Thank You Note

Kira also wants to thank you all :)

The season’s getting to an end. Like all things, this too shall pass, as Abe Lincoln would say, quoting an old Persian proverb. The past year has been a helluva ride with wonderful guests joining us in one more season, sharing their stories, riding with us, enjoying our picnics.

So yeah, it’s been pretty fun here at the Prategiano and it was all thanks to you guys. Guests, staff, volunteers… Everybody who took their time to come over, even if just for a cup of coffee, and make this season unforgettable.

Maybe we’ll see each other again, maybe not, but even if we don’t, just know that you, (yeah, you) left your mark in our hearts that will stay with us forever. And if we do see each other again, bring more stories to us, more experiences, more laughter, let’s be happy together again.

That’s it, we wish you guys all the best and, like we say in my hometown: Don’t forget to be awesome.

Overcoming My Fear Of Horses

I grew up in a big city, but used to visit the countryside all the time due to my uncle’s ranch. There I would ride horses the whole summer long, cantering, galloping, going up and down mountains, you name it. I used to feel like John Wayne e Clint Eastwood, my childhood heroes.

Then, it happened, I was around 15 going down a hill on my horse and a snake showed up, scaring the big fella, who started bucking like crazy, he was absolutely insane with the sight of the snake, throwing me meters away on the rocks. I fell before, I think everybody falls from the horse at least once, but that time was different, I was alone, my arm broke, so did my helmet (good thing I was wearing it that day, it wasn’t a habit of mine).

Fast forward to today, years and years without riding again. I had no trouble being around horses, I could still take care of them, feed them, guide them by the reins and so on, but I couldn’t begin to imagine myself on one of them without my heart racing.

Then I went to Prategiano. I had been drifting for a while then and ended up in the hotel almost by accident. I saw how well the horses were treated, how confident their caretakers were and how enthusiastic everyone around was about them. The question I heard the most was: “Do you ride?” How should I reply to that? Yeah, sure, I know how to ride, but do I still ride, more than a decade after my last time?

I decided it was time to get back on the horse (pun intended) and if I was going to do this, it would be at the Prategiano. They are prepared enough to help me overcome the trauma.

The girls at the stable were amazing, helping me step-by-step, some basic lessons to get off the rust out of my bones and then some trails. They even taught me how to properly do things I’ve been doing wrong my whole life for lack of formal training, like standing up during uphills and how to adjust my saddle to keep me in the right position.

Thanks to the Prategiano and their staff I felt like John Wayne again, reliving my childhood and instead of being nervous about getting on a horse, I just can’t wait to ride towards the sunset on the horizon.

Fiera Di Travale 2017

Hey guys!

We are excited to show you the complete program of this year's Travale Fair. It's going to be amazing!

Prategiano and Poetry

The region where the Prategiano is located is well-known for its quietness and beautiful landscapes, so it's not surprising when artists come to Tuscany for an inspiration boost and a gust of fresh air. Be it by horseback riding, cycling or just relaxing on the terrace, being inspired by a stunning view.

Below, you can read a piece of work written by our guest Rapha Fucciolo whilst staying at the hotel, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

When The Sun Goes Down

The only sound I can hear is the leaves rustling on the trees around me as I watch the sun setting behind the mountains, leaning on the wooden rail like I’m trying to get as close as humanly possible to this majestic view, feeling the light breeze and the warmth of the last sun rays on my face.

All of a sudden, all this quietness lets in an overwhelming sense of loneliness. I’m not accustomed to being at peace, to having nothing bringing me down like a rock. It’s just not my nature.

“You better get used to it, bad boy.” She says as if reading my mind, leaning beside me, her elbow lightly touching mine, dissipating the dreadful feeling immediately.

She rolls two cigarettes and gives me one.

“Do you think it’s possible to get tired of this?” I ask nodding at the sun, halfway down already, leaving an orange strip between the blue sky and the green mountains.

“Do you really wanna find out?” She asks with a smile, letting the smoke out through her lips, being dragged away by the wind.

That’s a fucking good question. I ponder for a few seconds before answering. I don’t want it to end, but I also can’t stay too long in the same place. Perhaps it’s better to let it go at once than get too comfortable.

“No, I guess not.”

She smiles again and leans her head on my shoulder. We just stand here in silence, without uttering a single word, the only sound coming from the leaves rustling around us and the cigarettes burning between our fingers. Just patiently watching the blue-orange-green scenery fading to black.

For more information about the hotel, click here.
To read more of Rapha's work, click here.

Our New Video!

Ciao, amici!

We are proud to present you our brand new video, depicting the beauties of our hotel and its region as well as the outdoor activities, facilities and more! You can check it out below:



Be sure to tell us what you think in the comment section :)