Orthal Riding Centre, Northern Italy
The Orthal riding centre is based on the L'Altopiano di Asiago, a sunny plateau overlooking the Venetian plains and with views stretching to the Dolomites. It is at a thousand meters above sea level, with higher mountains all around which extend up to 2000m, making it a perfect location for both summer and winter sports' lovers. Massimo Rigoni , a former horse jumper in international competitions, is the charming owner who will take you on half-day or full day hacks through alpine woodland steeped in British military history with views overlooking the plateau, the Dolomites and the Veneto plain. Riding lessons for all ages. Family ski-ing area during the winter months. Authentic Italian food and culture. Stay at the 2* Orthal Albergo right at the stables or at he 4* Gaarten Spa hotel nearby (free shuttle provided) which provides luxury accommodation with lovely indoor pool for those wanting a few more facilities at their disposal.
Horse-Riding in Asiago
Until recently Massimo Rigoni, instructor and owner of the Orthal riding centre has catered exclusively for Italian riders. However, we have convinced him to apply his excellent horsemanship to English speakers who enjoy Massimo's lessons just as much as the rewarding hacks out to the mountains surrounding the hotel. Very few places in Europe can offer so many off-road tracks through woodland steeped in history and affording views of the Dolomites as well as the Veneto plain. Ideal for novice, intermediate and experienced riders. Massimo will take complete beginners through their first paces and is excellent with children.
About the horses
The tack is English and the horses are mostly French and German thoroughbreds. The stables house as many as 30 horses so there is plenty of scope to find a suitable personality and size for you from the gentle, docile type to the more sensitive horse requiring a light hand and confident rider. Many horses have been with Massimo for years and as he relys on surprisingly few stable-hands so you can imagine how close his relationship with them is.
About Massimo
After several years as an Olympic Gold Medalist on the Italian Ski-Jumping team, Massimo chose to stay closer to the ground with competitive horse jumping. As soon as he qualified as an instructor for the Federazione Italiano di Sport Equestri, he dedicated his time to his family hotel which he runs with his brother Paolo. Over 20 years experience of teaching people of all ages and abilities, Massimo has a considerable number of regular clients who travel from all over Italy to receive his instruction – most of whom feel they have grown up with Massimo creating a friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. The riding is not competetive and does not concentrate on a single decipline, the riding is about you, your horse and riding in the mountains.
Riding Company rep: local English ex-pat Nikki Clover will be on hand to organise any special excursions, arrange car hire, or sort out any special requests you may have.
Activities for non-riders and rest days
The area of Asiago has over 600km of safe trails which are perfect for mountain biking and road cycling (a very big sport in Italy), nordic walking and hiking. The Asiago golf club has several times been nominated the most beautiful 18 hole golf course. Cultural visits to historical cities nearby such as Verona, Vicenza and Padua with guided tours of the Palladian villas. Eating and drinking is a real treat in this quiet, untouristy area; Asiago cheese is well-known, the local cusine is mostly Italian with a few Cimbrian traditions and nearby vineyards offer excellent wines. Wine-tasting day trips can be arranged. Veneto is the home of Prosecco and Grappa.
In summer, we can organise a full (non-riding) sports programme including white water rafting on a local river. There is an extreme sport centre 'Team Sport Emozione' nearby which offers bungee jumping, rafting, hidrobob and para gliding. The bungee jumping, is done on the Val Gardena bridge and is said to be the highest jump in Europe. Rafting and hidrobob are practiced along the Brenta river which flows at the foot of the Altopiano. The paragliding base is at Val Maron in the Comune of Enego where it is also possible to fly together with the instructor in a two-seater glider or you can take lessons. Perfect for something different on a day off from riding!
Gourmet riding tours and Italian cookery classes - contact us for dates of these special trips.
Winter riding and ski-ing:The Orthal Albergo is situated right on the ski piste which has two ski lifts - perfect for children or adults learning to ski. The hotel has its own ski school and ski hire depot. There are a further 3, larger ski resorts in the immediate area (car hire recommended). Snow cannons are widely available to ensure good snow cover. The Altopiano plateau is the home of cross-country skiing where even the Swedish national team come to train! Toboganning and snow-shoeing are also great favourites. Ice skating and dog-sledding are also available.
