Seven nights in the world of Butteri, from the observed herd to the herd led in the saddle.
The experience
In Maremma, working with cattle is still done on horseback, as it once was. In this week you go from watching the Butteri to working with them: you learn to read the herd of Maremma cows, to position the horse and to move the cattle in a team, with the guidance of those who do it every day.
Between one day of work and the next there is the climb to the ruins of San Rabano, a day between Pitigliano and the thermal baths of Saturnia and the long ride to the sea.
The program
- Day 1 · Arrival. You get to know horses, cows and donkeys from the ranch. Welcome dinner and presentation of the week.
- Day 2 · First contact with the Maremma (about 3 hours in the saddle). Field work on the three gaits, principles of Working Equitation and opening of the horse gates. Then a quiet ride to observe the herd. Free afternoon.
- Day 3 · The herd is Alberese (about 5 hours). In the morning distances and positions with respect to the cattle and first controlled movement. In the afternoon we work in the pine forest and arrive in Alberese for an aperitif.
- Day 4 · San Rabano (about 4 hours). Climb through the Mediterranean scrub to the ruins of the abbey, with packed lunch. Free afternoon.
- Day 5 · Pitigliano and Saturnia (day without horses). The village of Pitigliano, then the thermal waterfalls of Saturnia at sunset. Return for dinner.
- Day 6 · Work with the herd and gin (about 4 hours). The herd gathers and leads to Strettoia and Tondino. In the afternoon gin workshop at Frank & Serafico, with your own bottle to take home.
- Day 7 · To the sea (6–7 hours). About three hours to get to the coast, then on horseback on the shoreline, packed lunch and, if the weather permits, swimming with the horses. Return from another path in the Park and farewell dinner.
- Day 8 · Departure after breakfast.
The dates · Autumn 2026
| Dates | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 17–24 Oct 2026 | 7 nights | € 2.980 VAT included |
| 28 Nov–5 Dec 2026 | 7 nights | € 2.980 VAT included |
| 12–19 Dec 2026 | 7 nights | € 2.980 VAT included |
To find out if there are still places, write to Heidi on WhatsApp.
Who is it for
Only experienced riders: safe at three gaits outdoors, autonomous, at ease galloping in open spaces and willing to learn. Maremma cows are not docile. Maximum weight 90 kg. Groups of 2 to 4 riders.
Includes
- 7 nights in a farmhouse and full board, with water and wine with meals
- 5 days on horseback
- Day in Pitigliano and Saturnia
- Gin Workshop
- Transfer to and from Pisa airport at fixed times
Not included: flights, insurance, extra drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Price
€ 2,980 per person. No single supplement. Not provided for those who do not ride.
Useful information
- Where: La Pulledraia, Alberese, inside the Maremma Park. Agricultural estate of 12 hectares with wine, oil, vegetables, fruit and honey of its own.
- Rooms: 12 rooms in Tuscan-Maremma style, all with private bathroom. Those traveling alone have their own room. Swimming pool overlooking the hills and the Park.
- Horses: Criollo, Haflinger, Anglo-Arab and crossbreeds, 150–160 cm at the withers, accustomed to the terrain and the long rein. Saddles mainly Australian trekking saddles.
- Cuisine: breakfast and dinner at the farmhouse, dinner all together. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free diets with advance notice.
- Arrival: transfer from Pisa at 4:30 pm (landing by 3:30 pm). Alternatively, train to Grosseto with pick-up at the station.
- Departure: after breakfast, at the airport at the end of the morning (flights from 14:00 onwards).
- Minimum age: 14 years.
The program may change according to the weather and the well-being of the horses, maintaining an equivalent experience.
Book your week
Heidi manages the availability personally: write to her to find out if there are still places on the date you are interested in.