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Horse lovers welcome at an equestrian centre in Tuscany, Italy

Italy
Favourited 1448 times
Last activity: 23 Apr 2024

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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
12 Apr 2024
Feedback
37
Email verified

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Availability

2024

Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are a small nonprofit amateur sports association located among the Maremma Toscana hills.
We have around 10 horses and ponies which are used for pleasure riding, show jumping, cross country, trekking and turismus all year round.
As we are a riding school, we offer a variety of lessons for very beginners to advanced riders. During summer time we may have hollyday camps group for a full immersion of horse and nature.
We also have many dogs that are part of the Farm.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You have the possibility to learn and practice Italian and/or French.
You have the possibility to learn how to run a small equestrian center businness. You will see what it's really like to live and work with horses in the nature. You will find a rural ambiance.
You can have free lessons if you want to learn riding or wish to improve the ride. Opportunity to ride as both part of the Job and in your time off ( for competent Riders.) For safety the amount and type of riding depends on a person's experience.
Exploring the local countryside with the horses ( with an expert rider ) or by hiking.
There is endless country to explore around. You can visit ruhral places as Chianti hills, San Galgano, Montalcino, San Giminiano...
We have thermal springs at just 30 minuts ( Petriolo terme and Saturnia terme). We have amazing beaches at 40 minuts ( Principina, Castiglione della Pescaia,Talamone...).
You can visit cities as Pisa, Siena, Firenze, Rome...
We can always bring you to the local city (Grosseto) or the near bus station so, you are free to travel wherever you want.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
People from all backgrounds and nationalities are welcome! We would love to host someone who can help us with grooming, cleaning, repair fances, feed the horses and help to take care of them, feed the dogs and take care of them. If you already have some experience is a plus, otherweise you can easily learn the daily routine hier with us!
We regularly have puppies (dogs) that also need care and assistance!
Please note that caring for animals sometimes can be physically hard but at the same time absolutely satisfying.

We would like you to help 4-5 hours per day with 2 days off. Hours and day off can be flexible.
We will appreciate if you could stay for minimum one month.
Languages
Languages spoken
Italian: Fluent
French: Intermediate
English: Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We have the house located right on the farm. The house is an old, unrestored cottage. You can expect a rustic and very simple environment.
You will have room and a bathroom to share. Sometimes you have to share the room with another Workaway of the same gender.
You will also have access to all other parts (kitchen, sitting room, dining room etc) of the house. There are dogs and cats that share the home too.
Food is supplied. We are happy if you want to cook and let us know new recipes! You can get your breakfast yourself and we use to eat lunch and/or dinner all together. During the summer time we also use to eat outside under a tree shadow, enjoying the peacefull nature.
What else ...
is for you :
if you you are an animal lover
if you like nature
if you want to see what it's like to live in the wilderness
if you are handy
if you like working in the countryside
if you like to engage in small projects
if you like to challenge yourself
if you are sociable and have a desire to fit in and know a different context than usual

is not for you:
if you don't get along with dirt
if you are afraid of animals
if you don't know how to fend for yourself
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have internet connection but not the best one as we live in the country side.
Space for parking camper vans
We have space for the campervan and we do have a external bathroom.
Can possibly accept pets
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate people with their own dogs due to management problems
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 486457666976

Feedback (25)

19 Feb 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

We had a wonderful experience with Sarah, she helped us on our farm with the horses and dogs. And a smiling, quiet and respectful girl. Always on time and also able to fend for herself.
Absolutely recommended !

