Rome: Horseback Riding On The Beach With Aperitif

Espresso on horseback? Sunset beach photos? Private tour? Yes please. 💗☕️🐎🌅🇮🇹🌾🌊 I had the privilege of a lifetime to visit this beautiful, third-generation family-owned ranch just outside of Rome with a private tour. I met the owner, Alessi, at a café that was easy to find about 30 minutes outside of Rome, she bought me an espresso, and from there we headed to the ranch together. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with five acres of open land. You see horses in almost every direction. The weather was the cherry on top of our day and it stayed warm with clear skies. The horses were grazing, playing tag and even rolling in the sand. I was introduced to the barn cats (which immediately stole my heart), and then we began preparing the horses together. We groomed, tacked, and treated them with sour patch kids (which they loved 😅). Nothing felt rushed. Before take off she let me spend time alone with my horse, (which if you’ve ever been to Italy/Rome you know finding time or space alone anywhere is hard) I got to ride him into the fields and spend 15 minutes getting to know him (while she tended to a free roam horse nearby) which I found so special. It gave me time to relax and talk to him, let him know I was grateful for the chance to sit with him. The ride itself was enchanting. We went through quiet wooded trails while she shared stories about the land and how the coastline has shifted over generations (her grandfather first owned the ranch, then it passed along to her father and now she has taken over). We crossed a few busy streets which was such a new experience on horseback for me with Italy’s narrow roads. Then we made our way to the beach, and it was everything I’d dreamed of and more. Riding along the water with the waves crashing felt like a movie scene, my particular horse really loved the salt water which was super cute. At one point, local children came up to take photos with the horses, which added such a sweet, community feel. And somehow, it got even better, on the way back, we stopped for another espresso which was served to me on horseback!! Such a fun, uniquely Italian moment I’ll never forget. Alessi and I had a slow ride back, we talked about my work in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, she told me about her past as a showjumper and her experiences in buying and selling horses, we talked about groundwork and experiential healing, she told me Italians have an old saying that goes, “I pay my therapist in carrots,” which I loved. 🥰🥕 After returning to the barn, we untacked the horses together, gave them treats, and said our goodbyes. Alessi then drove me back to the metro. What truly set this tour and place apart from anything else I’ve done while traveling abroad, was the heart behind it. This ranch has been passed down through generations, and you can feel that legacy. It doesn’t feel like a commercial tour. It feels like being invited into someone’s world, someone’s home. I left feeling so full of gratitude, and I stood proudly in my dirty paddock boots on the metro all the way back to the city. I made a new friend on this tour and had the opportunity to experience the Roman countryside in such an unfiltered way. If you’re looking for something authentic, personal, and genuinely special while in Italy, this is it. Not just a ride, but an experience you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. 💗

For experienced riders only!! I made the mistake of booking before reading the fine print. However, Alesia and her assistant Piedro were very accommodating and altered the route for us. If you are a beginner or intermediate rider, I would recommend booking another one of the services offered by this provider. It is highly worth it!!

After a few complications on my end they went above and beyond and were so accommodating - they even gave me a private tour of the beach and countryside! Super people, well behaved horses and an absolutely lovely experience!! Worth every penny and more. Would highly recommend!!!!!

Beautiful ride and weather and a very knowledgeable and helpful host ! I enjoyed the involvement of feeding the horses treats and brushing them.

I booked this experience months in advance. The tour operator couldn’t even give me a few hours notice that my tour was canceled. I spent $68 in euros on a taxi from the hotel to the location. The tour was supposed to start at 530pm I get a message at 620pm telling me she has to cancel. So I have to spend another $80 euros of my own hard earned money to get back to the hotel. Yes she refunded me for the experience but I still have to pay $148 in euros to get to and from the destination. I’ve never felt so disrespected and been so disappointed in my whole life. This is no way to run a business.

This was the highlight of my trip to Rome! Alessia was very knowledgeable not only about the horses but also about the area and archeology. As a study abroad student she knew things that we didn’t even learn about! As a longtime equestrian Alessia was great at figuring out the skill of her riders to make the most out of the ride. I had an absolute blast trotting through the woods and cantering on the beach with a very smart and kind mare. I liked it so much I ended up spending the better part of the day there helping round up the horses. I would do it again in a heartbeat, it was worth it!

