Siena: Horseback Riding on the Via Francigena

Ride Siena’s old road on horseback. This 90-minute outing follows the Via Francigena through Montagnola Senese, where woods, hills, and open fields replace city traffic. I like the beginner-friendly horses and the chance to pass near the quiet Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago. The small group, limited to eight riders, also keeps the outing personal.

I also like that helmets and an English-speaking guide are included. The main caution is that this is a calm countryside ride, not a fast or technical horseback adventure. One recent rider found the horses too slow for experienced equestrians, while another raised concerns about rocky ground and equipment. That makes it especially important to arrive early, check your gear, and speak up if something feels wrong.

Key points to know before booking

• The ride follows the Via Francigena: You travel along an old pilgrimage route outside Siena, greeting walkers as you pass.
• San Leonardo al Lago is the cultural highlight: The route passes beneath this peaceful former hermitage, adding a quiet historic stop to the ride.
• Beginners are welcome: The horses are described as experienced and gentle, making this a good first riding experience.
• The actual riding time is about 70 minutes: The full visit lasts 1.5 hours, including the safety talk, mounting, and introduction to the horses.
• The group is capped at eight people: That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on riders and horses.
• You need your own transport to the stable: The meeting point on Strada del Pian del Lago is about 15 minutes from central Siena, with no hotel transfer included.

Leaving Siena for the Via Francigena

The riding center sits at Strada del Pian del Lago, 6, a short drive from central Siena. Allow extra time to get there. You are asked to arrive 10 minutes before your chosen start time, and the meeting point can take a little finding.

When you arrive, look for a shed used as a covered riding arena. Follow the tree-lined road uphill, where someone will direct you to the guide. This is not a polished city-center meeting point with a large sign out front, so arrive alert and give yourself time to get oriented.

The location matters because the experience begins in the countryside, not after a long transfer from town. You are quickly away from Siena’s streets and close to the wooded routes of Montagnola Senese. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you will need to arrange your own taxi, rental car, or other transport.

Meeting the horses and learning the basics

Before anyone rides out, the guide gathers the group for an introduction on the ground. You learn the basic rules of riding, become familiar with the horses, and receive a helmet. Only then do you mount up.

This opening is useful for first-time riders. You get a chance to settle in before leaving the stable, rather than being placed on a horse and sent straight down a trail. The guide speaks Italian and English, so you can ask questions in either language.

The stable has more than 10 horses, which allows larger bookings to ride together. The official group limit for this activity is eight people, though, so you should not expect a large procession. A smaller group normally makes it easier for the guide to notice if you are nervous, having trouble with the reins, or need help adjusting your position.

The horses are intended to suit all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders. In practice, the emphasis appears to be on quiet, steady animals. That is excellent if you want a relaxed introduction or a family outing. It may disappoint you if you are hoping to canter, cover ground quickly, or test your riding skills.

One rider specifically found the horses very slow and better suited to beginners than practiced equestrians. I would treat that as useful advance notice, not a flaw by itself. A gentle pace is part of the appeal for many people, but you should tell the guide your riding experience and expectations before setting off.

Riding through Montagnola Senese

Once the group is ready, you leave the stables and follow trails into Montagnola Senese. The route passes through woods, green hills, and golden fields, with the Via Francigena providing the historic thread.

The setting is the main reason to book this outing. You are not riding around a small enclosed arena. You are moving through open Tuscan countryside, with the steady rhythm of a horse and the chance to watch walkers making their way along an old pilgrimage road.

The route is described as peaceful rather than demanding. You leave behind the noise and crowds of Siena and spend the ride among trees, fields, and country paths. I would expect the views to change with the season. Summer should bring golden fields, while other times of year may show more green growth in the hills.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short ride of roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes, not a full-day trek across Tuscany. The scenery is rural and natural, rather than packed with famous viewpoints or grand villas. One negative account found the scenery less interesting than expected, with only a few small wooded areas providing much visual appeal.

That difference in expectation matters. If you want a quiet break outdoors and enjoy being on horseback, the route should fit well. If you need dramatic panoramas at every turn, the experience may feel modest.

The route also includes paths with stones and rocky sections. That detail is worth taking seriously. Comfortable shoes are required, sandals and flip flops are not allowed, and skirts are not suitable. Wear practical clothes that can handle dust, branches, and contact with the saddle.

The quiet stop near San Leonardo al Lago

The ride passes in the shadow of the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago. This is the most distinctive cultural feature of the outing.

The hermitage sits in a quiet natural setting and gives the ride a spiritual pause. You are not simply circling through fields. You are passing a place connected with religious life and the old route used by pilgrims. The combination of horses, woodland, and a historic hermitage gives the outing more character than a standard stable ride.

The visit appears to be a pass-by experience rather than a long guided interior tour. Do not book this expecting an extended architectural visit or a full history lecture. The supplied information describes the route passing beneath the hermitage, with the atmosphere of the place providing the main reward.

