Giovanni is a jolly Italian man with a passion for leading horse riding experiences in the Alto Garda Park, Lake Garda. With years of experience, he started his guiding days at the young age of 18 years taking tourists on walking tours of the area. He then taught himself to ride and borrowed horses to take tourists out into the local area, to show off the beauty of the area he lived in. Now with Scuderia Castello ranch, Giovanni has a well run yard with healthy horses and can offer trips from a few hours in length to week long trips. You can learn more about my experience horse riding in Lake Garda below…
As Giovanni knows the National Park around Lake Garda like the back of his hand, he leads an enriching trip through countryside, quaint villages and to the peaks of mountains. He will show you breathtaking views of the lake and the peaks of the Lombardy Alps. Riding here is fully supervised and the horses well behaved, so Giovanni’s treks are suitable for all levels of rider.
Photo from www.scuderiacastello.it
Due to time restrictions on my part, we only have the afternoon horse riding in Lake Garda with Giovanni. Therefore, he took us out around the local area and down into the village. Whilst I am used to riding English style, the horses were very well behaved whilst we got the hang of the western style of riding.
We hacked out on tracks down to the villages and along quiet countries road. It was a great way to see village life, old women chatting on benches and farming life. These are a few of the reasons that make horse riding in Lake Garda a must!
The hack out was the best experience I had with getting at one with nature and seeing the beautiful area of Lake Garda.
Photo from www.scuderiacastello.it
Back at Scuderia Castello, there is a cafe with amazing views over the lakes. It is lovely to see the horses being looked after so well and the smiling faces of a group who had been on a 4 day hack out into the national park.
You can also read about my experience on the Iron Way in Lake Garda or check out this post about cycling in Venice.
Please comment below if you have ever experience horse riding in Lake Garda or at a similar holiday destination. Perhaps, you have any other advice on fun activities to do in Italy. Don’t forget to subscribe (It’s free!) to my blog for more posts like this and interesting travel tips.
Other tips for Horse Riding in Lake Garda
1/ No level of riding experience is required for this trip but seeing that you will be spending a long time on a horse you need to know that you will be confident on a horse.
2/ Sturdy shoes are required and long trousers to protect your legs from the overgrowth. Don’t forget your sun cream!
3/ Check out Scuderia Castello website to see the riding tours and what else Giovanni has to offer including hikes and cuisine. Scuderia Castello also has eight rooms and food straight from the farm making for a comfortable and traditional stay.
Disclaimer: This trip was arrange for me by Discovery Media Network and I was hosted by Scuderia Castello. Due to the experience I had, I wanted to share this with my readers. All thoughts and recommendations I give are as always my own.
I was in the Lake Garda region almost two decades ago… man this makes me feel old… and while we used it just as a base and didn’t explore much of it, it definitely is a beautiful part of Italy. Local activities like horse riding are always a fun way to see a place especially as you are able to access areas that might not be possible by car. Thanks
I am glad that it has taken you back 🙂
This looks like such a great afternoon. Not sure i’m cut out for horseback riding, but your photos could tempt me to try! I haven’t been to Italy in so long! I need to put it on my priority list!
I really hope you get to Italy soon!
Beautiful place. Must be awesome to experience through a slow horse ride. Hopefully the horses are well taken care of at the ranch. Which would make it an absolute eco-tourism instead of animal exploitation.
The ranch is really good and the horses are really looked after. I wouldn’t have gone near it if it wasn’t up to standards being a massive animal lover 🙂 It makes me so happy to see well kept horses.
How beautiful is Lake Garda! Horseriding around this area must have been so calming and relaxing – a real day with nature! Perfect and romantic! Great Post!
Thanks Katie. Lake Garda really is beautiful.
This looks lovely but I’m not a fan of horseback riding. I’m not very good at it mostly because I get scared (lol)! This ride though seems very leisurely taking you to different places like villages and even the beach. But, even so, I can’t say I would sign up! 😉
Aww what a shame but its not everyone’s cup of tea. The area was really good for hiking and cycling too.
This sounds like fun! I never considered Italy a horseriding destination but why not? My first time kn a horse was in Mongolia but the horse was sooo little. Fun times though
Wow horse riding in Mongolia 🙂 I must try that!
This is such a unique way to see a new destination. Plus Lake Garda is gorgeous. I did a day of horseback riding in Iceland which was super interesting as that is a totally unique landscape. But what exactly is English riding as opposed to Western style? I thought we all rode horses the same way!
Haha Ashley. So Western riding is where you hold the reins with one hand, English riding is when you hold it with two. Quite often With western riding you ride with both legs over one side (but don’t quote me on that bit).
I love the sound of riding Icelandic horses!
What a lovely spot for a horse ride! I have not tried English style riding, but I know how easy Western style is. Beautiful lake views.
The views over the lake really was beautiful!