Horse ride in Bologna. Photo: ilranch.net

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Horse riding in Bologna: experiences amidst nature, hills and panoramic views

Updated on 03 July 2026 From Bologna Welcome

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity to do in Bologna when the weather is fine, a horse ride could be the perfect opportunity to explore the area from a different perspective. Amidst hills, woods, scenic trails and natural landscapes, there are numerous outfitters organising horse rides and treks suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders.

Ideal in spring and summer , these experiences allow you to enjoy nature at a leisurely and authentic pace, making for a unique activity for couples , a family day out or a trip out of town to some of the most picturesque corners of the Metropolitan City of Bologna.

 

From the Bolognese Hills to the plains, right through to the Imola area, here is a selection of organisations that arrange horse rides and treks in the metropolitan area.

Discover our selection of riding centres that organise horse-riding tours in Bologna:

In the city of Bologna

Circolo Ippico Podere Casello ASD (Bologna)

Located in the municipality of Bologna, Circolo Ippico Podere Casello offers horseback riding experiences immersed in nature and focused on sharing meaningful moments. The riding centre stands out for its non-competitive approach, placing animal welfare and the relationship between horse and rider at the heart of every activity.

Where: Via di Roncrio 48, Bologna (BO)

In the hills

Il Ranch (Monte San Pietro)

Set among the hills of Monte San Pietro, Il Ranch offers western-style horseback rides through nature and scenic landscapes. Its American horses and beginner-friendly trails make it an ideal choice for a first riding experience.

Where: Via Veneto 1, Monte San Pietro (BO)


Gess Ranch (Sasso Marconi)

Surrounded by the countryside of Sasso Marconi, Gess Ranch organises tailor-made horseback rides for all experience levels, following hill trails and panoramic routes. The riding centre is known for breeding Gypsy Vanner horses and for promoting a close connection with the rural landscape and slow tourism.

Where: Via del Chiù 17, Sasso Marconi (BO)

Photo: gessranch.com

Centro Ippico El Paso (Pianoro)

Set in a green valley between the Savena Valley and the Futa Pass, Centro Ippico El Paso is surrounded by numerous nature trails. One of its highlights is the opportunity to reach the Via degli Dei hiking route in about an hour on horseback.

Where: Via del Sasso, Pian di Macina (BO)


Agriturismo Horse Trekking Piccola Raieda (Sasso Marconi)

Overlooking the Via degli Dei hiking route and surrounded by the Contrafforte Pliocenico Nature Reserve, Piccola Raieda offers horseback excursions through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Bologna Apennines. An ideal destination for those seeking nature, tranquillity and horse trekking.

Where: Via Brento 3, Sasso Marconi (BO)


Ca' de Zecchini (Sasso Marconi)

Surrounded by the green hills of Sasso Marconi, Ca' de Zecchini offers a peaceful natural setting where visitors can experience the local area on horseback while enjoying the Bologna countryside.

Where: Via Prunaro 6, Sasso Marconi (BO)


Maneggio Corte dei Re Country Club (Valsamoggia)

Among the hills of Mercatale, Corte dei Re Country Club offers horseback rides and outdoor activities for both adults and children.

Where: Via dei Boschi 3, Mercatale (BO)


CG-TrekkingHorse (Valsamoggia)

Located in Savigno, CG-TrekkingHorse offers horseback rides and trekking experiences through the landscapes of the Emilia Apennines, ranging from short excursions to multi-day itineraries. Activities are designed for different experience levels and provide an authentic way to explore the area on horseback.

Where: Via Scardazzo 9, Valsamoggia (BO)


Ranch Sant'Antonio (Valsamoggia)

Set among the hills of Savigno, Ranch Sant'Antonio organises horseback rides and trekking experiences immersed in nature, suitable for different levels of experience. The ranch specialises in western riding and working horse breeding, offering an authentic experience through the woods and trails of Valsamoggia.

Where: Via Rivabene 579, Valsamoggia (BO)


Monte Termine Country House (Marzabotto)

Set within Monte Sole Historical Park, Monte Termine Country House offers horseback rides through the landscapes of the Bologna Apennines. Excursions are tailored to participants' experience levels and take place on Haflinger horses bred at the property.

Where: Via S. Martino 41, Marzabotto (BO)


Ospitalazzo (Loiano)

Surrounded by the forests and trails of the Bologna Apennines, Ospitalazzo organises horseback rides and trekking experiences immersed in nature. Activities are mainly intended for experienced riders.

Where: Via Roncastaldo 8, Loiano (BO)

Photo: Circolo Ippico Ospitalazzo

Circolo Ippico Pegaso (Grizzana Morandi)

For more than 25 years, Circolo Ippico Pegaso has welcomed riders and horse lovers in the countryside of Grizzana Morandi. In addition to horseback rides, the riding centre also serves as a stopover for horses and riders travelling along the trails of the Bologna Apennines.

Where: Stanco 101, Grizzana Morandi (BO)

On the plains

B.G. Ranch ASD (San Giovanni in Persiceto)

In San Giovanni in Persiceto, B.G. Ranch offers western-style horseback rides ranging from short excursions to full-day outings. A great opportunity to explore the rural landscapes of the Bologna plain on horseback.

Where: Via Sampieri 1/1, San Giovanni in Persiceto (BO)


Lo' Ranch (Malalbergo)

Lo' Ranch organises horseback rides through the peaceful countryside of the Bologna plain. Its proximity to a large natural area frequented by migratory birds makes the experience especially appealing for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Where: Via Boschi 39/a, Altedo (BO)


Centro Ippico Montefano (Budrio)

Located in the Bologna plain, Centro Ippico Montefano is a riding centre dedicated to horse riding and activities involving horses. For information about horseback rides and excursions, visitors are invited to contact the centre directly.

Where: Via Rondanina 4, Budrio (BO)

 Photo: centroippicomontefano.com

In the Imola area

La Gaiana (Castel San Pietro Terme)

La Gaiana is a bed & breakfast and wedding venue set among the hills of Castel San Pietro Terme. Activities available to guests include horseback rides and introductory western riding experiences, offering the chance to enjoy nature and connect with horses.

Where: Via Emilia Ponente 3201/A, Castel San Pietro Terme (BO)


Le Ginestre ASD - Centro Equitazione Americana (Dozza)

Set among the hills of Dozza, Le Ginestre ASD offers western riding activities and horseback rides through the landscapes of the Imola area.

Where: Via Valsellustra 71/C, Dozza (BO)


Scuderia Cavall'insieme by Filippo ASD (Imola)

Affiliated with the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE) and recognised by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Cavall'insieme by Filippo ASD offers horse riding activities for adults and children, with the opportunity to ride both ponies and horses in the riding arena or on guided rides.

Where: Via Ladello 22, Imola (BO)

Photo: Scuderia Cavall'insieme by Filippo ASD

Other horse riding activities

If, in addition to horseback rides and trekking experiences, you are interested in riding courses, lessons or equestrian sports, you can consult the list of riding schools and FISE-affiliated riding centres in the Metropolitan City of Bologna.

Edited by
Editorial staff of Bologna Welcome Foundation
It promotes and enhances places, experiences and events across the Bologna Metropolitan Area and the Bologna–Modena Tourist Territory, and manages the content of website bolognawelcome.com.
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