Horseback Riding and Trail Rides in the Sibillini Mountains
Horseback riding in the Sibillini Mountains mostly means guided rides and horse treks of one or more days, in the National Park that stretches between Le Marche and Umbria. The Park was established in 1993 and covers about 70,000 hectares. It has more than twenty peaks above 2,000 meters, including Monte Vettore at 2,476 m. From the small villages, excursions set out on foot, by bike or on horseback.
The area most closely tied to riding is that of Norcia and Castelluccio, with the Piani di Castelluccio (the Castelluccio plains), including the Piangrande. Those who would rather avoid climbs or long walks can explore this area on horseback. Options include rides of a few hours, full-day outings with a lunch stop, or multi-day treks.
Horseback riding in the Sibillini Mountains: what to know
Three formats are mainly offered in the Sibillini: the ride of one or more hours, the full-day excursion with lunch in the mountains or at an agriturismo (farm stay), and the multi-day trek. Some outings are open to beginners. At certain stables the accompanying instructor chooses the route based on the rider's abilities.
The routes generally follow mule tracks, dirt paths and back roads. Some organizers state that they avoid paved roads and crowded areas. Destinations mentioned include the Piangrande of Castelluccio di Norcia, the Valle di Santa Scolastica and the Pantani di Accumoli, reachable from Norcia. Along the way, riders may encounter red deer, wolves, wild boar and porcupines. Eagles and falcons are seen more rarely.
Treks usually last 2, 3 or 4 days. The 3-day trek follows a section of the Grande Anello dei Sibillini loop. It starts from the riding stable in Norcia, reaches the point where Lazio, Umbria and Le Marche meet, crosses the Piangrande of Castelluccio and arrives in the Valcastoriana, with a visit to the surroundings of Campi di Norcia. A 4-day route can link the Sibillini to the Monti della Laga, passing through Cittareale and nearby villages. Nights are spent in mountain huts or agriturismi, where local products and dishes can be tasted. When needed, riders camp in tents. Many treks can also be done with your own horse.
The official Grande Anello dei Sibillini is a 124 km route in nine stages, waymarked for hikers on foot. It should not be confused with the routes offered by commercial operators. Riders therefore rely on itineraries designed by the organizers, which follow only some sections of it.
There is also the option of a mule or donkey. There are multi-day treks with mules and walks with donkeys, suitable for families with children too. For other activities on the same high plateaus, see the page on things to do in the Sibillini Mountains or the one on mountain biking and e-bikes in the Sibillini Mountains.
Horseback riding in the Sibillini Mountains: when to go
The bloom on the Piani di Castelluccio, between May and July, is the most popular period for a horseback outing in the area. Some organizers offer two-day rides through the bloom during those weeks. Since they follow trails considered safe, they report being able to cross the area even in that period, in conditions of maximum safety.
In summer, outings take place during the coolest hours of the day. In fall the woods change color and, when the weather forecast allows, outings of one or more days are organized. In winter, horseback rides and outings are kept to a minimum, because safety comes first.
So those looking for the widest choice of outings will generally find it in spring, summer and early fall, the period from April to October. The exact dates of individual treks change every year and are arranged with the organizers.
Horseback riding in the Sibillini Mountains: practical tips
- Book ahead. Group outings and multi-day treks are organized by reservation. The minimum number of participants varies from one organizer to another: some accept two people, others require five. Others take out one to three people at a time.
- State your experience. The offers are aimed at both beginners and experienced riders. Being honest about your level makes it possible to choose a suitable route.
- Check the protective gear. At some stables riders are given a riding helmet and back protector, but it is best to ask when booking.
- Check the weather. At altitude conditions change, and out of season outings may be reduced or canceled.
- Contact the Case del Parco. These Park visitor centers offer information and guided visits in the area. For guided hikes on foot, there is also the page guided hikes and guides in the Sibillini Mountains.
Organized groups must follow the Sibillini National Park rules. Horseback excursions in zones A and B of the Park Plan with more than 30 participants must be notified in advance to the Park and the Carabinieri forestali (the forestry police). Groups accompanied by the Park's official and exclusive Guides are exempt.