Ostia Antica: Horse Sanctuary Trail Ride & Roman Ruins

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join if they stay in a pram or stroller; check suitability if planning for young kids to ride.

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.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes time for meeting horses, grooming, instruction, riding, and food tasting.

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.