The Horses and Riding

You will find a small stable of well-trained horses (Lusitanos, Anglo-arabs, Berber, Arabs, English Thoroughbred and Italian horses) at this special place in the Tuscan countryside. The horses are carefully selected for you to ride according to the skills. Beginners can learn riding from the very first steps. Post-beginners can extend their knowledge and skill by participating in lessons or riding out.

The quality of tuition is very high, and instructors and guides are BHS, GEA, FISE UISP qualified. Riding lessons are taken in one of the two training arenas and are in English. The groups are a maximum of 2 riders.

The Instructors

Both Giovanni and Cristina De Marchi were born with a very strong passion for horses. The couple met very young and 18 years ago they decided to dedicate their lives to their passion for the equestrian art. They moved from Milan to Tuscany to one of the most beautiful spots in the Chianti area where they founded the equestrian riding centre – Il Paretaio.

Their brilliant career as trainers started in Milan when they encountered Albert Moyerson, a very reputable horseman and pupil for many years of the great Nuno Oliveira. Later both Giovanni and Cristina started to study with Louis Valenca, one of the chief riders in the Portuguese Equestrian School. After some time, they were introduced to the technical director of the National Stud in Portugal, Mr Pedro de Almeida, with whom they studied for many years, assisting with the training of the horses at the National Stud.

Pedro De Almeida is still their main reference Master. Following the classical principles and equitation with an Oliveiran approach, Giovanni and Cristina were able to create a little corner of paradise at their Tuscan home. At Il Paretaio, you can feel a sense of harmony, beauty and balance wherever you turn.

Their son Pietro De Marchi has now joined them in their quest for dressage excellence. He started riding as a child and soon started attending lessons at the Federazione Italiana and the prestigious British Horse Society, gaining the titles of level 1 FISE.-approved instructor and BHSAI from the B.H.S. He has pursued his competitive career at the same time, first in dressage and then in jumping both on national and international level, benefiting from the teaching of some of the best Italian and foreign riders. Pietro has taken over the reins and the main running of the centre alongside his partner Natalie and it continues to thrive and offer riders a blissful, relaxed Dressage training holiday.

Classical Dressage at Il Paretaio

This training method is based on suppling and loosening up the horse to achieve elasticity and lightness in the use of the aids. It follows the very traditional principles of classical riding, but which are also practised by riders competing in modern dressage. 

Courses here range from riders just starting out in dressage as well as for experienced dressage enthusiasts. Weekly courses run throughout the year, and it is possible to partake with or without your own horse. With the emphasis on correct basic schoolwork, riders are also encouraged to work on exercises in the lateral movements, transitions, canter and counter-canter, as well as work from the ground. For very advanced levels, sometimes riders also have the possibility to work on more advanced movements.

Classical Dressage: Children’s Programme

Children from the age of 2 can learn to ride here. In addition, there are fun vaulting lessons, plus the chance to compete in small competitions and dressage displays.