Horse riding in the hills of Valfabbrica: trails on the agriturismo's doorstep

In front of Le Dolci Colline, paths climb between olive groves and woodland — the same ones I watch guests walk every season.

But there's an older, slower way to follow them: on horseback. I'm Filippo Bellezza, co-owner, and here I explain how a ride works around here, what you'll see and who it suits.

An honest note first: the rides aren't run by the agriturismo's own staff. We arrange them through riding guides and stables in the area that we've worked with for years — people who know the trails, the horses and how to look after someone who has never sat in a saddle.

The trails around the farmhouse, seen from the saddle

The countryside around Valfabbrica is made of gentle hills, rows of olive trees and stretches of woodland. At a horse's pace the landscape tells a different story: you feel the ground, you notice the quiet, you look out over Umbria from a saddle rather than through a car window.
In a few hours you cross changing scenery — open fields, the shade of the woods, glimpses towards the nearby hill towns.
It's an experience that fits the slow rhythm of travellers who choose Umbria precisely to slow down.

How it works: an experience led by expert guides

When a guest asks to go riding, we put them in touch with the right partners and coordinate the day and time. The guides provide the horses, the equipment and the company along the route, choosing the itinerary to match the group's level.
That means two things: the activity is run by professionals, and the details — length, difficulty, requirements — are agreed with them before you set off. I'm glad to help organise everything, but the precise conditions are set by the guides.

Who it suits

Rides adapt to different needs. If you've never been in a saddle, there are short, calm outings on horses used to beginners, at a gentle pace. More experienced riders can ask for longer, more demanding routes through the hills.
You'll usually be asked in advance about the riders' level and ages, so the guides can prepare a suitable outing.

What you'll see along the way

The trails around the farmhouse sit within a rich landscape: Assisi and Monte Subasio on one side, Gubbio and the mountains on the other, with Perugia not far away. Depending on the route you'll pass old olive groves, skirt woodland and reach viewpoints worth a short pause. Walkers will recognise familiar places from a new angle.

To see how riding fits alongside the other things to do here, you can look through the experiences available during a stay in the countryside and combine them with a ride.

When to go and how to prepare

Spring and autumn are comfortable seasons: mild temperatures and rich colour in the fields. Summer calls for rides in the cooler hours, while winter depends on the weather and should be arranged in advance.

You'll need sturdy closed shoes, long trousers and a little attention to the guide's instructions; the stable provides the rest.

If the idea of seeing these hills at a horse's pace appeals to you, write to me for the details and the partners' contacts: request availability and we'll find the right day together.