I had the best time with Cavalieri di Gaia. I’m a study abroad student in Rome, and it was wonderful to have a breath of fresh air outside the city center. I’ve been riding and competing horses my whole life, and it absolutely made my semester to be able to be around horses in such a beautiful place. It was truly the most fun I’ve had this year. Alessia was so kind and welcoming. She gave me a tour of the ancient ruins and the forest trails on our way down the beach. This is a must do!!

I had the best time with Alessia and her crew! I couldn’t find the Dolce Caffe right away, so I was late and she was late, but it was definitely worth the wait! She and her staff are so knowledeable about the area,culture, horses, plants, and trees and I learned so much from them. I’ve never ridden on the beach or in the dark before, so it was an amazing experience!! I’m a Horticulture Agent, so I appreciated seeing the pine trees, palmettos, and bermudagrass. The horses and cats are well cared for and beautiful. My hotel was further away, so it took about 2 hours with changing metros and trains. I paid 12 euros for a 2 day card and was able to see the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Colloseum on the same card the next day too. I stayed at the Palazzo Sant’ Antonio Roma and got on the red line A (after walking a short distance) at Cornelia towards Anagnina. I got off at Termini and then got on the blue Line B towards Laurentina. Then I got off at the Piramide station and got on the San Paolo urban railway (locals call it Freccia del Mare) and got off at Ostia Antica. Then you need to cross a walking bridge, curve around to the right on Romagnoli St and the coffee shop is a busy happening place on the right. I missed it because gps was telling me it was across the road. I hope this review helps others to have an amazing time like I did!! It was the trip of a lifetime!!

This was an AMAZING experience. Our hosts were very kind, organized, and accommodating. We rode horses through a wooded trial, on the street, and along the beach. Definitely a highlight of my trip to Rome. I would like to say that this activity is not for beginners and you definitely need to know what you are doing around horses to do this safely.

I went with my friend who had no prior riding experience (not recommended, but we didn’t read the full description, oops), but Alessia was more than accommodating for both of our experience levels. She prioritized safety while still ensuring a great experience for both of us. She gave my friend an easy-going horse and gave her a quick riding lesson before we started our ride. My friend and I had the best time and felt like we were hanging out with a friend, while we also learned about history of the land. I wish I could hang out with Alessia and the horses every day. I can’t recommend this experience enough.

Because I only booked the horse riding experience at 10am at 1am in the morning, when I called the host to confirm at 9:45am that day, it was temporarily changed to 11:30am, so I went to ostia beach first and finally it was almost 12:30am, and they drove to the beach to pick me up . Because I have no relevant experience at all, they will first share some experience and skills in feeding and getting along with horses. Then you can ride a horse slowly from the countryside to a nearby beach. Unfortunately, no photos or videos were taken during the process, only these two photos of the final return trip. It was a good experience for me as a newbie. They taught clearly and patiently. If I have more time in the future, I will definitely come again, it was very fun. It is recommended for experienced people to participate. It is not suitable for people with no sports-related experience at all. It may be difficult.

What an incredible experience! From spending time cleaning and grooming our horses to riding on the beach, it was a wonderful adventure. It was great to get to know the horse before we started and you can tell the owner really cares about the experience for you and the horse. My mum and I have been horse riding all over the world with different guides, probably to 20+ places and this has hands down been our favourite trip. Thank you!

Absolutely fantastic experience! Can't recommend it enough- ancient forests, beach ride with breathtaking sunset, pizza & wine stop then night ride back to ranch. Thanks to Alissia & Co. Fiona & Danielle

