Horseback riding in the hills of Montepulciano in Tuscany

The best part of this Montepulciano outing is the quiet ride through vineyards and olive groves, with the Tuscan hills opening around you. David guides the horses along the farm trails and shares stories about the area, so you get more than a quick photo stop with an animal.

I like the gentle approach for beginners, including children who may need extra help. I also like the warm farm setting, where you might meet donkeys, goats, rabbits, cats, cows, and even some famously unfriendly geese. The main drawback is practical: you need your own ride to the farm, since walking from Montepulciano means using busy roads.

Key points

• One-hour ride through vineyards and olive groves: The route focuses on scenic farm trails rather than a long or demanding horseback excursion.
• Good for first-time riders: David stays close and can walk beside a nervous rider or young child.
• A family-run farm setting: Time around the animals and the old farmhouse adds a personal touch.
• Small private outing: Only your group takes part, making the pace more comfortable than a large group ride.
• Bring sun and insect protection: A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are useful in the open countryside.
• Plan transportation carefully: The farm is at Località Bertille, about a mile and a half from Montepulciano, but the road is not a safe walk.

A quiet ride above Montepulciano

Horseback riding near Montepulciano gives you a slower view of Tuscany. From the saddle, you pass vineyards, olive groves, and country trails instead of moving from one town sight to the next. The ride lasts about an hour, so it fits neatly into a day of wine tasting, town sightseeing, or touring the Val d’Orcia area.

This is not a fast trail ride or an all-day horse trek. The short length makes it approachable, especially if you are new to horses, traveling with children, or simply want a peaceful break from busy sightseeing. You should expect a relaxed outing, not a demanding riding lesson.

The farm is Fattoria Madonna della Querce, at Località Bertille, 1, 53045 Montepulciano. You return to the same meeting point at the end. That simple out-and-back setup matters because you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

Meeting David and settling in with the horses

David is the guide named in the experience details, and he is also closely involved in welcoming riders at the farm. The atmosphere is personal and informal. You are not being moved through a large commercial stable with a long line of riders. This is a private activity, so only your group participates.

Before setting out, you can expect help getting comfortable around the horses. No previous riding experience is required, and the activity is designed for beginners. That does not mean you should expect a formal riding course. It means the outing is structured so that you can take part without already knowing how to handle a horse.

The support is especially useful for nervous riders. David has walked beside riders who were uncomfortable and held a horse’s rope during the ride. For a small child or someone uneasy around animals, that close attention can make the difference between an anxious hour and a pleasant one.

You should still tell the guide about your riding background before leaving. A first-time rider and an experienced equestrian may need different amounts of help, even on the same easy route.

Riding through vineyards and olive groves

Once you leave the farm, the main attraction is the scenery. The trail runs for the most part through vineyards, with olive groves and Tuscan hills adding variety. You get a closer look at the working countryside around Montepulciano, rather than viewing it only from a road or a town wall.

The pace is intended to be calm. The horses are described as well behaved and well cared for, which is important for a beginner-focused ride. You can concentrate on the views and on staying comfortable instead of worrying about an unpredictable animal.

The route’s appeal changes with the season. Autumn brings color to the vineyards and olive trees, making it an especially attractive time for photographs. In summer, the open trails and hill views are lovely, but the sun can be strong. A hat, sunscreen, and water are sensible choices. Insect repellent is also worth packing.

The ride is only about an hour, so do not book it expecting miles of varied terrain. The reward is the setting and the easy pace. You get a taste of the countryside without giving up half a day.

The farm animals add a second experience

The horses are the reason you book, but the farm animals may become part of the most memorable hour. The property is home to goats, donkeys, rabbits, cats, horses, cows, and geese. Young donkeys have been a particular treat for families.

This makes the activity more than a ride followed by a quick goodbye. Depending on the timing and the farm’s routine, you may have a chance to see or pet several animals. The geese are apparently less interested in making friends, so keep your expectations sensible around every creature.

For families, this extra time can be valuable. A three-year-old may not manage a full independent riding experience, but a child can still enjoy sitting on a horse with an adult or guide nearby, then meeting the animals at the farm. The activity is not presented as a children’s lesson, yet the hands-on farm setting gives young children more to enjoy than the ride alone.

The animal time also gives you a natural pause before or after riding. If someone in your group is nervous about horses, meeting smaller animals first may help them feel at ease.

A family farm, not a polished show

Fattoria Madonna della Querce has the feel of a working family property. That is part of its charm, and also something to understand before booking. You are coming for a personal farm visit with horses and country views, not a staged Tuscan performance.

The property includes a 500-year-old farmhouse. In hot weather, David has welcomed riders inside for drinks and fresh-baked cake. Another account describes wine, cake, and cheese being offered during a wait. These extras are not the central advertised part of the one-hour ride, and you should not treat them as guaranteed menu items or a formal meal.

