Nestled in the heart of the Murgia plateau, just beyond Altamura's ancient stone walls, Viti Horse Club opens a window into one of Puglia's most evocative landscapes. This isn't just a riding lesson—it's a chance to move through centuries-old farmland, limestone ridges, and olive groves at the pace nature intended.
The Horses That Know the Land
The club's horses are bred and trained for these trails, calm enough for first-timers yet responsive for experienced riders. Each mount knows the rocky paths, the sudden dips into lame (seasonal ponds), and the best vantage points where the Murgia opens into sweeping views. Guides match horse to rider with care, ensuring confidence from the first step.
There's a quiet intelligence in these animals, a patience that puts nervous beginners at ease. Many visitors find themselves chatting to their horses by the end of the ride, a sign of the trust that builds quickly here.
Trails Through Time and Stone
The routes wind through a landscape that feels untouched by the rush of modern life. You'll pass jazzi—dry-stone shepherd shelters—and ancient wheat fields that have fed Altamura for millennia. The famous Altamura bread, protected by DOP status, comes from grain still grown on these plains.
Depending on the season, wildflowers carpet the meadows or the earth turns golden with stubble. Spring brings poppies and wild orchids; autumn, the scent of turned soil and the first rains softening the dust.
- Panoramic ridges where you can see as far as the distant peaks of the Apennines
- Limestone gullies carved by millennia of rain, cool and shaded even in summer
- Olive groves centuries old, their twisted trunks testaments to survival
- Bird calls echoing across the plateau—hoopoes, kestrels, and skylarks
What to Bring and When to Ride
Closed-toe shoes with a small heel work best—riding boots if you have them, but sturdy sneakers suffice. Sunscreen and a hat are essential in summer; the Murgia offers little shade on open stretches. A water bottle is wise, though guides often pause at shaded spots to rest.
Early morning or late afternoon rides catch the best light and avoid midday heat. Winter rides have their own magic—crisp air, dramatic clouds, and the occasional dusting of snow on the distant peaks.
After your ride, Altamura's old town is a fifteen-minute drive: stone portals, the magnificent Romanesque cathedral (one of Puglia's four palatine churches), and bakeries where the scent of sourdough has filled the streets for generations. Combine your ride with lunch in the centro storico—caciocavallo podolico cheese and a slice of that legendary bread make the perfect post-ride feast.