Accommodation
The 2* Orthal Albergo is a true definition of a 'family-run hotel' which Massimo runs together with his brother Paolo. This 2* hotel is a comfortable, unfussy hotel which has been recently modernised in the local style. The evening meal is from a set menu of local Italian and regional home-cooked dishes. Good selection of local wines and grappa to accompany your meal. Bar and sauna. The rooms have bathrooms ensuite and are spacious enough to cater for families, many with a balcony. The hotel is situated outside Asiago, but within walking distance to the town centre. The hotel has its own ski slopes, ski school and ski /snowboard hire. Bike hire in summer.
The 4* Gaarten Hotel This luxurious spa hotel is in the heart of the village of Gallio on the other side of Asiago and is about 15 minutes drive away from the Orthal Riding Centre. Free shuttle bus provided or we can arrange car hire (at extra cost). The hotel offers a range of excellent facilities including a Spa offering a full range of massages and beauty treatments, saunas and steamrooms and lovely indoor pool, very comfortable accomodation and a choice of family suites. Cosy wood panelled bar and restaurant. serving excellent food. The hotel is situated in the centre of tthe village, near 2 downhill ski centres.
Prices are per person based on two sharing a double or twin-bedded room, and include half-board and airport transfers. Short breaks also available - please contact us for a price.
Orthal Albergo
Weekly riding programme: £575 which includes 10 hours of riding which can either be taken as group lessons or hacks.
Non riders: £428
Extra hours of riding can be arranged. £20 per hour for group lessons or rides out. £168 for ten hours.
Discounts for children (riders and non riders) free 0-4 years, 5-12 years old 30% (for cot/ extra bed in parents' room).
Single room occupancy supplement (if available) £12 per night.
Ski hire: £25 for 4 days, £42 for 7 days (excluding 26/12 - 06/01). Ski lessons £30 per hour for 1-7/8 people. Bob sleigh £5 per hour.
Ski pass prices: 6 day pass £116, 3 day pass £63 (Christmas/New Year: 6 day £129, 3 day £70. One ski pass covers all the resorts to the west and east side from the town centre which can be accessed easily with a bus pass (£3). See www.meletteduemila.com and www.skiverena.com . All ski equipment hire can be arranged from the Hotel Orthal.
Gaarten 4* Spa Hotel
4 night break on half-board with transfer : £520 per person, £488 in a 3 or 4 bedded room, £551single (in a double room) .
7 night break in a double room with transfer: £765 per person, £737 a 3-bedded or 4-bedded room: £840 single (in a double room).
Riding programme: as much or as little as you like : £20 per hour for either rides out or group lessons.
Supplements and discounts
High season (August and Christmas/New Year ) supplement £17 per night
Child discount (sharing parents’ bedroom) 0-4 50%, 5-12 30% discount.
Junior Suite upgrade: £10 per night, Suite: £13 per night.
Single supplement £14 per night.
Riding or other sporting activity/excursions should be added to these prices.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Season dates for Orthal Albergo : Winter season: 15/12 to 15/03/09, Summer season: 01/06 to 20/09/09 and all bank holidays.
Getting there
Treviso airport is the closest (1.5 hours) and both Marco Polo (Venice) and Verona airports are within 2 hrs by minibus. All airports have good links to Vicenza or Bassano train stations, from where we can arrange transport to the hotel. We can arrange all transfers, whether by train, minibus, taxi or helicopter ! A week's car hire from Verona starts at £136 with Hertz (www.hertz.co.uk )
Airline links:
http://www.easyjet.com/en/book/index.asp
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/ (Verona and Treviso)
http://www.bmibaby.com/bmibaby/html/en/splash.htm
Online flight search:
http://www.kayak.co.uk/
http://www.ebookers.com/shop/home?tduid=9210b16bd8156719cced40be675a74a2
If you prefer not to book a self-drive holiday, we offer a daily car-hire service (£33 - £50 per day) which would enable you to visit many of the famous attractions such as Palladian villas in Vicenza or Bassano del Grappa. By car take A4 & Valdastico motorways to Asiago (1.30hrs).
Self-drive: Car rental can be booked easily and inexpensively online with Holiday Autos. Please tell us so that we can reduce the quote of your holiday.
Train travel: For everything you need to know about any train journey visit Seat Sixty-One.
Minimum riding age 8 years.
Weight limit 15 stone (95kg).
To check out the local weather (Vicenza) http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=5059
May to October is the main season and has mostly warm sunny weather, but rainwear is always advisable for occasional showers. Riding is possible here throughout the year and especially during the winter months when riding in the snow can be combined with ski-ing and other winter sports.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to Italy at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
Please read our Terms and Conditions.
