Aug 19, 2024
Off the beaten track, literally - I hate horses, but my girls love them so I "took one for the team" and booked this. The girls had a great time and even I enjoyed the experience. (I spent years as a kid working as an unpaid stableboy, which is why I don't choose to spend time with horses as an adult).
First things first: this is a business that works animals in the heat of a Roman summer, so welfare was my biggest concern when I booked this. On the whole, I was pleasantly surprised. Some of these animals clearly had hard lives before they came to Ostia, but they showed no sign of poor recent treatment. They were well hydrated, in ok form considering we went during a heatwave, and all of them still showed personality despite their current careers carrying fat tourists around. Alessia did use spurs herself while guiding our hack, but with good reason - some of the trails are very narrow, and she needs to manoeuvre with precision while guiding beginners in this terrain. She's a very competent rider - light with her own horse, and has most of the others trained to voice/whistle for the basics. So if you're worried about welfare: the horses were in good nick considering, and they aren't being asked to do too much in the heat, so I came away feeling that these are working animals that are being worked responsibly by a competent outfit, which is what you'd expect at the price (if it had been cheaper, I wouldn't have booked it).
The experience itself is unique and very memorable. You see some real Roman countryside, with well-kept horses (a highlight for my girls if not this reviewer personally). You also get to see some ancient Roman ruins in the countryside - not like the carefully excavated and catalogued sites you can see at Ercolano or Ostia Antica, but as the ruins have existed for millennia for the peoples who have lived here. I've spent over 8 weeks in Rome over the years as a tourist, and this is genuinely something different and well worth it.
Transport links are surprisingly good - we were staying near Piazza del Popolo so two metros and a train got us to the Ostia Antica pickup point in under an hour and a half for 1,50 euro.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 18, 2024
I highly recommend this tour. Alessia, her horses, the countryside, and the history were all amazing. ❤️ - I fully enjoyed this experience. We were able to feed and brush the stunning horses and then ride them in beautiful woodlands and countryside. I am definitely not an experienced rider but Alessia was patient and great at teaching me how to ride a horse. The horses were absolutely beautiful and I had a wonderful time. I would 10/10 do this again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 17, 2024
Amazing! - To start off, Alessia was an amazing guide. She showed you how to properly groom a horse, feed them, and how to ride them. She was very understanding and really wanted to get to know us on a deeper level. I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone looking for something different to do in Rome.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 14, 2024
Unforgettable honeymoon experience! - My husband and I had an unforgettable horse riding experience during our honeymoon, and I can't recommend it enough! We initially had trouble finding the meeting location, but the instructor went above and beyond by picking us up in her car, immediately putting us at ease with her warm and friendly manner. Her genuine care and passion for her work shone through in every aspect of the experience.
Before riding, we spent time bonding with the horses by feeding and grooming them. The ride itself was breathtaking, with stunning views we’ll remember forever. The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, guiding us through each step and ensuring we felt confident and comfortable. Her love for the horses and her job made the entire experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a highlight of our honeymoon. We left with wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for these majestic animals. If you’re seeking an experience that’s both enriching and enjoyable, this is it!
Review provided by Viator
Aug 2, 2024
Amazing experience - An amazing experience…. riding at the beach ! Nice horses and a very friendly guide. We can absolutely recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 1, 2024
10/10!!! - Whether you’re new or experienced it’s fun. We spent time with the horses and got to feed them treats, the trail was fun and very doable even for someone who has never done it before. Guide was so sweet and fun as well. We absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Jul 27, 2024
Great experience - Alessia was really welcoming and we spent time feeding and grooming the horses. We then went on a trot around the surrounding woodlands and even managed a quick gallop at the end! We were dropped off to the nearby station at the end and also got to have some lovely ice cream. Alessia was super kind and answered all our questions patiently. Thanks Alessia! Highly recommend and no previous riding experience necessary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 25, 2024
A fantastic horse riding adventure for all abilities - I high recommend this horse riding adventure! We had a brilliant time and our guide Alessia was just amazing, a true horse woman who has extensive knowledge of the local area and cares deeply about her horses. A highlight of out holiday in Italy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 14, 2024
Esperienza super! - Giornata bellissima! Super friendly and helpful staff! Despite it being our first experience on horseback they immediately put us at ease and tranquilized... to be redone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 22, 2024
Nevr got 2 ride, cause my taxi couldn't get me to meeting point on time. I phoned Alessio, n he nevr picked up phone. He lied, k - 0. Scammers! I had a cab cancl last min n was unable to get 2 the meeting pt on time. Contact ignored my call, lied n kept my $!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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