when the hills fill with fragrant hay bales, while in summer it is possible to admire the cultivation of wheat and sunflowers.Practical Tips for Visiting
When to Visit
- Spring (April–May): The hills are golden, flowers are blooming, and temperatures are ideal (15–25°C)
- Autumn (September–October): Days are still warm, skies are clear, and there is a peaceful post-summer atmosphere
- Summer: Possible, but with high temperatures (25–35°C); it is recommended to organize rides early in the morning
- Winter: Less crowded but with a risk of fog; fascinating for those who love the rarefied atmosphere
How to Book
To contact ASD IL DESTRIERO, you can consult the website www.equitazionedicampagna.com or send an email to asdildestriero@gmail.com. It is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially during high season (May–September). For beginners, one-hour rides are ideal for “testing” the experience; the more experienced can opt for full-day treks.
Looking for other similar experiences?
These other destinations can offer you walks in nature
Do you prefer to discover the destinations via the map?
Here are all the places we visited
0
