Agriturismo Cornacchino
Castell'Azzara, 58034

Tel: +39.0564.951582

E-Mail: info@cornacchino.it

Natural Western Riding

Communication, balance, and relationship with the horse

Develop greater awareness, balance and confidence with your horse to improve communication with your horse through body language and a natural, simple, and intuitive dialogue.

Thanks to its great sensitivity, the horse reflects every aspect of our attitude. By learning to listen and communicate more clearly, you will see the quality of your relationship change as well.

During the course, you will work on feeling and timing, refining the use of seat and legs to minimize rein aids, with the goal of building a partnership based on trust, respect, and sensitivity.

The course

Natural Western Riding

This eight-day programme is designed for riders and horse lovers who want to deepen their understanding of the horse and develop a more effective, conscious and respectful way of riding.

The programme combines practical riding sessions in the arena and trail field with opportunities to explore how body awareness, balance, timing, emotional control and clear communication influence the relationship between rider and horse.

Throughout the week, participants will work on developing a more independent and balanced seat, a softer and more effective use of the aids, better timing and a clearer understanding of how their own body and decisions affect the horse.

The aim is not simply to improve riding technique, but to help each participant become a more aware, confident and effective rider, while developing a more cooperative and respectful relationship with the horse.

A RICH, BALANCED PROGRAMME

The programme combines a rich schedule of lessons with free time to relax, enjoy the property and explore the surrounding area.

During their free time, guests can enrich their stay with optional activities such as extra horse riding, a Be Present session with the horses, a massage or e-bike rental, subject to availability and advance booking.

These optional activities are not included in the course price and can be arranged separately.


DETAILED PROGRAMME
Saturday — Arrival & Welcome

Arrival at Cornacchino, check-in and accommodation.
Late afternoon: welcome apéritif with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of snacks, followed by a welcome briefing introducing Cornacchino, the horses, the course leaders and the programme for the week. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Sunday — Introduction to the Horse & the Course

7:30–10:00 am: breakfast.
Morning: an introductory theoretical and interactive session exploring the relationship between humans and horses. Topics include the horse's primary needs and perception; body communication and emotional management; leadership and the difference between leadership and friendship; proprioception and body awareness; breathing and breath control; and the personal challenges involved in communicating with the horse, both on the ground and in the saddle. The session also introduces the correct use of the seat, legs and reins to communicate effectively with the horse while riding, as well as how to develop timing and feel in the saddle. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Monday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: Natural Western Riding session with Fabio in the arena, focusing on the correct position and seat in the saddle, the proper use of the pelvis and legs at the walk, jog and canter, and how to communicate with the horse through a soft and effective use of the reins. Each participant's riding level is also assessed in order to ensure the best possible match between rider and horse. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Tuesday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the arena, focusing on using space to improve timing and awareness, and on the importance of maintaining a broad, panoramic view while riding. Participants work on stops, transitions, lateral movements and correct departures into the canter. 1:00 pm: lunch.                                                  
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Wednesday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the arena. Working together while riding independently, participants learn how to manage space, their horse and their own ability to make clear decisions and communicate effectively with the horse at the walk, jog and canter. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Thursday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the trail field, putting into practice what was learned during the previous days. Participants work on opening and closing a gate, crossing a bridge, negotiating different obstacles, cantering while carrying an object in one hand and learning how to manage and guide the horse correctly using one hand. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Friday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the trail field, building on the skills developed during the previous days. Participants work on opening and closing a different type of gate, crossing a more challenging bridge, negotiating a variety of obstacles and cantering alongside another horse. The session then continues into more challenging terrain in the woods, including riding through water and learning how to help and support the horse when travelling on steep uphill and downhill trails. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 
7:30 pm: closing session of the course, with a drink, conclusions, recommendations and feedback. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Saturday — Departure

Breakfast and check-out. Departure.

PLEASE NOTE

The times shown in this programme are indicative. They are adjusted during the season according to temperatures and weather conditions.
The programme may be subject to changes for technical or weather-related reasons.

