Ostia Antica: Horse Sanctuary Trail Ride & Roman Ruins

Ride rescued horses through Ostia’s pinewoods and Roman ruins

You’ll help care for rescued horses near Ostia Antica before riding through pinewoods and past ancient Roman ruins with a local guide. Taste simple local food along the trail and soak up that rare sense of calm you only find on horseback just outside Rome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse sanctuary and trail ride

• Arrive at horse sanctuary
• Help feed and groom horses
• Receive short riding lesson
• Ride horses through pinewood
• Visit Roman ruins on horseback

The experience

We started by stepping into the sanctuary outside Ostia Antica, where the air smelled a bit like hay and old leather saddles. There was this gentle chaos: horses snuffling pockets, someone (I think her name was Marta) showing us how to brush their manes without getting nipped. I’m not a horse person at all, but honestly, the way these animals leaned into your hand made it hard not to feel something. Our guide kept switching between Italian and English, sometimes both at once, telling us how each horse ended up here. Didn’t expect to get attached before we’d even mounted up.

After a quick riding lesson (I was nervous, my boots definitely weren’t “riding boots”), we set off under the umbrella pines. The sunlight came down in stripes and you could hear cicadas buzzing over everything. Riding through the natural reserve felt weirdly peaceful. Just hooves in the soft dirt and the occasional shout from one of us when a branch got too close. At some point, our guide pointed out crumbling Roman walls half-hidden by wildflowers. I tried to picture what this place must’ve looked like centuries ago. It’s hard to imagine chariots here now with all these horses wandering free.

There was a stop for food tasting. Nothing fancy, just local bread and cheese with that salty tang you only get near Rome. We swapped stories with the staff (Li laughed when I tried to say “grazie mille” with my mouth full). It wasn’t rushed at all. Nobody seemed in a hurry to get back on the trail or back to real life. The ride back felt slower somehow, maybe because I knew we were leaving soon. I still think about that quiet stretch under the trees where it felt like time paused for a minute.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting rescued horses at an Ostia Antica sanctuary, learning basic grooming and feeding habits with staff guidance, use of helmets for safety during your trail ride through pinewoods and Roman ruins, plus a relaxed local food tasting along the way before heading back toward Rome.

Options for this experience

2 options

Horse sanctuary in AbruzzoGuide in English or Italian · Available from 17 Jun 2027Cowboy's Paradise: To beat the summer heat, we take the herd up into the Abruzzo mountains. Take in wide mountain views and experience the Italian cowboy way of life. Meeting point: Peppino coffee shop, Obelisque square 13, Tagliacozzo, AQ, Italy

Horse sanctuary and trail ride in Ostia AnticaGuide in English or Italian · 10:00 and 16:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cavalieri di Gaia

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this horse sanctuary trail ride suitable for beginners?

Yes, riders of all experience levels are welcome and receive a short lesson before heading out.

How do I get to the horse sanctuary in Ostia Antica?

The sanctuary is near public transportation options outside Rome. Details are provided after booking.

What should I wear for the horseback ride?

Wear long trousers and sneakers or riding boots. Avoid flip flops or high heels.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

The maximum rider weight is 95 kg.

Does this day trip include food?

Yes, there’s a food tasting included during the experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Guests should arrange their own transport to the sanctuary.