Just minutes from Bari, the countryside around Valenzano unfolds in gentle waves of olive groves and stone-walled fields, and there's no better way to explore it than on horseback. Riding Club Lobar offers an authentic slice of rural Puglia, where the rhythm of hoofbeats replaces the noise of the city and the landscape opens up in ways you'd never see from a car.
A Countryside Escape Within Reach
The club sits in the peaceful contrada Ognissanti, a patchwork of farmland and orchards that feels worlds away from the bustle of the metropolitan area. Riders of all levels are welcome here, from complete beginners taking their first tentative steps in the saddle to experienced equestrians looking for a longer trail ride. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-run, with instructors who take the time to match you with the right horse and adjust the pace to your comfort level.
The horses themselves are calm and well-trained, responsive without being skittish. You'll spend a few minutes getting acquainted before heading out, learning the basics of posture and steering if you're new, or simply reconnecting with the feel of the reins if it's been a while.
Trails Through Olive Groves and Open Fields
The guided rides wind through classic Puglian countryside: rows of ancient olive trees, their trunks gnarled and silver in the sunlight, and open fields dotted with wild fennel and poppies in spring. The trails are mostly flat, making them accessible for beginners, but there's enough variety to keep things interesting—a shaded grove here, a view across the valley there.
Morning rides are particularly lovely, when the air is still cool and the light slants low across the fields. The instructors share stories about the land, pointing out old masserie in the distance and explaining the traditional farming cycles that still shape the landscape.
What to Expect on Your Visit
Whether you're booking a single lesson or a longer excursion, here's what makes a visit to Riding Club Lobar memorable:
- Personalized instruction that adapts to your experience level, from first-time riders to confident gallopers
- Well-maintained horses with gentle temperaments, carefully matched to each rider's skill
- Scenic trails through working farmland, olive groves, and quiet country lanes
- A welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere where the focus is on enjoyment, not competition
- Easy access from Bari—under 20 minutes by car—making it a perfect half-day escape
Combining Your Ride with Local Discoveries
Valenzano is a short drive from several of Puglia's most compelling destinations. After your ride, head east to Conversano to explore its Norman castle and centro storico, or continue to Polignano a Mare to watch the sunset from the cliffs. If you're craving a meal, the countryside around Valenzano is home to several traditional trattorie serving orecchiette with cime di rapa and other Puglian classics, often made with vegetables from the farm next door.
The club is also well-positioned for exploring the Itria Valley—Alberobello's trulli are less than 40 minutes south, and the whitewashed streets of Locorotondo make for a perfect post-ride wander. Riding Club Lobar proves you don't need to venture far from the city to find the quiet, timeless rhythms of rural Puglia.