Siena: Horseback Riding on the Via Francigena

The best part of this outing is its setting: you leave Siena’s traffic behind and ride through Montagnola Senese Park, following a section of the old Via Francigena pilgrimage route. Woods, green hills, and open fields replace the city, while the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago gives the ride a quiet historical stop.

I like the friendly, beginner-ready format and the small group limit of eight. I also like that helmets, an English or Italian-speaking guide, and more than 10 horses are provided. The main consideration is pace: the horses are chosen for calm, easy riding, so experienced riders may find the outing too gentle.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride a historic route: Follow the Via Francigena through Montagnola Senese Park, a rural area outside Siena.
• Visit San Leonardo: Pass beneath the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago, a peaceful religious site surrounded by nature.
• Good for first-time riders: You receive a ground briefing, basic riding instructions, and time to get comfortable with the horse.
• Expect a relaxed pace: The horses are described as beginner-friendly, which is reassuring for novices but less exciting for confident riders.
• Allow 90 minutes total: The ride itself lasts about 70 minutes, with the rest used for introductions, mounting, and preparation.
• Pack sensible clothing: Wear comfortable trousers and closed, comfortable shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, and skirts are not allowed.

Leaving Siena for the Via Francigena

This horseback ride begins at Strada del Pian del Lago 6, roughly 15 minutes from central Siena. You need to arrive 10 minutes before your chosen start time, and that early arrival matters. The first part of the experience takes place on the ground, not in the saddle.

At the meeting point, look for the shed that serves as a covered riding arena. Follow the tree-lined road uphill, where someone will direct you to the guide. The arrival process may feel a little informal, so do not cut it close. Give yourself enough time to find the correct spot and get settled.

Once the group is together, the guide introduces the horses and explains the basics of riding. You have a chance to become familiar with the animals before setting off. That is especially useful if you have never ridden before, or if your last ride was long ago.

The guide speaks Italian and English. The group is limited to eight people, which keeps the instruction more personal than a large stable outing. The provider also has more than 10 horses, so even a larger booking can usually ride together while keeping the official group small.

What the first-time riding lesson is like

The start is designed for ordinary people, not just experienced equestrians. You receive a helmet, learn the basic controls, and mount after the ground introduction. The guide then allows time to get used to the horse before the ride properly begins.

That approach has a clear benefit. A nervous rider can learn how to sit, hold the reins, and follow simple instructions without being rushed into the countryside. The horses are described as experienced and suited to relaxed rides, so beginners should find the tone reassuring.

The tradeoff is speed. This is not a lesson in advanced riding, jumping, or fast movement. The horses generally keep an easy pace, and one assessment of the outing found them particularly slow and beginner-oriented. If you regularly ride and hope to canter across the Tuscan countryside, this is probably not the right choice.

The ride is also not a private lesson. You will be sharing the pace of the group, so the guide must keep the experience comfortable for the least experienced rider. That is good news for families and first-time riders, but it limits the freedom of stronger riders.

Through Montagnola Senese Park

After leaving the stable, you head into Montagnola Senese Park and follow trails connected with the Via Francigena. This old route carried pilgrims across Europe toward Rome. Here, you experience it at a slow, four-legged pace rather than rushing past it by car.

The route passes through woods, green hills, and golden fields. The scenery is rural and natural rather than packed with major monuments. You should come for quiet country views, not for a parade of famous Tuscan overlooks.

That distinction is important. One harsh assessment found the scenery underwhelming, apart from some pleasant stretches of forest. I would set your expectations accordingly. The route may be lovely in its calm, wooded sections, but the appeal depends on enjoying open countryside and a simple ride. It is not a sightseeing circuit filled with dramatic stops.

The trail conditions also deserve attention. One account described sections with stones and rocky ground. That means the ride may feel uneven, especially if you are new to horseback riding. Wear shoes that give you a secure footing, and choose comfortable clothes that allow you to sit easily for more than an hour.

You will not be given boots, so this is one area where preparation matters. Comfortable closed shoes are required, while sandals and flip-flops are forbidden. A pair of practical walking shoes is a better choice than anything delicate or slippery.

Passing the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago

The route takes you beneath or near the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago. This religious site sits in the quiet of the countryside and adds a spiritual note to what might otherwise be a straightforward trail ride.

You should not expect a long guided visit inside the hermitage. The experience describes passing in its shadow rather than touring the building. Its value is in the setting: a historic religious place encountered along a wooded route, with time to appreciate the stillness around it.