(Excellent )

6 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Adéla) for host

I stayed at Lucia's place for a month last year in November. I was looking for a break from everyday work life, at home I felt that I was doing everything just to survive, but with Lucia I learned to value time and live every moment. Lucia is a person who lives, loves and cares. Being in her presence enriched me a lot mentally.
Farm work is not… read more

(Excellent )

13 Aug 2023

Left by Workawayer (Tim Eckard & Clara) for host

We had an amazing time at Lucia's place. She is such a great person with a big heart for everyone. I worked with the sweet horses and my boyfriend did farmwork. Everything was just as we imagined living and working at a horse farm in Italy. We had the opportunity to do horseback riding every day, either joining the lesson or go for a walk. Lucia… read more

(Excellent )

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Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.9)

19 Feb 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

(Excellent )

6 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Adéla) for host

(Excellent )

13 Aug 2023

Left by Workawayer (Tim Eckard & Clara) for host

(Excellent )

1 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Zenia) for host

It was my first workaway experience and it was really an amazing one. I got to meet 2 other amazing workawayers and learn so much about horses and dogs. The place is gorgeous and Lucia was always happy to bring us to the city or bus station on our days off :) the work is physical but really rewarding and I truly wish the best to Lucia, Charlotte,… read more

(Excellent )

20 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Janaina) for host

It was my first experience volunteering and I'm very grateful to Lucia for being so respectful, polite, lovely and helpful whenever I needed it.
The tasks and communication are clear. I worked with the horses in the morning and at the end of the day.
The property is far from the city, so we always need Lucia so that we can visit other places, but… read more

(Excellent )

3 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Laura & Emanuel) for host

We feel very lucky to have met Lucia and to have worked in her ranch. We learnt so many things that will be useful wherever we end up. Lucia is a very respectful woman. She is patient, peaceful and strong. She have a lots of knowledge and for any question you have she will be happy to find an answer together. She let you free to organize the work… read more

(Excellent )

20 Jun 2022

Left by Workawayer (Manon) for host

It was clearly one of the best experience I have done in my life, surronded by animals, good people and a lot of love and passion in general. At first, I planned on staying one month, I ended up coming back to stay an other month !

About the work:

The first month I mostly took care of the horses: give them the hay, the food and the water, clean… read more

(Excellent )

23 Jan 2022

Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host

I was supposed to spend a month working here, but I felt so good that I decided to stay for 2 months. Indeed, Lucia, Charlotte and Claude (and Maria but she was not here at this period) is a very nice family, always trying to make us feel good and eager to teach us lots of things. They are all very attentive both to their horses and to our safety.… read more

(Excellent )

9 Nov 2021

Left by Workawayer (Devon) for host

I spent a month at this place and it was the perfect first Workaway experience. Lucia, Claude and Charlotte were the most welcoming and lovely family, Lucia was especially caring and made sure we had everything we needed. Claude was an excellent chef, serving a great mix of Italian and Belgian cuisine, safe to say I never went hungry! They were… read more

(Excellent )

19 Jul 2021

Left by Workawayer (CAROLA) for host

Ringrazio questo centro ippico per la possibilità di vivere il lavoro e la relazione con il cavallo in un luogo attento a loro. Son qui tenuti con cura, amore e attenzione, tale percui sono cavalli sereni, affettuosi e felici. Un grande grazie a Lucia, per la sua simpatia e le belle risate condivise, e un grande grazie a Charlotte per la sua… read more

(Excellent )

31 May 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Nolwenn)

It was a pleasure to host you and we thank you very much for your help!
You are a very energetic girl and we enjoyed your company very much.
We wish you all the best!

(Excellent )

25 Apr 2021

Left by Workawayer (Nolwenn) for host

I’ve spent one month in this wonderful place, and I have to say that I don’t regret at all! The house is surrounded by nature with an amazing vue on the toscane hills, in the middle of horses and dogs, it’s even more peaceful than I imagined!
All the family is nice and lovely, they make you feel comfortable and we eat really really good food… read more

(Excellent )

17 Apr 2020

Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host

I stayed with Lucia and Claude for three lovely weeks in March and had the most amazing time. They are incredibly kind and thoughtful, and right from the moment I arrived I felt welcome and comfortable! The farm is in a beautiful area of Tuscany with rolling hills and a little lake nearby, as well as a cute little village Campagnatico that is… read more

(Excellent )

