During dressage training in the Tuscan countryside pre-pandemic, Jan Norman discovers the joys of Italian hospitality — and an arena perched on the edge of a panorama.
“Bravo! Bellissimo, Jan!” Delivered with so much sincerity and unbridled enthusiasm, I could feel my heart smile. Certainly enough motivation to move one to new heights or greater laterals as it turned out. While my dressage teachers were lavish in their warm approval of my moves, they were equally generous in their constructive corrections. I was to discover that Italian exuberance extended as much to the coaching as it did to hospitality and volumes of delectable food.
For one mountain-biker and one equestrienne, a duo of foodies with a love of all things Italian, this was the dream vacation.

Il Paretaio is situated in the Tuscan countryside.
A weeklong break at Il Paretaio can be made up of a combination of dressage, showjumping or basic riding lessons and outrides across vineyards, orchards and wide scenic expanses. While the outrides are simply spectacular, it is the passionate and intensive lessons that are the speciality. From beginner to experienced, there is a horse for all. Classes are kept to a maximum of two or three riders, but even in the high season I was lucky enough to find myself one-on-one a couple of times. The riders were beautifully paired to their mounts, taking into account more than just riding ability but also sensitivity and confidence.

PRE stallion, Engreido and Cristina Libardi. Image by Lisa Dijk.

Il Paretaio is an equestrian’s dream come to life.

Typically, riding holidays involve a week-long horse-human match, which often develops into a happy love affair that grows until that tearful kiss-on-the-muzzle goodbye. At Il Paretaio, firm fidelity was not the state of affairs and this proved to be an incredibly positive experience. While it is often easier to find a favourite and stick with him or her for the rest of the time, this kick out of the comfort zone is decidedly better for honing your riding skills. It also meant that I met two new (to me) breeds.
Vagabond was the polar opposite of his name. The kindest and most willing dark-eyed soul who aimed to please in everything he did, this stocky and pony-sized equine is a “Cheval de Mérens”, a relatively uncommon and very ancient native breed of France. Known for their sure-footedness, docility, natural inquisitiveness and bravery, it seems that they are also versatile. Vagabond could turn a hoof at a few more disciplines than his looks would suggest. He was known to pop neatly over jumps and cross more than his furry fetlocks. His leg yield was the real thing and we glided smoothly across that arena in the Tuscan sky.
Nina the Holsteiner oozed class and style. Tall, elegant and full of scope, she was responsive and forward-going. Nina’s canter ate up the ground and I quickly understood the popularity of this breed. Squib, the Anglo-Arab, was more familiar territory for me. Full of impulsion and easy to ride, he had a huge fan club among the riders for good reason. Little squeaks of joy came from the teenagers when the daily roster appeared and they found they’d been matched with the fun-loving Squib. Well cared-for and carefully trained, the horses of Il Paretaio are warm-hearted and big on personality. If you could take just one home, the choice would be almost impossible.

Show jumping lessons are available.

PRE stallion, Engreido. Image by Lisa Dijk.

The beautiful stables at Il Paretaio.

Dressage, jumping and basic riding lessons are available.
TOP TIPS
Il Paretaio is perfect for non-riding partners too. The chilled can max out on pool time while the energetic can walk, drive to nearby villages or hire mountain bikes. This is essentially a year-round destination as Tuscan winters are famously mild. The instructors are fluent in many languages. Beginners and even first-timers are welcome. Make a booking or enquiry through their website www.ilparetaio.it/en. EQ