Still, they help explain the appeal of the place. A drink in an old farmhouse and a look at family life can feel more connected to the countryside than a quick ride at a large tourist stable. The pace may also be less tightly timed than you expect. At least one outing involved an hour-long wait before the ride, though refreshments and hospitality helped make the delay easier.

If you have a tightly packed schedule, leave room around the one-hour duration. The listed riding time is approximate, and farm activities can take their own pace.

Why the private format matters

Only your group takes part, which is one of the strongest practical features. A private ride lets the guide pay attention to your comfort, experience, and pace instead of balancing a large line of riders.

This matters most for mixed groups. A confident adult, a nervous beginner, and a young child can need different support. David has walked directly beside children and nervous riders, which would be much harder in a large group.

A private outing can also feel more relaxed socially. You can ask questions about the farm, the horses, or the area without competing with a crowd. The guide shares stories and local details along the way, adding context to the vineyards and trails.

The small format does not guarantee a long conversation or a customized route. The ride remains about an hour, and the exact pace depends on your group and the horses. But the private setup gives you a better chance of receiving direct help and a calm introduction to riding.

The $95.31 price and what you receive

At $95.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Tuscan countryside. The price makes more sense if you value the combination of a private ride, guide support, farm animals, and a personal setting.

You are paying for more than time on a horse. The outing includes the guide-led route, access to the farm setting, and the extra care that helps beginners take part. For a family or small group, that personal attention can be worth more than a lower-priced large group ride.

The value is less clear if you are already an experienced rider looking for several hours in the saddle. One hour is short, and the route is focused on an easy introduction rather than a serious riding adventure. You may prefer a longer trail ride if horseback time is your main goal.

For most first-time riders, the price buys a manageable taste of Tuscan country life. It also avoids the pressure of committing to a half-day ride before you know how comfortable everyone feels.

Getting to Località Bertille safely

The meeting point is Località Bertille, 1, outside Montepulciano. One important warning is transportation. The farm is roughly a mile and a half from Montepulciano, but walking there involves busy roads and is not considered safe.

Do not assume that a short map distance means an easy stroll. Arrange a car, taxi, or other ride to the meeting point. This is especially important if you are traveling with children, carrying bags, or planning to walk back after the activity.

The tour begins and ends at the farm, so your transportation plan needs to cover both directions. Confirm the location and allow enough time to arrive without rushing. A late arrival would be especially unhelpful if the horses are being prepared or another farm activity is underway.

The experience is offered in English. A language gap may still occur in a family-run setting, but the guide’s hands-on help and welcoming manner are useful for basic instructions and reassurance.

Comfort, weather, and what to bring

This is an outdoor activity, and the ride depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Wear clothes that allow easy movement and shoes suitable for a farm. The supplied information does not specify a strict dress code, but practical clothing is the sensible choice around horses and country trails. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water.

The farm has provided plenty of water during visits, but I would still carry what you need for the trip to and from the meeting point. Summer heat can make an open ride feel stronger than expected, while autumn may offer cooler air and beautiful colors.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The activity is not described with special restrictions for riders, so if anyone in your party has concerns about mobility, balance, or age, contact the provider before booking rather than guessing.

Who should book this Montepulciano ride

I would recommend this experience to first-time riders, families, couples, and small groups who want a calm hour outside town. It is especially suitable if you like animals and would enjoy seeing a working farm rather than only following a standard sightseeing route.

It also suits you if someone in your group is nervous. The guide can stay close, walk beside a rider, and offer extra support. That level of care is more useful than a long ride for a beginner who is still learning to relax around horses.

Families should consider the ages and comfort of their children. The setting can be a lovely family memory, and young children may enjoy the animals as much as the ride. Still, the activity is not a full children’s program, so adult supervision and realistic expectations remain important.

I would hesitate to recommend it to an experienced rider seeking speed, technical trails, or a long day in the saddle. I would also be cautious if your schedule cannot tolerate delays or if you plan to walk to the farm.

Cancellation and booking details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can show it from your phone. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since weather can affect the ride, keep the forecast in mind. A weather cancellation gives you the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want a short, gentle introduction to Tuscan riding with a guide who pays close attention to beginners. The vineyard and olive grove route, the family farm, and the chance to meet donkeys and other animals give it more character than a simple horse ride.

Skip it if you want a long or athletic equestrian outing, or if reaching Località Bertille without a car or taxi will be difficult. Also leave schedule space for a possible wait.

For families and nervous riders, the personal care is the strongest reason to choose it. For everyone else, the decision comes down to value: $95.31 buys a private hour in beautiful countryside, plus a friendly farm visit, but not a full-day riding adventure.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

It begins at Fattoria Madonna della Querce, Località Bertille, 1, 53045 Montepulciano SI, Italy.

Where does the activity end?

The ride ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The activity lasts approximately one hour.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners and does not require prior horseback riding experience.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is the activity offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.