Go to photo gallery

  • June 27, 2026 - July 04, 2026
  • October 10, 2026 - October 17, 2026
  • August 15, 2026 - August 22, 2026
  • July 25, 2026 - August 01, 2026
  • March 13, 2027 - March 20, 2027
  • March 20, 2027 - March 27, 2027
  • May 01, 2027 - May 08, 2027
  • June 05, 2027 - June 12, 2027
  • July 31, 2027 - August 07, 2027
  • August 21, 2027 - August 28, 2027
  • October 09, 2027 - October 16, 2027

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
  • 8 days / 7 nights at Il Cornacchino.
  • Welcome aperitif on arrival day, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
  • Full board throughout the stay.
  • Healthy, wholesome meals prepared at Il Cornacchino, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
  • 1 theoretical and interactive lesson on the horse's primary needs and perception, and on the correct use of the seat, legs and reins to communicate effectively with the horse while riding.
  • 5 Natural Western Riding lessons of approximately 2 hours each.
  • Access to the natural surroundings and shared spaces of Il Cornacchino.
NOT INCLUDED
  • Travel to and from Il Cornacchino at the beginning and end of the stay.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Single-room supplement, on request.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Extra horse rides, Be Present sessions with the horses and e-bike rental.
  • Any other optional activities or services not specifically included in the programme.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

6 participants.  Riding level required: from intermediate / good rider.

2026 PRICES

Double Room €1,038
Group Booking (3–4 guests) €954
Tepee €863*                                                 
Campsite €807*
Single-use supplement for a private room: €190.

2027 PRICES

Double Room €1,148
Group Booking (3–4 guests) €1,064
Tepee €959*                                                 
Campsite €868*
Single-use supplement for a private room: €196.

*Tepee and campsite accommodation are not available from 12 June to 23 July 2027.

Food & Accommodation

During your stay, you will be warmly looked after by our cooks, who prepare healthy, wholesome meals made with care and attention, designed to support the body and accompany the activities of the day.

Our kitchen takes into account the main dietary needs and choices, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

If you wish to enjoy an even deeper experience of grounding and connection with nature, in addition to staying in our comfortable rooms, you will also have the opportunity to sleep in one of our tepees: romantic, spacious, and cozy, surrounded by the silence of the forest and gently accompanied by the call of owls.

An invitation to slow down and reconnect with the natural rhythm of the days, among horses, good food, and moments of genuine relaxation, peace, and well-being.


PLEASE NOTE

The price is for each person, and it includes the equipment to use during the whole course, for the practical section and the use of horses for the exercises.

It is possible to participate with one's own horse (horse boarding is not included).

In the afternoon, horseback rides or other lessons are possible, not included in the price.

The course

Natural Western Riding

This eight-day programme is designed for riders and horse lovers who want to deepen their understanding of the horse and develop a more effective, conscious and respectful way of riding.

The programme combines practical riding sessions in the arena and trail field with opportunities to explore how body awareness, balance, timing, emotional control and clear communication influence the relationship between rider and horse.

Throughout the week, participants will work on developing a more independent and balanced seat, a softer and more effective use of the aids, better timing and a clearer understanding of how their own body and decisions affect the horse.

The aim is not simply to improve riding technique, but to help each participant become a more aware, confident and effective rider, while developing a more cooperative and respectful relationship with the horse.

A RICH, BALANCED PROGRAMME

The programme combines a rich schedule of lessons with free time to relax, enjoy the property and explore the surrounding area.

During their free time, guests can enrich their stay with optional activities such as extra horse riding, a Be Present session with the horses, a massage or e-bike rental, subject to availability and advance booking.

These optional activities are not included in the course price and can be arranged separately.


DETAILED PROGRAMME
Saturday — Arrival & Welcome

Arrival at Cornacchino, check-in and accommodation.
Late afternoon: welcome apéritif with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of snacks, followed by a welcome briefing introducing Cornacchino, the horses, the course leaders and the programme for the week. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Sunday — Introduction to the Horse & the Course

7:30–10:00 am: breakfast.
Morning: an introductory theoretical and interactive session exploring the relationship between humans and horses. Topics include the horse's primary needs and perception; body communication and emotional management; leadership and the difference between leadership and friendship; proprioception and body awareness; breathing and breath control; and the personal challenges involved in communicating with the horse, both on the ground and in the saddle. The session also introduces the correct use of the seat, legs and reins to communicate effectively with the horse while riding, as well as how to develop timing and feel in the saddle. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Monday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: Natural Western Riding session with Fabio in the arena, focusing on the correct position and seat in the saddle, the proper use of the pelvis and legs at the walk, jog and canter, and how to communicate with the horse through a soft and effective use of the reins. Each participant's riding level is also assessed in order to ensure the best possible match between rider and horse. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Tuesday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the arena, focusing on using space to improve timing and awareness, and on the importance of maintaining a broad, panoramic view while riding. Participants work on stops, transitions, lateral movements and correct departures into the canter. 1:00 pm: lunch.                                                  
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Wednesday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the arena. Working together while riding independently, participants learn how to manage space, their horse and their own ability to make clear decisions and communicate effectively with the horse at the walk, jog and canter. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Thursday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the trail field, putting into practice what was learned during the previous days. Participants work on opening and closing a gate, crossing a bridge, negotiating different obstacles, cantering while carrying an object in one hand and learning how to manage and guide the horse correctly using one hand. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Friday — Natural Western Riding

