Riding schools
On my return from Cape Verde, after falling in love with the horses and the serenity with which I lived in those few steps on the beach, I immediately decide to look for stables, riding schools and horse clubs in Bologna and its environs and to embark on my sheer journey in the equestrian world.
I state first : I am an itinerant and curious person … so how could a person like me go alone in only one place? No, that’s not me. So from June 2016 till today I rambled through schools and I discovered and learned a lot about the world of horse riding and its concepts … each of them with its own “style” assigned by the owner who is also the trainer.
A close friend, who hangs around the equestrian world for many years, advised me a school:
SIB: Horse Racing Company of Bologna English Riding – Show jumping
It is a welcoming equestrian club and riding school affiliated to FISE, dived into the splendid nature of the hills on the outskirts of Bologna.
The riding training is one of the main activities of the school, strictly and professionally supervised by FISE trainer Barbara Muzzarini – www.societaippicabolognese.it
As soon as I arrived at this equestrian club – a mysterious place for me – I met Barbara, the owner and riding trainer, who immediately made me feel like home. She showed me the stable, the horses, the outdoor and indoor courts, the pony school, the jump and the competitive round for kids.
Barbara scheduled my lessons and my “getting into the saddle”.How exciting it was!
Finally saddling, walking, trotting and then galloping by my own. What about Barbara and the school? I would use the same words as someone already described her: strong, determined, powerful, honest, and – I should add – with an unrestrained passion for animals and horses, of course.
Despite my age, my fears, and my mistakes, it has always encouraged me and helped me to overcome my uncertainties and to move forward for accomplish my dream:
HORSE TREKKING AROUND THE WORLD.
We became friends. I met people attending the equestrian club. And being what I am, I come and go, then I ride, then I go back, but despite this, the relationship created between us, both of friendship and of consideration for her job, is authentic.
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HORSE RIDING IN THE WILD Montetermine – American Riding – Equestrian Tourism
It is a sports association that offers the possibility of horseback riding and horse trekking on its blond Haflingers.
“The blond horses give you unique sensations, and let you get on with the spirit of wild nature. We are in the heart of the Park of Monte Sole, located between Bologna and Florence. There are still uncontaminated Apennines where the deer’s bell accompanies the wolf’s howl. SEE www.montetermine.it
After my first horse trekking in Tuscany, how could such a place not fascinate me? The desire to return for a whole day in the middle of valleys and woods …so I went.
The place is very beautiful, surrounded by nature, with these free Haflingers, running, eating, sleeping. I met the owners, Federico Bernardi and his spouse, Silvia. At the beginning, we felt awkward by his way of behaviour and his appearance.
He seems a tough guy, haughty, but then knowing him, you realize that in fact he is a nice person, a good riding trainer. It becomes spontaneous to let yourself be guided through the mountains between Emilia and Tuscany.
A nice gym, definitely.
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DON CHISCIOTTE EQUESTRIAN CLUB – Classic riding
CLASSIC RIDING : what is it? My curiosity has been teased. I have to learn it, to figure out, so I have to go.
As from 1st January 2014, Don Chisciotte, Club has a new location: Via Del Gomito. It is not anymore 3 km away from the center of Bologna..
The goal of this club is to promote and teach modern and thorough horse riding not forgetting the entertainment.
www.circoloippicodonchisciotte.it
The club and the school are supervised by Valerio Caprara.
The philosophy of the school:
It is not just a “working collaboration”, but something much deeper, something that has always made us feel better, emotionally, psychologically and physically speaking. There is something in this animal that is good for man.
ON THE GROUND:Even without riding, we can have wonderful experiences. The work on the ground is carried out in freedom. Longeing could be exercised too.
You interact with the horse, its instinct, and our rationality are confronted. A relationship is born. Only our sensitivity and desire to get involved can set limits to it.
ON THE SADDLE: Made with criterion and awareness, the movement on the horseback favors the development and the lengthening of the lumbar and abdominal muscles, and have benefits for the body’s coordination and give the sense of balance. Being close to a horse, taking care of it, working on the ground or in the saddle are activities which relax us, help us to control our emotions, increase our self-confidence and sharpen our communication skills.
My approach was very interesting; I tried a different kind of mounts than the “English” one I was used to. I encountered some difficulties because the structure changes decisively. Very interesting! Valerio is a riding trainer very smart, oozes with experience, professionalism and passion for what he does.
The location is small, a family club and Valerio and his spouse, Antonella, are very kind and friendly people. We hit it off. I enjoyed both with the horses and with the people I met. I will definitely go every so often.
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L’ ÉCURIE EQUESTRIAN CLUB – English Riding- Jump – Dressage – Hacking
We are in winter but I cannot give up to my training. I absolutely have to prepare the next holiday on horseback. Where should I go? My wandering around riding clubs brings me near Monteveglio where I found a place I’d never even heard of.
I ask for information and what attracts me most is the fact that they offer walks even in winter.
Content of this I go to see what it is, from those who are managed and especially if they do a lesson to an adult still a bit ‘”clumsy” but with a great desire to improve.
The L’Écurie Equestrian Club proposes different activities such as Show Jumping, Dressage, Horse trails according to your needs and requirements – L’Écurie Equestrian Club provides a stall for horse lodging. The stables are excellent; the paddocks are roomy, clean and extremely comfortable for your horses. There is the possibility to leave your horse as a boarded or to take a horse with various trust options. For those who want to compete but do not own a horse, the Club offers Pony and Horses trained for events.
The club is directed by Frédéric Benoist e Giorgia Benoist.
When I arrived, Giorgia was very welcoming and helpful, and Frédéric a little less, as long as he still did not understand who I was and what I wanted. A little girl, who ride on her pony in jumping competitions, grabbed my hand and showed the stable. She told me about the horses and her pony. At some point, she whispered: “Frédéric could seem a bit unpleasant as you do not know him yet, but then you will feel comfortable because he is a very good riding trainer, and sometimes he could be ironic.” We saddled my horse, and after an hour of training, everything has changed: Frédéric was reassured by seeing me on the saddle and handling the horse; so we started to relate. I met other people who frequent their club. I went out on a walk … Briefly, I found a very nice place. I will absolutely go back to improve and to ride on a horseback.