Horse riding in South Tyrol

Whereas some vacationers in South Tyrol are offered a whole holiday package with accommodation and daily riding lessons or excursions, others would just like to test whether riding is a wonderful leisure activity. Kids always love a guided round on a pony, and experienced adults enjoy galloping on Haflinger horses over wide pastures.

Here, we offer some general information for riding fans. In order to give a better overview, you will find more about the offer of riding hotels, riding farms and horse farm in the texts divided by regions – from the Dolomites to Vinschgau.

Riding holidays in South Tyrol

Family-friendly apartment on a farm, comfortable suite in a riding and wellness hotel, riding weeks for beginners or experts: South Tyrol has the perfect offer for all tastes. Riding holidays in South Tyrol are a very special experience for small and big horse freaks, for beginners as well as for experienced riders.

During some riding holidays the guests are assigned their own horse to look after, allowing them to improve their riding skills also by taking care of a horse themselves. This is a good option particularly for kids from a certain age. Great for all those who would like to spend their holidays with their own horse: Many providers of riding holidays offer boxes for the horses of their guests.

Farms for riders

Many farms in South Tyrol also offer the possibility for riding and there are specialised farms for riders too. A South Tyrolean riding farm must fulfil certain criteria. For instance, there must be 5 available riding horses in the stable the whole year round. Also, the farms must offer guided rides with a certified trekking guide, horse riding guide or training guide.

Trail riding, excursions & riding lessons

From soft vineyards to high-alpine pastures, the varied landscape in South Tyrol can best be discovered on the back of a horse. Many riding stable and riding farms assume that everyone who chooses an excursion has good riding skills, others also offer guided excursions with a rider on a second horse. Trekking tours on the horse for several days are an unforgettable adventure for experienced riders.

If you do not have enough riding experience, you should have several riding lessons first. However, not only riding fans can learn something new: Be it seat training on the lunge or tölt, reining schooling or driving with horse-drawn vehicles – specialized riding lessons are offered in South Tyrol too.

Horse races & riding tournaments

The horse racing course in Meran was opened in 1935. Here, thoroughbred horses from the best middle European race stables are fighting for the win in obstacle and gallop races. Haflinger horses are competing here too. Traditionally on Easter Monday, there is the Haflinger horse race. The Grand Prix of Meran Forst, a prestigious obstacle race in October is the highlight and final event of the racing season at the same time.

A special event highlight not only for horse fans is the famous Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride. The festivities in occasion of this riding event begin on Friday and end with the four tournament competitions on Sunday in Kastelruth and Seis as well as Lake Völser Weiher and Prösels Castle. Moreover, horse lovers will look forward to jumping and dressage tournaments as well as presentation of selected stallions, qualifying examinations and other interesting events for horse fans.