Horseback riding and trekking along enchanting routes, such as the Monferrato Horse Trail and the Biellese Horse Trail.
Equestrian tourism is widespread throughout the regional territory. In the Asti and Biella areas, in particular, numerous equestrian centers offer horseback riding and trekking along specific routes (the so-called Monferrato Horse Trail and Biellese Horse Trail).
Asti is an extraordinary and varied territory, characterized by the beauty of rolling vineyard-covered hills, and further south, by the rugged woods that lead to the white badlands of the Asti Langa, in a suggestive and unique landscape.
Of great charm is the so-called Monferrato Horse Trail, which allows you to ride through the splendid landscapes of the Asti hills, exploring them along paths, lanes, and narrow paved roads, always staying away from major urban centers. This route extends for 230 km, divided into 13 stages, with an additional 8 internal crossings, expanding the network of accessible trails by another 150 km. Equipped rest points for horses and riders are located both along the outer loop and the crossings. The horse trail can also be traveled by mountain bike or on foot, starting from any segment of the loop; you can choose to tackle just one stage or complete the entire circuit, which takes up to two weeks on horseback.
Biella is a territory with a great tradition in equestrian sports. The wide variety of environments and landscapes, from the plains to the Alps, makes it particularly suitable for splendid horseback excursions through nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, sanctuaries, and small villages.
The route of the so-called Biellese Horse Trail crosses the entire territory of the Province of Biella, from rice fields to the Alps, starting at an altitude of 230 meters and reaching 1,500 meters in Bielmonte, covering a distance of about 200 km. The Biellese Horse Trail can be fully covered in a week; alternatively, you can select certain sections to explore, relying on one or more riding stables as starting points to discover the surrounding area. The mountain section of the route is not accessible during the winter months; the plains sections, however, can be traveled year-round.
For nature lovers and outdoor tourism enthusiasts, the province of Alessandria also offers a variety of environments and resources: from cultivated and orderly plains to the gentle hilly landscape, to the forest-covered mountains. For an intense and unique experience, the fascinating territory of the province of Cuneo can also be explored on horseback. The so-called “Provincia Granda” offers cities rich in history, lush forests, ancient traditions and legends, imposing mountains and varied landscapes, food and wine routes, art exhibitions, and literary festivals.
In the province of Turin, equestrian tourism is one of the most popular outdoor activities, as well as a different way of experiencing tourism in harmony with the environment. On horseback, you can cross unique and diverse environments: the moraine hills, lakes, rivers, and marshes along the Alta Via of the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater, the woods and meadows of the Mandria Park and Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park, the countryside of the Pinerolese Apple Road, and the spectacular military roads of the Susa and Chisone Valleys. More experienced riders can venture higher, challenging mid and high-altitude rocks and mule tracks.
The Novara area also offers numerous scenic and natural resources to those who explore the many trails of the Sesia hills on horseback: waterways, extensive vineyards alternating with woods, plains cultivated with rice paddies and poplar groves, parks, nature reserves, gardens of botanical and historical interest. Different landscapes and habitats with rich birdlife (such as sacred ibis and storks) and botanical species, especially in the numerous areas of environmental value. There are many natural observation and birdwatching points along the Sesia River, near rice paddies, on the hills, in parks, and in nature reserves.
Finally, in the Verbano area, equestrian tourism can be practiced in the Ossola Valleys, in the Val Grande National Park, and around the lakes Maggiore, Orta, and Mergozzo, as well as in the Toce River nature reserve, while in the province of Vercelli, the classic trekking and walking destination is Valsesia.
At the numerous equestrian clubs and riding stables in the region, horses and riders will find hospitality and appreciate the opportunity to combine horseback riding with discovering highly charming territories. For those who have never ridden a horse, the same equestrian centers also organize basic and advanced riding courses along with trekking.