27 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (Mouna) for host

I spent 6 wonderful weeks at Claude and Lucia's home and riding school (February 2020 until half March). To organize my trip, I talked with Maria who was very friendly and told me what work and environment I could expect upon arrival. Whatever you are imagining, it will probably be better! This was my first workaway, and let me tell you, they set… read more the bar high.
Claude picked me up at the station on my first day and showed me around the club and what I was expected to do:
Starting at 8 a.m., feed the horses in the morning and check their water levels (you can choose whether you take your breakfast before, after or in between. I chose the latter).
Clean the stables (mucking out, put fresh hay, clean a bit around at the end).
Around 11 a.m. Put the horses out.
When you were finished with this you could do whatever you wanted. I usually finished around 12:30/1 p.m. because I wanted everything to be really nice (some days it is not possible and that is still okay). Also, I really enjoyed just taking care of the horses. You will notice quickly they all have their own character :D Overall I had a lot of freedom on how I did things as long as they were done.
In the afternoon I used to ride in a lesson or some times go on a walk on the property or outside. Some days I also occupied myself with other things on the property such as cleaning some years' worth of twine or the horses' equipment. Or just rest if you want to.
On my free days I visited Sienna, I went to the sea and to the Maremma park (I suggest renting a bicycle and purchasing the ticket to go inside the park, it is really beautiful). Claude also took me to see a fox hunt (but without the fox. I didn't stay for the whole time and walked a bit around instead) or to Orbetello to see the Carnaval (amazing!). Along with the ~20 horses/ponies/donkey, there are 10 of the kindest dogs I have ever met: 4 boxers and 6 French Bulldogs. They are all different and so sweet. Some of them would follow me around when I was working at the stables and it was nice to take small breaks to pet them. :)
Lucia was gone for a few days and I had the privilege to care for a mama boxer and her two cute puppies. And a few days before I had to leave there were five more cute puppies! <3
The last of this fur family is Gato, a chill and cuddly cat that somewhat had the upper hand between al these dogs! XD
I had the pleasure to meet and live with Claude and Lucia. I had my own cozy room downstairs, bathroom outside (slippers are useful) and meals and cuddle time with the animals in the dining room at their home. They go almost every day to a big food store and if you ever need anything you can go with them. If you need to wash your clothes Lucia will take them (around once a week/once every two weeks), but it is nice to have enough clothes to last for two weeks minimum. The meals are delicious and you won't leave hungry! Also, I was really lucky with the weather because we only had a week's rain or so all the time I was there.
They are some of the kindest people I have met and deeply care about all their animals. I spoke French with them (Claude is from Belgium and Lucia speaks French really well), but always tried to understand when they were speaking Italian between them or on the television. I had interesting discussions about life in Italy, about the horse world, about the dogs... I met Tamara and her beautiful newborn baby, Charlotte and their partners. They were all very friendly and welcoming!
Halfway my stay, another workawayer arrived. We shared the room, the work, the rides, and stories and I quickly found a friend in her. She sadly had to leave early because of the coronavirus situation. Lucia and Claude were both helpful in that time of canceled transport and other problems (I also had to leave earlier, even if it was just a day).
I spend a wonderful time there and I'll cherish the memories!!
Merci à vous Claude et Lucia pour ce beau séjour! <3

(Excellent )

4 Sep 2019

Left by Workawayer (Edu ) for host

I just can say thank you to all the Wallens family for this incredible experience. I have learnt a lot, including the italian language and some veterinary stuff. I leave a family in Campagnatico. I really recommend going to this place, specially if it's your first workaway experience because it's how a workaway experience should be. Once again,… read more

(Excellent )

3 Sep 2019

Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host

Let me just start by saying I cried SO much when my experience here ended! After 3 months (March-June 2019), this place became my home away from home, and these people became my second family. All of the previous reviews are true and legitimate - I could just repeat each of them but I'll try to offer new info. Honestly, I had the most perfect time… read more

(Excellent )

29 Aug 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (barbara_kalous)

Hi Barbara,

thank you so much for your help! You are really calm and professional girl, a good worker always with a smile in your face! We wish you all the best!!!
Grazie da tutti noi!

