We have just arrived home from Il Cornicchino and it was amazing. Completely professionally run. The horses were amazing, loved, cared for and in great condition. They were a credit to the Il Cornicchino team as they were very well trained for the work they do and were a delight to be around and were very responsive and excellent to ride as well as being good company for the rider. The horses live as a herd in a natural environment and in consequence they do have some of their own rules about order and it is, I believe, polite to respect some of the horses wishes in relation to order etc. I do not condone bad behaviour to other horses whilst being ridden. If you can read their situation it makes for a better understanding all round. This is hilly country and so the riding is not fast but the scenery is brilliant and you wouldn't want to miss it. There are trots and canters everyday. Depending on the trail you choose it will go around vineyards, through woods, up and down mountains, across rivers, sometimes swimming with the horses. It is a great experience. The accommodation is very good with comfortable beds and gloriously crisp clean sheets. Check as to shared bathrooms, some rooms share and therefore this is worth checking before you book. The food here is first class regional fare. It is very tasty and wholesome and produced in a very Italian way. One of Italy's top cookbook writers used to run the kitchen here and the quality is very high. Julio the guide we had was brilliant as was our support team for the trail, which was Alessio and Flavia. They know the way, although routes are not used to frequently, and the food and places to stay are brilliant well thought out. Be prepared to walk down long steep hills. This is more comfortable for the horses and reduces any damage to their backs with the hair being pushed up the wrong way.