This is not a bad review, this is an *honest* review. We were on our honeymoon and this was the most disorganized and uncomfortable tour we went on. Truly, we are easy going people. Just stating true facts here so people know what this tour is about. - It started off that the booking said our appointment was at 10AM. So we got ready and were on our way in the metro. Luckily I checked my messages to notify we were coming and found a message sent around *midnight* that our reservation would be at 430pm due to the heat. Totally agree with that to protect the horses but more of a heads up would have been greatly appreciated. - So we changed around our entire day, had to move other appointments, etc. (on our honeymoon mind you) - The guide told us to meet at a convenient store/bar and we could wait there and have a drink while we waited. … the place was padlocked/closed. So we sat in the heat outside. A bit of a sketchy neighborhood also. - The guide was 45 MINS late!! Even considering traffic, when you’re running a business, guests should not have to wait, that is a large pet peeve of mine so that really stuck with us. - Finally, we did get picked up and the guide brought us to a different place and bought us a soda & snack which was very kind that she held her promise. - if you want a TRUE authentic experience. This is it. - you catch your own horse, you brush your own horse, you saddle your own horse, put the bridle on, check the hooves, etc. - for me personally I liked that aspect because I have owned horses for years. - please note: these are all ENGLISH saddles. No western style saddles available. - there were friendly cats in the tack shed that you can pet and hold, very nice kitties. - then you set out on the ride. The guide makes sure you are feeling comfortable and makes sure you are okay to ride. She also offers advice and had an assistant to help as well. Also made sure everyone was able to get on/off the horses okay. They were very helpful and supportive in this way. - during our ride, the guide parted ways & she sent us with her assistant while she went and *met with other customers*? So we sat and grazed the horses for 30+ mins waiting for her to get done with other clients. We figured this was a little rude, but just went with the flow. Her assistant was incredibly sweet and so much help the whole time. - Important note: this entire ~3+ hour ride consists of 80% forest riding and only 20% beach riding. Which is also not what we expected. (maybe we should have researched a bit more.) - these horses were rescue horses which is a beautiful story. HOWEVER: The one my husband was on was previously injured and he walked pretty badly with his back left hip. In my opinion, I don’t think anyone should have been riding him, but I also don’t know the full extent of his history. I really hope he wasn’t in too much pain. He seemed to handle the ride alright for the entire ride though and made it home just fine. - the horse I was on was a 22 year old mare and she did really good. A little shy of the ocean waves but she did a great job and I felt very comfortable on her. - the guide did also offer pulling the horse further into the ocean to show her everything was okay and it probably was good for the horse to learn that and good on her legs. I am glad the guide pulled us in. - we rode home in the dark because we caught the sunset on the beach. I’d say about 1 hour riding home in the dark. Good thing the horses knew where “home” was, haha! This wasn’t an issue for us too badly, but for some it may be. - We got back to the stable/pens around 10/10:30 and had to get all the horses unsaddled, brushed down, watered, and put away. Which again, was fine by us, we are easy going. BUT…. - we were just a little upset because we missed the metro ride back. Luckily she did offer to take us to a metro that was closer to home and got us on that train. We rode that one but the next train we needed to get on was closed. So we were 30 mins from our hotel and had to figure out a different way to get home which cost us extra headache. -there was no wine tasting? It said that in the booking experience but none was had. -also was not 100% private. There was a mother and daughter who joined us as well. They were very nice and pleasant, but again, the private experience did not happen. ** Overall we had a decent experience, but I can honestly say I wouldn’t recommend this tour to a friend and would direct them elsewhere. I personally would not go again unless there was more organization and accountability. I have owned horses for years, I am a business owner myself and I would have never treated guests this way. Luckily we knew our way around horses and went with the flow. I am not sure if the guide just had a bad day that day or what happened because I am very confused at all the other 5 star reviews I read about before booking. I just wanted to leave an honest review of our experience.

This was an incredible experience For the seasoned equestrian. This ride was 10 miles of beautiful Italian countryside scenery. We started off walking but quickly moved into a trot, so you better do your stretches because this was just the beginning, eventually we were in a full gallop through the fields and it was not only exhilarating but absolutely gorgeous. This ride was intense with very little downtime. She provided helmets and chaps, you will definitely want to wear both! The horses were very well cared, very well mannered and very fit! It is English riding/saddles only. My guide was great at taking photos and ensuring I had a great time and was ok. It was soooo much fun and I will ride every time I’m in Rome!

Had an amazing sunset ride! We rode through the forrest and then made our way over to the beach. Great conversation and so many good laughs. We cantered down the coastline and then made our way back to the ranch. Such a lovely night!