(Excellent )

19 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer (barbara_kalous) for host

I had a really great time at Claudes and Lucias. They are very friedly and make you feel at home from the first moment. I was over in July so it was quite hot. We were two workawayers so we could work together and when one of us had his/her day off the other one worked alone. But Claude and Lucia make sure that you never have to work too much. We… read more

(Excellent )

19 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Ausra) for host

I stayed in the farm for 6 great weeks.
:asterisk_symbol:The work schedule is already described by the others and it's really the way it is.
:asterisk_symbol:I was having riding lessons together with the other students almost every day which was very very useful. Even though I was a complete beginner. I learned a lot from Lucia, Claude and… read more

(Excellent )

5 Mar 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela)

Hi Michaela,

it was a pleasure to have you here! we really appreciated your help! We are happy that you enjoyed our place and the countryside around us.
We wish you all the best!
Tanti cari saluti!

(Excellent )

22 Feb 2019

Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host

I spent beautiful 3 weeks in the oasis of horses, nature and clean air. Work and food were same as other workawayers wrote down here. I would higly recomnend you to visit Maremmana National Park, where you can explore beautiful nature either on bike or hiking. Through the park you can get to a very clean beach. There was no one except me in the… read more

(Excellent )

5 Mar 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Alice & Tim)

Hi Alice,

thanks for the beautiful feedback! It was a pleasure to have you here and we are really grateful for your help!! You are really friendly and sunny girl !
we wish you all the best for your future!
un abbraccio forte!

(Excellent )

19 Feb 2019

Left by Workawayer (Alice & Tim) for host

I spent three weeks here over the summer and absolutely loved it!

Claude, Lucia and Charlotte their daughter were all absolutely lovely and made me feel so welcome.

The dogs are hilarious and slobbery- don’t expect to stay clean!

The work is physical but not difficult. I got extremely fit with all the walking (despite all the food) and in my… read more

(Excellent )

17 Feb 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)

Hi Sophie,

thanks for the feedback! It was really nice meet you and have you here with us! You are a friendly and responsible person, sensible with horses and good worker! We had a great time with you and we really appreciated your help! We wish you all the best for your future!!
A presto!

(Excellent )

12 Nov 2018

Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host

I spend 3 weeks with Lucia and Claude. It was my first experience with Workaway and I couldn’t have come to a better place! Lucia and her family have been nothing but welcoming, always making sure that we felt comfortable and happy. In the morning we would get up early to feed the horses before we had breakfast ourselves. Then we would bring the… read more

(Excellent )

13 Dec 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Alena & Sergey)

Hi Alena!
Thanks for your amazing feedback! Your description is perfect! It was such a pleasure to meet you and have you here! You are so professional and passionate with horses! Just go on like this! You gave us such a big help!! We wish you all the best for your future, in special for your horse careers :)
You are always welcome if you ever… read more

(Excellent )

11 Dec 2018

Left by Workawayer (Alena & Sergey) for host

I spent one of the best 3 months of my life in this wonderful place in Tuscany. Claude, Lucia, their children and a beautiful grandchild became as a family to me. I was lucky to meet a whole family. What can I say? You will never regret if you decide to go and experience country life with Claude and Lucia.
My work was:
1. Feeding the horses in the… read more mornings (about 30-40 minutes)
2. Bringing them to their paddocks (15-30 minutes)
3. Moucking out (about 2 hours)
4. Bringing the horses in and feeding them in the eveningS (about 1 hour)
You work form 7 or 8 am till about 11 am, then you are free till 6 pm. So I had plenty of free time. Also whenever you need Claud or Lucia take you to Grosseto (to visit supermarket with them or just walk around the city).
In my free days they always asked me if I wanted to go somewhere, so they drove me to the bus or train station in Grosseto from where I could travel around Tuscany. But mostly I prefered to stay in the farm for riding.

About riding. There were plenty of possibilities to ride. First, Lucia has to see your level of riding and then she tells you which horses you can take for a ride. They have lessons almost everyday with children from the riding school, so usually I was a part of those lessons. Also sometimes I took a horse for a ride in the coutryside, that by the way were amazing. Tuscany hills are very beautiful for riding.

