This trip brought together 10 students aged between 12 and 18, for whom their common passion is horse-riding. The students really appreciated the varied programme which included 3 hours daily horse-riding, visits to: Sienna, the medieval town of Montepulcciano and a magnificent Chianti wine estate (with wine tasting for the older ones and olive oil for everyone else!)  We stayed in a rural gîte tucked into the Tuscan countryside, just a stone’s throw away from the stables run by our hosts, Sadio and Donatella.  Each day began with a horseback ride through the autumn countryside with flame-red vines, olive groves, cyprus-lined lanes and chestnut forests, and confidence grew as students became familiar with riding these well-trained  horses over a variety of terrains.  Students also cooked some Italian specialities, took a relaxing swim in ancient baths and shared some fun moments together during evenings by the fire!  A memorable week!