My daughter and I had a full day with Alesia during our trip to Italy. She is a very sweet person and full of interesting history about the area. The horses were great and mine was very affectionate! I hated to leave at the end of the day. I strongly recommend this! Running the horses on the beach was awesome! Our friends and fellow travelers were very jealous! Hope to see you again someday, Alesia!!! Judy and Christine from New York

I had the best ride of my life with Alessia! We spent an amazing day riding in the woods all the way to the beach, beautiful scenery and amazing company. We even stopped by a coffeshop and had an espresso while on the horses! Alessia was generous enough to show us around the stunning historical area of Rome and was very knowledgeable and informative about the history. I learned so much from her on that day and will definitely go back! Highly recommended. Thank you Alessia for this unforgettable experience! 💘

I am an experienced rider keen on seeing the true side of historical sites by horse, I have been riding in almost all locations I visited for work and pleasure but no experience can rival the ABSOLUTELY PERFECT day I had with Alessia in Ostia. Alessia truly is the best person to be around for a chilled, enjoyable and informative ride. She belongs to a family of riders and is so knowledgeable about the history of the place that at times it truly feels you're going back in time. Alessia will wisely guide you through getting acquainted with the horse, ride in the beautiful woods and the historical villas scattered around the area before heading to the beach. This is a once in a lifetime experience, which will lift your soul. Alessia is one of those rare individuals who is driven by passion and can truly change somebody's day. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED!

We initially booked the beach ride for the morning and I was a bit suspicious when Alessia emailed to confirm a 3pm ride when there was no mention of this anywhere - I was thinking it was a scam or bait & switch, but took a chance and kept the reservation. I was SO GLAD I did! We took the metro from Roma Termini to Piramide and then connected to a local train from Porta S. Paolo to the Ostia Antica station. Although no one was there waiting for us, we went right outside and called Alessia (Skype was a great thing to have using WiFi!). It turned out that she, unfortunately, had had a flat tire on the way to the station. She was soon there and we were quickly at the Adventure Park, where she has her horses. After signing some release forms, we met our horses and readied them. It was great that she had both Western and English saddles, and the horses were very well kept and in great shape. As they were Italian horses, they were fed pizza, too! They were all beautiful and had great personalities. Alessia matched them up to our experience and we were on our way. We started our ride in the afternoon due to the heat (this was late June) and we spent over 6 hours riding through gorgeous country among Etruscan ruins, nature reserves, parks, with Alessia giving out a wealth of historical information along the way. As it was getting late and I was too slow, Alessia took my daughter, a far better rider, to the beach after it had cleared of all the sunbathers and they spent another hour or so galloping and cantering along the surf. We came back and took care of the horses and fed/watered them, and then Alessia took us to a restaurant for a quick bite to eat as we had wanted to ride later and were in a rush to get the train back. It was a wonderful local restaurant with great food for an authentic experience. Alessia was amazing, and Monika (she also came on the ride) was also wonderful. It was, hands down, the best ride we have had and we had been on several in Spain just before coming to Rome, as well as in several other countries during our travels. This was an unforgettable experience all around and the best part of our trip to Italy for my daughter and me. Do not pass up this opportunity! Keep your schedule open so you don't stress if it takes longer than initially planned and enjoy your ride and time with Alessia and her wonderful horses - you will not regret it!

Imagine yourself on horseback, the sun slowly setting, the sea brushing against your boots (or sneakers, that’s fine), and that brackish air that fills your lungs while you feel like you’re starring in a movie. Here, this is the horseback ride on the beach in Ostia. Whether you are already a horse lover, you live it all naturally here. Horses are patient and accustomed to human contact, and a bond is immediately created that makes the ride even more special. In the saddle you feel free, present, part of the landscape. To make everything even more beautiful? People. The staff is very nice, kind and always ready to have a chat or a laugh. You immediately feel welcomed, as if you are taking a trip with long-time friends You walk slowly along the shoreline, with the sound of the waves as soundtrack and the sunset giving you a sky of applause. It is an experience that relaxes, excites and – let’s face it – also makes you want to take a thousand photos. And all this at a super affordable price. The aperitif at the end? There is, and it is good. But the real aperitif here is what you drink with your eyes: sea, horses and freedom.

Beautiful day with beautiful horses and professional and helpful guides and escorts. Tasting lives up to expectations and low prices compared to the average.