One rider hoped for more explanation during the route. That is a fair point to keep in mind. The guide’s role centers on handling the group and horses, and the amount of historical commentary may be limited. If San Leonardo is your main reason for booking, ask questions as you pass and do not assume you will receive a detailed religious or architectural talk.

What the pace means for different riders

For a first-time rider, the unhurried pace is a strong advantage. You can focus on staying balanced, following basic instructions, and enjoying the countryside without worrying about keeping up with a fast group.

A first-time rider described the welcome as warm and family-like, and the experience as calm and harmonious. Another person called it great family fun. Those comments match the activity’s design: experienced horses, a short duration, and a guide who begins with basic instruction.

Children under 14 may be accepted, but you must mention the child’s age when booking so the center can decide if it can accommodate the request. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, or people over 75 years old.

Experienced riders should think more carefully. The horses may be deliberately slow and steady, and the route does not promise advanced riding, speed, or technical instruction. You may still enjoy the countryside and the Via Francigena, but the riding itself could feel restrained.

The experience is also not designed for anyone seeking a long saddle outing. With about 70 minutes on horseback, it works well as a half-day add-on to a Siena visit. You can ride in the morning or afternoon and still have much of the day available for the city.

Equipment, comfort, and animal care

Helmets are included. Boots are not, so arrive in sturdy, comfortable footwear. Closed shoes are the sensible choice, especially because parts of the route may be rocky.

Wear trousers or other comfortable clothing that allows you to sit in a saddle. Avoid loose or delicate clothing, and remember that skirts are not allowed. Food and drinks are not included, so plan around the 1.5-hour schedule rather than expecting refreshments at the stable.

Animal care deserves a careful note. Several riders praised the horses as well cared for, and the center says its animals are experienced and suitable for relaxed rides. One serious complaint described a horse appearing to limp, along with equipment in poor condition and rough, stony paths.

That is only one account, but it raises a reasonable safety point. Before mounting, look over the saddle and bridle, and tell the guide immediately if a horse appears uncomfortable or if equipment seems loose or damaged. A responsible operator should be willing to address those concerns. You should never feel pressured to ride an animal or use gear that worries you.

The rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 17 reviews suggests that most people find the activity worthwhile, while the mixed comments show that the quality of the experience may depend on the day, the assigned horse, the guide’s communication, and your own expectations.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend 90 minutes near Siena. Still, the price includes the horse, helmet, guide, initial instruction, and a ride through a genuinely rural part of Tuscany. You are paying for access to the stable, the horse, the route, and the supervision required to take a mixed-level group safely into the countryside.

The value is strongest for a beginner who wants a simple, organized introduction to riding. You do not need to arrange a separate lesson, find a stable, or work out a route on your own. The English-speaking guide is also useful if you do not speak Italian.

The value is weaker for an experienced rider who wants distance or speed. With only around 70 minutes riding time and horses chosen for a calm pace, you may find the activity expensive for what it offers.

There are also extra costs to consider. Transport to and from the stable is not included, and neither are boots, food, or drinks. Since the meeting point is about 15 minutes from central Siena, your final cost will be higher if you need a taxi.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Siena plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Siena horseback ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Families with children who meet the age requirements
• Couples looking for a quiet countryside activity
• Riders who enjoy historic routes more than fast riding
• Anyone wanting a short break from Siena’s urban sights

I would be more cautious if you are an advanced rider. The horses may feel too slow, and the guide may provide only limited commentary during the ride. I would also avoid booking if you dislike uneven ground, cannot wear practical shoes, or need hotel transport included.

The activity is a good match for someone who sees horseback riding as a way to experience the countryside, not as a sport session. The Via Francigena and San Leonardo give the ride a sense of place, while the short duration keeps it manageable.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The meeting point is at Strada del Pian del Lago, 6, about 15 minutes from central Siena.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before your selected start time.

How do I find the meeting point?

Look for a shed used as a covered riding arena. Follow the tree-lined road uphill, and someone will direct you to the guide.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about 1.5 hours. The horseback ride itself lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Italian and English.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for riders of all levels, including beginners, and the horses are described as experienced and suitable for a relaxed ride.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are included.

Do I need to bring riding boots?

Boots are not included. You should bring comfortable shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

Can children under 14 participate?

You must mention the child’s age when booking. The center will then check if it can accommodate the request.

Who should not take this activity?

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, or people over 75 years old.

Should you book this ride?

Book it if you want a calm, short horseback outing through Tuscan woods and fields, with the Via Francigena and San Leonardo al Lago adding a sense of place. It is especially appealing for beginners and families who value a steady pace, simple instruction, and a small group.

Skip it if you want fast riding, advanced training, a long trek, or a detailed history tour. Before mounting, check the equipment and horse, and tell the guide what kind of riding you expect. At $82, the experience is fair value when you want an easy countryside escape from Siena, but less convincing for an experienced rider seeking excitement.