Nestled in the hills above Grottaglie, Il Ghibli A.S.D. invites riders to discover the Puglian countryside from horseback, where centuries-old olive groves roll toward the Ionian coast. The center welcomes everyone from first-time riders to experienced equestrians, offering guided outings that weave through the terra rossa landscape that defines this corner of Taranto province.
Trails That Tell a Story
The routes wind past masserie and dry-stone walls that have marked the land for generations. Riders move at a pace that lets the landscape unfold—vineyards heavy with Primitivo grapes, clusters of trulli dotting distant hillsides, and the occasional roadside shrine framed by wild fennel. Each trail is tailored to the group's experience level, so beginners feel grounded while seasoned riders can explore further into the backcountry.
Mornings are especially rewarding, when the light is soft and the scent of wild herbs rises from the warming earth. The horses are calm and well-trained, responsive to gentle cues, making even a first ride feel surprisingly natural.
What Makes This Ride Different
Unlike coastal stables that focus on beach trots, Il Ghibli takes you into the working countryside of Puglia—places where farmers still prune olive trees by hand and shepherds move flocks along ancient tratturi. You're not watching the region from a car window; you're moving through it at the rhythm it was meant to be experienced.
- Well-matched horses chosen for temperament and trail experience
- Guided routes that adapt to weather, season, and rider confidence
- Views across the Murgia plateau toward the ceramics town of Grottaglie
- Quiet trails away from traffic and crowds
- Small groups that allow for individual attention and questions
Beyond the Saddle
After your ride, Grottaglie itself is worth exploring—its historic Quartiere delle Ceramiche is one of Italy's most important pottery districts, with workshops where artisans still hand-paint traditional patterns. The town's castle overlooks rooftops tiled in terracotta, and local trattorie serve orecchiette with cime di rapa that tastes exactly as Puglia should.
Combine your horseback outing with a morning in the ceramics quarter, or time it before a late lunch in the centro storico. The Ionian coast is less than twenty minutes away, so a ride through the hills pairs beautifully with an afternoon swim at one of the quieter beaches near Pulsano or Marina di Lizzano.