8-Day Yoga and Horse Riding Retreat in the Tuscan Countryside

The retreat runs for eight days and seven nights at Il Cornacchino, an agriturismo in one of the most unspoiled areas of Tuscany, 800 meters above sea level in the Monte Penna Nature Reserve. The property has been run by the same family for over thirty years, driven by a passion for horses, nature, and good food. With over 60 horses on site, it's a working horse property as much as a retreat, which makes the week feel authentic rather than staged.

Each morning from Monday to Friday begins with a 90-minute yoga session from 7:30 to 9:00, taught by Elisabetta Mancini. Her teaching method blends Eastern and Western traditions, drawing on Taoism, Buddhism, and Advaita Vedanta, with a strong emphasis on self-awareness and practical tools for well-being. Her classes have run for over two decades and are open to all levels.

Following breakfast, guests spend two hours in horsemanship sessions with Fabio Tascone, who oversees all horse training at the property using his Natural Western method. These sessions focus on groundwork, communication, and relationship-building with the horses, working on trust and connection before any riding happens. The training progresses gradually, covering walk, jog, trot, canter, gallop, backing up, lateral movements, lead changes, transitions, small jumps, and water crossings.

The program starts on Saturday, the arrival day, with a welcome gathering and dinner, and ends the following Saturday after breakfast. On Sunday, the foundations of horsemanship are introduced before the daily rhythm begins on Monday. Afternoons are free, but guests can book horse riding sessions or private lessons at an additional cost, or simply relax at the property, walk in the woods, or visit the nearby town. The schedule intentionally leaves space in the day, so it never feels overcrowded.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Free parking - Wi-Fi connection - Horsemanship sessions (Monday to Friday) - Group discussions and personalized guidance - Use of all communal facilities - Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Airport transfers (available for €140 each way per person) - Horse riding sessions (available for an additional cost) - Massage and osteopath treatments - E-bike rental - Additional activities not included in the itinerary