Horseback riding in the hills of Montepulciano in Tuscany

The best part of this outing is its setting: you ride from a working farm into the hills around Montepulciano, passing vineyards, olive groves, and broad Tuscan views. David and his family keep the pace calm, and beginners can receive close help, including a guide walking beside a nervous rider or young child.

I like the gentle horses and the personal feel of a private ride. I also like that the farm adds more than saddle time, with goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, kittens, cows, horses, and even some ill-tempered geese to see. The main drawback is access: the farm is not a good walk from Montepulciano because the road is busy, so arrange a ride.

Key points at a glance

• A one-hour ride through vineyards and olive groves: The route focuses on quiet Tuscan scenery rather than a long or demanding horseback trek.
• Beginners and children can take part: The guides offer hands-on support, including walking beside less confident riders.
• A private activity for your group: You do not ride with a large mixed crowd.
• A friendly farm setting: You may also see goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, kittens, cows, horses, and geese.
• A useful farmhouse break: Guests have been offered water, wine, cheese, cake, and shelter in the old farmhouse when waiting or cooling off.
• Bring sun and insect protection: A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are sensible choices.

Riding through Montepulciano’s vineyard hills

This is a short, scenic horseback ride based at Fattoria Madonna della Querce, at Località Bertille 1, outside Montepulciano. The outing lasts about one hour, making it easy to fit between wine tasting, sightseeing in town, or a drive through the Val d’Orcia area.

The route takes you through vineyards and olive groves on trails around the farm. You are not signing up for an all-day expedition or a fast ride across rough country. The appeal is the quiet pace, the views, and the chance to see the countryside from horseback.

I like this format for a first ride in Tuscany. An hour gives you enough time to settle into the saddle, learn how the horse responds, and enjoy the scenery without turning the activity into a full-day commitment. It also works well for families who want to add one outdoor activity without exhausting younger children.

The scenery changes with the season. In autumn, the vineyards and surrounding hills take on different colors, giving the ride a warmer, more textured look. On a clear day, you can expect the views to be a major part of the outing, though the exact route and conditions will depend on the weather.

A calm start for first-time riders

You do not need previous horseback-riding experience. That matters here because the ride is designed for a broad mix of abilities, from confident riders to people who have never sat on a horse.

The horses are described as well behaved and well cared for. That does not remove every concern, of course. A horse is still a large animal, and you should tell the guide clearly if you feel nervous, especially before setting off.

The support sounds especially useful for children and anxious riders. David has walked directly beside a young child during the ride, and a nervous adult rider has received similar help, with the guide holding the horse’s rope for much of the route. That is the kind of practical assistance that can turn an intimidating activity into a comfortable one.

The private format helps, too. Only your group takes part, so you are not being pushed to match the speed of strangers. A small family group can keep things gentle, while more confident riders can still enjoy the ride without a large party crowding the trail.

What happens at the farm before the ride

The meeting point is the farm itself, not a central square in Montepulciano. Give yourself enough time to find Località Bertille 1, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy, and plan transport before you leave town.

Walking from Montepulciano may look reasonable on a map. In practice, the road is busy and was described as unsafe for walking. I would arrange a taxi, private car, or other ride rather than treating this as an easy stroll. The available information does not include a transfer service, so transportation to the farm is your responsibility.

The farm adds character to the wait. You may see a lively collection of animals, including goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, kittens, horses, cows, and geese. The geese apparently have strong opinions, so keep a little distance if they look cross.

There can be an unexpected wait before the ride. This is worth knowing because the scheduled horseback portion is only about an hour, and your total time at the farm may be longer. When a delay has occurred, the hosts have offered wine, cake, cheese, and water. On hot days, guests have also been brought inside the old farmhouse for drinks and fresh-baked cake.

That hospitality is a real plus, but I would still avoid booking this activity back-to-back with something time-sensitive. Farm activities do not always run with the precision of a museum entrance slot. Give yourself breathing room afterward.

Meeting David and the family team

David is the host name most closely associated with the activity. He is described as welcoming with adults and especially good with children. A host couple also helps run the farm, creating a family atmosphere rather than a large commercial riding center.

English is offered, though communication may not always be perfectly smooth. One account describes a language barrier but also says the welcome was kind and the practical care was clear. For a simple ride, friendly gestures and demonstrations may matter as much as long explanations, but you should still ask questions about mounting, steering, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable.

The guide’s role goes beyond leading horses along a path. You can expect stories and local details about the places you pass. Since this is a private activity, you have a better chance to ask about the farm, the animals, and the countryside than you would on a large group excursion.

