I just got back from Italy and Simona from Florence Country Life made one of my dreams come true. I…read morereally wanted a quintessential Tuscan hillside horseback ride where I could trot and gallop through wine vineyards. Other companies I contacted were only able to offer trail rides with horses head-to-tail.
Simona orchestrated a private ride for me with a local horse owner in the Tuscan hills. I was picked up by their driver, Marco, in downtown Florence and delivered to a modest horseback riding school in Rufino, about 35 minutes outside Florence. There I was greeted by the owner and a bi-lingual instructor. The three of us set out on our horses, walking through neighboring gravel streets, behind homes where locals came out to wave to us as we passed.
As we walked further up the countryside, we trotted alongside family gardens, and then took off into a gallop in an open field. Further up the hills, we galloped again right through grape vineyards. Our guide pulled some fresh figs off the trees and we enjoyed a snack along our way.
At the highest point, I could see all of the towns below. It was truly breathtaking. On the way down, we walked through olive groves and enjoyed a few more figs. By the time we got back to the stables, my heart was full as one of my life-long dreams had been fulfilled.
Marco drove me back to Florence and it was back to the city life. Simona called us on the way back to ensure the ride met my satisfaction and welcomed me back to visit them again if I were ever so fortunate to return.
Thank you, Simona, for arranging such a special ride for me. It was beyond my expectations, yet so simple and without worry.