7:30–9:30 am: breakfast.
10:00 am–12:00 pm: session with Fabio in the trail field, building on the skills developed during the previous days. Participants work on opening and closing a different type of gate, crossing a more challenging bridge, negotiating a variety of obstacles and cantering alongside another horse. The session then continues into more challenging terrain in the woods, including riding through water and learning how to help and support the horse when travelling on steep uphill and downhill trails. 1:00 pm: lunch.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, walk in the woods or enjoy optional activities. Depending on availability and advance booking, participants may add a two-hour horse ride, a Be Present session with the horses or e-bike rental. 
7:30 pm: closing session of the course, with a drink, conclusions, recommendations and feedback. 8:00 pm: dinner.

Saturday — Departure

Breakfast and check-out. Departure.

PLEASE NOTE

The times shown in this programme are indicative. They are adjusted during the season according to temperatures and weather conditions.
The programme may be subject to changes for technical or weather-related reasons.

Go to photo gallery

  • June 27, 2026 - July 04, 2026
  • October 10, 2026 - October 17, 2026
  • August 15, 2026 - August 22, 2026
  • July 25, 2026 - August 01, 2026
  • March 13, 2027 - March 20, 2027
  • March 20, 2027 - March 27, 2027
  • May 01, 2027 - May 08, 2027
  • June 05, 2027 - June 12, 2027
  • July 31, 2027 - August 07, 2027
  • August 21, 2027 - August 28, 2027
  • October 09, 2027 - October 16, 2027

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
  • 8 days / 7 nights at Il Cornacchino.
  • Welcome aperitif on arrival day, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
  • Full board throughout the stay.
  • Healthy, wholesome meals prepared at Il Cornacchino, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
  • 1 theoretical and interactive lesson on the horse's primary needs and perception, and on the correct use of the seat, legs and reins to communicate effectively with the horse while riding.
  • 5 Natural Western Riding lessons of approximately 2 hours each.
  • Access to the natural surroundings and shared spaces of Il Cornacchino.
NOT INCLUDED
  • Travel to and from Il Cornacchino at the beginning and end of the stay.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Single-room supplement, on request.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Extra horse rides, Be Present sessions with the horses and e-bike rental.
  • Any other optional activities or services not specifically included in the programme.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

6 participants.  Riding level required: from intermediate / good rider.

2026 PRICES

Double Room €1,038
Group Booking (3–4 guests) €954
Tepee €863*                                                 
Campsite €807*
Single-use supplement for a private room: €190.

2027 PRICES

Double Room €1,148
Group Booking (3–4 guests) €1,064
Tepee €959*                                                 
Campsite €868*
Single-use supplement for a private room: €196.

*Tepee and campsite accommodation are not available from 12 June to 23 July 2027.

Food & Accommodation

During your stay, you will be warmly looked after by our cooks, who prepare healthy, wholesome meals made with care and attention, designed to support the body and accompany the activities of the day.

Our kitchen takes into account the main dietary needs and choices, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

If you wish to enjoy an even deeper experience of grounding and connection with nature, in addition to staying in our comfortable rooms, you will also have the opportunity to sleep in one of our tepees: romantic, spacious, and cozy, surrounded by the silence of the forest and gently accompanied by the call of owls.

An invitation to slow down and reconnect with the natural rhythm of the days, among horses, good food, and moments of genuine relaxation, peace, and well-being.


PLEASE NOTE

The price is for each person, and it includes the equipment to use during the whole course, for the practical section and the use of horses for the exercises.

It is possible to participate with one's own horse (horse boarding is not included).

In the afternoon, horseback rides or other lessons are possible, not included in the price.

Are you interested in this holiday?

Fill up the online form and we will contact you.

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Contacts

Agriturismo Cornacchino
Castell'Azzara, 58034

Tel: +39.0564.951582