This is where the Via Francigena connection feels most meaningful. Pilgrims once walked these roads with a clear religious purpose. You will be riding for pleasure, but the route still links the outing to the older rhythm of travel through Tuscany, where distance was measured by foot, horse, and the next village.

The stop also gives the ride a natural middle point. You move from the stable into the park, pass the hermitage, and then return along the rural trails. Since the entire outing lasts only 90 minutes, do not expect a long break or a full historical tour.

A calm ride, not a fast one

The actual horseback portion lasts about one hour and 10 minutes. The full experience lasts 90 minutes, including the welcome, introduction, mounting, and basic instruction.

That timing works well if you want to add a countryside activity without losing most of your day in Siena. You can fit it around other plans more easily than a half-day riding trip. At the same time, the ride is long enough to give you a real sense of moving through the countryside rather than simply circling an arena.

The relaxed pace is the central character of the outing. It suits you if you want to sit back, look around, and enjoy a quiet rural route. It also works well for a family activity, provided every participant meets the age and physical requirements.

The pace may disappoint you if you are already a confident rider. There is no indication that the outing includes faster riding, independent trail choices, or technical instruction. Choose it for gentle scenery and a first experience, not for a serious equestrian challenge.

The condition of the equipment deserves a measured warning. One very negative account described worn gear and concern about an animal appearing to limp. Other feedback described the horses as well cared for and praised the host’s kindness. The overall picture is mixed, so I would ask questions at the stable if you have a serious concern about your assigned horse or equipment.

Who gets the best value for $82?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Tuscan countryside. You are paying for the horse, helmet, guide, stable preparation, and a small-group route outside central Siena. You are also paying for an activity that does not require previous riding experience.

The price makes the most sense if you specifically want horseback riding. If you only want country views, other outings may offer more scenery for less money. But if you are comparing this with a longer riding excursion, the 90-minute format keeps both the cost and time commitment moderate.

I see the strongest value for first-time riders, couples who want a rural break, and families looking for something different from churches and museums. The setting offers a change of pace without requiring an entire day away from Siena.

The value is weaker for experienced riders seeking freedom or speed. The horses are intentionally calm, and the guide must keep everyone together. You may finish wishing the ride had covered more ground.

Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included. You need to reach the stable yourself, and the meeting point is outside the center. Plan for that extra transport time when building your day.

Practical limits and what to wear

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, anyone over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, or people over 75 years old. If you are booking for a child under 14, contact the provider first to see if the request can be accommodated.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Trousers are the sensible choice because you will be sitting in a saddle for about 70 minutes. Skirts are not permitted, and sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

A helmet is included, but boots are not. You do not need to arrive dressed like a competitive rider, but sturdy, closed shoes are important. Avoid clothing that restricts your legs or makes mounting awkward.

The activity runs in a small group, but the horses and guide still set the rhythm. If one member of your party is anxious, mention it at the start. The introductory period is there to help everyone get comfortable before leaving the stable.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Siena plans are still shifting.

Should you book this Siena horseback ride?

Book this experience if you want a short, gentle ride through rural Tuscany and you are happy with a beginner-friendly pace. The Via Francigena setting, Montagnola Senese Park, and San Leonardo hermitage give the outing more character than a simple stable loop.

I would especially recommend it to first-time riders, families, and anyone who wants a quiet break from Siena’s busy historic center. The guide’s English and Italian instruction, included helmet, and small group make the format approachable.

Think twice if you are an experienced rider hoping to canter, cover serious distance, or receive advanced instruction. Also arrive with realistic scenery expectations: you may find peaceful woods and fields, but not a nonstop series of spectacular views.

At $82, the ride is fair value when the activity itself is your priority. It is less compelling as a general sightseeing tour. Choose it for the horse, the calm countryside, and the old pilgrimage route, and you will know exactly what you are paying for.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The meeting point is at Strada del Pian del Lago 6, about 15 minutes from central Siena. Look for a shed used as a covered riding arena, then follow the tree-lined road uphill to find the person who will direct you to the guide.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about 1.5 hours. The horseback portion lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with the remaining time used for the welcome, ground briefing, mounting, and basic instruction.

Is this horseback ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guide explains the basics on the ground, gives you time to become familiar with the horse, and leads a relaxed ride. The horses are described as experienced and beginner-friendly.

Is an English-speaking guide available?

Yes. The guide speaks English and Italian.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable closed shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, and skirts are not allowed. Boots are not included.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are included in the activity price.

Are there restrictions for children and older participants?

The activity is not suitable for people over 75 years old, pregnant women, or anyone over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms. If a child will be under 14 at the time of booking, contact the provider to ask if the request can be accommodated.