Opening week

It seems that our winter closure has gone on forever.

Castellare closed last year in November, and we are finally reopening to the public on Friday.

The whole resort is a hub of excitement, with the team of builders hurrying to finish up the restaurant, apartments, and Spa renovations.

The farrier was here this morning to shoe the horses required this month. We have our first riders arriving on Saturday, and we are busy all month with back to back riding programs.

Last week Alessio and Lhoussain spent days working on the estate trails, fixing the washed out bridges, filling in holes in the trail, and clearing fallen trees.

I took Brownie out on Friday to Castelfalfi, and we also found a few hairy spots down in the Carfolo park. Brownie started the ride much like any young horse that hasnt done much all winter..a little insecure and wanting to play.. but after three hours of hard work, he was back to his usual relaxed and calm self.

This year we have the additions of Scout and Boy (yes, they belonged to a married couple.. hence the names). Both horses were exported from a well known Argentinian stud to Italy a few years ago, and are wonderful, surefooted horses for trail riding.

Unfortunately the last few days have not been great weather wise – though Friday is set to clear, and next week should be lovely and sunny for our guests.

Below is a great little article that came out recently in a new equine mag in the Uk. ‘Nagmag’

 

Childrens Horse Riding Holiday Italy

One of the similarities between horses and humans is the desire to be part of a group.  For both our children and our horses, this desire to be part of a community supports feelings of safety and connection.

 

 

Our horses are specially selected for their friendly and social personalities. At Castellare di Tonda children can experience safe and successful interaction with these magical creatures, watched by professional instructors.

Motor skills are developed as children learn to ride, groom and tack up their horses. Our covered tondino and arena offersa safe and secure environment where experienced instructors are always close at hand as new skills are learned. As children learn the skills required to prepare and ride a horse,  their own self-confidence increases which in turn transforms into a willingness to learn skills in other areas of life.

Learning to ride at Castellare is not a scary experience, but rather an interesting and rewarding one.