The one-hour route through vineyards and olive groves

Once mounted, the group heads onto trails around the farm. Much of the ride passes through vineyards, with olive groves and open Tuscan scenery adding variety.

The pace is intended to be manageable for beginners. There is no indication that the ride includes fast galloping or advanced riding work. If you are hoping for a challenging equestrian outing, this may feel too gentle. If you want a relaxed way to see the countryside, the pace is much more suitable.

I would pay attention to the route rather than focus only on the horse. Vineyards give you a close view of the agricultural character around Montepulciano, while the higher sections provide wider views across the hills. The setting feels connected to local farm life, not separated from it by a purpose-built riding arena.

The ride is also a good choice for people who have already spent several days visiting churches, wine cellars, and historic streets. An hour outdoors gives your day a change of rhythm. You can sit quietly, listen to the guide, and let the scenery do the work.

Still, this is not a guaranteed private ride through every famous Tuscan viewpoint. The route can vary, and poor weather may force a cancellation or change of date. Treat the activity as a countryside outing based near Montepulciano, not as a promise of a specific postcard view.

Why the farm animals add value

The animals are more than a small extra for families. They give children something to enjoy before or after the ride, especially if a child is too young to spend the full hour in the saddle.

The farm may include goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, kittens, horses, cows, and geese. Baby donkeys have also been a memorable part of the visit. This makes the activity feel like time at a working family farm rather than a horseback ride with an otherwise empty arrival area.

For parents, that matters. A three-year-old has taken part with an adult and received close support from David. The information does not promise a minimum age or a particular arrangement for every child, so you should confirm any age concerns when booking. Still, the hands-on approach suggests that young children are not automatically excluded.

The animals also give you a reason to linger. If your group arrives early or the ride starts late, there is something pleasant to do rather than simply standing around. Just remember that farm animals are unpredictable, and children should stay close to an adult.

Price and value at $95.31 per person

At $95.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Tuscany. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

If you judge the price only by saddle time, an hour may feel brief. You also need to account for transportation to the farm, and the activity does not list a meal or a guaranteed wine tasting as part of the standard ride.

The price makes more sense if you value the private format, personal guidance, farm setting, and support for beginners. You are paying for access to a family-run property, a guided route through vineyards and olive groves, and an activity that can work for mixed-age groups. The animals and farmhouse hospitality add warmth, though refreshments should not be treated as a guaranteed inclusion.

For a couple seeking a long, serious riding session, a longer tour may offer better value. For a family or first-time rider looking for a memorable Tuscan activity, the private attention can justify the cost.

Practical clothing and comfort advice

Wear long trousers or other clothing that will be comfortable against a saddle. Closed shoes are sensible for a farm and trail setting, although the supplied information does not specify a required shoe type.

A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are strongly worth packing. The ride is outdoors, and the hills can feel hot even when the air seems mild at the farm. Bring water, too, although water has been provided on site.

Do not dress only for a polished wine-country photograph. Choose clothing you can sit in for an hour and that you will not mind getting dusty. A light layer may help in cooler seasons, especially in the morning or late afternoon.

The activity requires good weather. If rain or other poor conditions make the ride unsafe, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this horseback ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want close guidance
• Families with children who enjoy animals and outdoor activities
• Couples looking for a quiet break from sightseeing
• Small private groups that prefer their own pace
• Anyone who wants vineyard scenery without committing to a full-day excursion

You should think twice if you want a long trail ride, a fast pace, advanced riding, or a perfectly timed activity with no chance of waiting. The experience is gentle and personal, not athletic or tightly scheduled.

It also suits people who want to see another side of Montepulciano. Wine tasting and town visits show you the region’s built heritage and food traditions. This ride takes you into the farm country that supports that identity.

Should you book Fattoria Madonna della Querce?

Book it if you want a relaxed, beginner-friendly hour on horseback with vineyard views, friendly help, and a genuine farm setting. The strongest reasons are the patient support for nervous riders and children, the well-cared-for horses, and the chance to spend time around the farm animals.

Before booking, solve the transport question. Do not plan to walk from Montepulciano along the busy road. Also leave spare time in your day in case the farm runs behind schedule.

For the right person, the activity offers more than a standard riding lesson. It is a gentle countryside visit with horses, animals, family hospitality, and a taste of rural Tuscany. For a serious rider seeking distance and speed, choose something longer. For everyone else, this is a pleasant and memorable way to slow down.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The activity begins at Fattoria Madonna della Querce, Località Bertille 1, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The horseback ride lasts approximately one hour.

Do I need previous horseback-riding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners and people without horseback-riding experience.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What animals might I see at the farm?

The farm may have goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, kittens, horses, cows, and geese. Baby donkeys have also been present.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.