Sardinia has an ancient horse culture dating back to the Nuragic period. The Barbagia mountains and the Giara di Gesturi plateau (home to the rare wild Sardinian ponies) offer exceptional riding through landscapes rarely accessible otherwise. Many agriturismo offer riding experiences with their own horses.
Horse riding in Barbagia draws on one of the oldest equestrian traditions in the Mediterranean, rooted in Sardinia's Nuragic past and still central to village festivals across the Nuoro province. Rides explore the rugged Barbagia mountains and the basalt plateau of the Giara di Gesturi, famous for its small population of semi-wild Sardinian ponies (cavallini della Giara), passing through cork oak woods, granite uplands and archaeological sites that are difficult to reach on foot. Many of the experiences are run by agriturismo farms using their own horses, which lends the riding an authentic, working-countryside character. Outings range from one-hour introductions to full-day and multi-day treks, and both beginners and experienced riders are catered for: gentle walk-and-trot rides on calm horses suit first-timers and families, while confident riders can take faster, longer routes. A minimum age, often around 6 to 8 for led pony rides, is usually set, and helmets are provided. Stables supply the horse, tack and helmet, so riders need only bring long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel; longer treks may include saddlebags and a packed lunch. The agriturismo and riding centres are staffed by experienced local guides who match horses to ability and give a safety briefing on mounting, basic control and trail etiquette before setting out; guides carry a phone for the remote sections, and serious incidents are handled through the regional emergency number (112). The most comfortable riding season runs from spring to autumn, with April to June and September to October offering mild temperatures and green landscapes; high summer can be hot, so rides are best taken early or late in the day, while winter is quieter and cooler but still possible. Booking ahead is sensible, particularly for longer treks and during the summer holidays, and rides can often be combined with a farm meal of local Sardinian produce.
Activity facts
- Where
- Barbagia, Nuoro Province / Giara di Gesturi
- Duration
- 1–6 hours
Highlights
- Barbagia mountain trail riding
- Wild Sardinian pony spotting on the Giara plateau
- Nuragic site visits on horseback
- Authentic agriturismo horse culture
- Traditional Sardinian equestrian skills
Tips for visiting
- Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel; stables provide the horse, tack and helmet.
- Ride in spring or autumn for mild weather and green hills; in summer choose early-morning or late-afternoon outings.
- Ask for a calm horse and a walk-and-trot route if you are a beginner or riding with children.
- Book longer treks and summer rides ahead, especially at popular agriturismo stables.
- Combine the ride with a farm lunch of local Sardinian produce, which many agriturismo offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can beginners and children ride in Barbagia?
Yes. Many stables offer gentle walk-and-trot rides on calm horses for first-timers and families, usually with a minimum age of around 6 to 8 for led rides and helmets provided.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel. Stables provide the horse, tack and a helmet; longer treks may include saddlebags and a packed lunch.
Where do the rides go?
Routes cross the Barbagia mountains and the Giara di Gesturi plateau, home to semi-wild Sardinian ponies, often passing cork oak woods, granite uplands and Nuragic archaeological sites.
When is the best time to ride?
April to June and September to October offer the mildest weather and greenest scenery. Summer rides are best early or late in the day to avoid the heat.