Docile and well-trained horses exceptional experience on the beach for experienced riders, with super helpful assistants, super appropriate price to the experience, I highly recommend this experience if experienced

We booked the “A cavallo al mare” experience proposed on the website of the Knights of Gaia (99 € per person!) after some telephone exchange with the owner, expecting what was described and told over the phone: a PRIVATE horseback riding tour with arrival on the BEACH and LUNCH included. In reality, nothing was promised. Lunch was NOT included, we had to provide ourselves to pay for a lunch that among other things sandwiches and drinks came to cost 50 €. The manners were rude, cold and never welcoming. We never felt comfortable, indeed, there was a tense and unhelpful atmosphere for the duration of the excursion. Considering that we are dealing with animals, it would have been right to instill security and tranquility, instead we lived everything with discomfort. “A horse to the sea”? We arrived at the beach for a few minutes, only to be sent back immediately due to work in progress. But really nobody bothered to check the route BEFORE charging us 99 € each? Given the mismatch between what was promised and what was actually offered, we requested a partial refund, but the owner responded with a rude tone and no availability. An experience that, given the cost incurred (over 350 € for three people), should have guaranteed much more standards. We strongly advise against it. A total lack of professionalism and fairness.

Our experience was far from what was promised. The service started with a rude attitude on the part of the owner, which made the interaction unpleasant right away. The horseback ride, which was supposed to be private and on the sea, took place in the company of other people and on a different route than the one agreed. The “lunch/tasting” included turned out to be a sandwich at the bar paid for by us, and no refund or alternative was offered. Basic precautions were lacking: cleanliness, education, friendliness. In light of the failure to offer the agreed services, we have requested a partial refund from the owner who rudely refused to do so. Given the high cost (over 350€ for three people), we expected a completely different experience. Unfortunately, we will not return and would not recommend this service.

I highly recommend this place, they are very nice people there, beautiful trail and really everything you could wish for from a ride on the beach,

Beautiful experience on horseback, well-kept animals and very nice staff. We also had an aperitif as proposed. All very good.

It was an indescribable experience. The horses were balanced and super good. The tour was beautiful and the hostess was reason enough to spend the day there.

Going to the beach at sunset with the horse was my dream and I finally realized it in the best way! The sympathy and professionalism of Alessia were the icing on the cake. Top horses!

Spectacular walk by the sea, gallop at sunset a truly memorable experience. Super horses and really beautiful.

The best horseback riding I have ever done, wonderful horses all super nice and prepared can make you feel at home already after a few minutes. Recommendation to try to believe, I for my part will definitely be back!!!

The experience of horseback riding along the beach of Ostia is simply enchanting. The guide is competent and attentive to the well-being of both the horses and the participants, ensuring that everyone has fun in complete safety. I highly recommend anyone looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the beauty of the Roman coast who has some horse riding experience as the route involves difficulties that cannot be faced by beginners.

It was a wonderful experience: I was able to take a walk on the beach at sunset, I discovered parts of Rome that I did not know (even if I live in Rome), I could fully enjoy the relationship with horses, I met wonderful people .. what more could I ask for? To do and redo and redo again! They all remained in my heart, bipeds and equidae!!

Fantastic experience this horseback ride that from the pine forest of Castel Fusano took us to the beach of the Roman coast, an exciting and adventurous walk suitable for beginners and experts under the watchful eye of Alessia and Giulia friendly guides and very helpful!! The horses are kept very well and on the walk they are very quiet. Experience that I recommend!!!

I often visited the coast of Ostia in winter but the contact with the horse made the walk really special. Beautiful walk a step from Rome, highly recommended to all lovers of horseback riding and nature. The horses are good and obedient but not “remotely controlled” by the head of the row, which is very rewarding and difficult to find on other walks; Alessia (the guide) then is very kind. I will definitely repeat it!

Day full of emotions with people who love contact and respect for nature, led by a charming and helpful Alessia who loves her job turning it all into a dream that you will hardly forget. Thank you Alessia

Together with Alessia and her friendly four-legged friends, I experienced a beautiful ride amidst the magnificent sound of the Mediterranean, shady pine forests. Through Alessia's open-minded and cheerful manner, there was always conversation. The Wild Village, where the horses are, is also a great place. Friendly people, lots of nature, exciting activities.