About accomodtion and food. I had my own room the same as another workaway girl (she had her own room too) and we had one bathroom for 2 of us that was not a problem at all. The room is cozy and has everithing you need. The food was amaaaaazing! On breakfast I usually had toasts (you can take anything you want from the fridge for your breakfast) and we had lunch and dinner all together. You will never be hungry there!! As many people said before, Claude is a great cook!

Some tips for future workawayers:
1. Take as many socks as you can with you :slight_smile: There were never enough socks because after you have done the work you have straw and hay everywhere, especcially in your boots and socks.
2. Take suitable boots (I used riding boots, sneakers are not good enogh).
3. Take a present from your coutry or city for the host family, because otherwise you will regret it in the end :)))

Thank you for your warm hospitality! I am so happy that I met so wonderfull people (the family, another workaway girls and children from the riding school). I hope I will see you all again soon :slight_smile:

P.S. Workawayers! Feel free to ask me anything. I would be happy to help :)

(Excellent )

30 Jul 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Fanni)

Hi Funny,

Grazie a te!! for your amaizing help your friendly company. We wish you all the best!
A presto!

(Excellent )

3 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (Fanni) for host

I spent 6 weeks here. I really liked it because it was exactly as active as I like, and working with horses and with such a beautiful view is very rewarding. I will never forget my favourite horses, Caid and Mandarina. Cleo, the boxer became my friend from the first day. She also came with me while I was working. Lucia and Claude are very… read more

(Excellent )

14 Jan 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Danila & Zhenya)

Ciao ragazzi,
siamo anche noi felicissimi di avervi conosciuto! Ci ha colpito molto la vostra voglia di fare nuove esperienze sia scoprendo parti di mondo per voi nuove, sia entrando a contatto diretto con la vita dei nostri amici animali. Vi ringraziamo infinitamente dell aiuto che ci avete dato. Eravamo un po tristi quando siete partiti ma via… read more

(Excellent )

8 Jan 2018

Left by Workawayer (Danila & Zhenya) for host

WOW! So happy and fortunate to have been to this place!! The family are Claude and Lucia and their three daughters (we only got to meet two of them, the loveliest Charlotta and the gorgeous Tamara). Claude is very patient and helpful, with a great sense of humor and amazing cooking skills. Every day he cooked delicious food and we were always… read more

(Excellent )

29 Dec 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Cara)

Ciao Cara,
we are really happy that you enjoyed your time at the farm!! It was really nice having you hier, thank you very much for your help! We wish you all the best for your future and a happy new year!! :)

Un Bacio!

(Excellent )

11 Dec 2017

Left by Workawayer (Cara) for host

I had such an amazing time working here! Lucia, Claude, and their daughters are all such incredible people. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like family during my entire stay. I worked in the barn taking care of the horses and the stables for half the day, most of the work done in the morning. In the afternoon I had free time to… read more

(Excellent )

16 Oct 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

Hi Laura,
thank you for the amazing feedback! We where really happy to host you and we wish you all the best for your future!! Thans again for your help!! Buona fortuna e stai bene!
Un Abbraccio

(Excellent )

27 Sep 2017

Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host

This is a very special family. Lucia, Claude and their three lovely daughters were super kind and welcoming. Lucia is very sweet, gentle and "mother-y". Claude is very funny and is a great cook. The farm is really beautiful, the views are breathtaking! The animals are all great from the horses to the dogs and cats, and in particular I loved the… read more

(Excellent )

9 Jun 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (ccg14b)

Grazie a te Cara!!! It was a pleasure! :)

(Excellent )

7 Jun 2017

Left by Workawayer (ccg14b) for host

I spent 5 weeks working here and it was hands down one of the best experiences of my life! The farm is gorgeous and boasts breathtaking views and beautiful sunsets. I will never forget the time I spent here working with the horses and getting to know Lucia, Claude, and their family. They helped me learn Italian and always were more than willing to… read more

(Excellent )

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Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Italy Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Europe Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Tuscany Family Italy Last minute Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Italy

Horse lovers welcome at an equestrian centre in Tuscany, Italy

Profile information

Host rating

Last replied

Feedback

Email verified

Badges (2)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

Space for parking camper vans

Can possibly accept pets

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected

Feedback (25)

Photos

Feedback