Author Archives: yanina

Horse Fairs, Equestrian World of Sardinia, News

Ardia

For those who are tired of lying on the azure beaches of Sardinia and would like to learn something about the island, its traditions and culture, at the 6 and 7 July you’ll have a unique opportunity to see unforgettable extreme equestrian spectacle.

There is Feast of St. Constantine in the small town of Sedilo, located in the central part of Sardinia, at the Omodeo Lake, which calls Ardia.

This is an ancient ritual horse race. No one even knows how old it is and when it began to take place. There is an opinion that Ardia has appeared when the Church of San Constantine was built and perhaps even earlier. There is no competing in speed in this race, and nobody wins prizes. Ardia is a call to residents to do their sacred duty for The God.

Valeria is a brave amazon, which brackes stereotypes that only men can participate in Ardia.

The act of the Feast symbolizes the battle of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where he defeated Maxentius, whereby Christianity became the dominant religion in the Roman state.

It is very difficult to describe in words what is happening on the area of ancient temple “Santuario di San Costantino” where the Ardia takes place.

Hundreds of riders, dressed in white shirts, fly down from Mount Su Frontigheddu and at high speed enter through the narrow arch to run up to the church of St. Constantine.

Start of the race from Su Frontigheddu

The action is so fast that in a few seconds, you cannot see the horsemen because of the dust.

Race in the dust

This race is accompanied by sounds of the church bell and gunshots by armorers ( “fucileri”). These shots are warning the public about the approaching horses.

The riders walk around the church 6-8 times, it is the part of the ritual, and after that, they run down to the prehistoric circular altar “Sa Muredda”, where they repeat the rite circles around the altar, then they run up to the church again.

Riders run up to the church

When the race e finished they tie horses in the forest behind the church, and all go for the divine service.

Horses during the divine service

There are no fences separating the crowd from the horses In Ardia. Horses gallop through the “tunnels” created by the people themselves. All the spectators become participants in the ritual.

The temple of Saint Constantine at the 6th of July

Armorers “fucilieri” shot periodically into the air and yell at the crowd asking people to move from the track.

“Fucilieri” are responsable for the security

The main character of Ardia is the first rider “Sa Prima Pandela.” He is the personification of the Emperor Constantine. His due is to be always the first in the race. To overtake the first rider is a flagrant violation of the ritual.

Every year the main hero changes. The priest of Sedilo selects the new Sa Prima Pandela at the beginning of each year. The name of the newly elected protagonist of Ardia is kept in a secret until the 15^th of May, when the first horseman for the first time appears in public accompanied by his two close fellows: “Su Secondu” and “Su Terzu” at the Feast of St. Isidore.

Three main riders. Sa Prima Pandela is in the middle.

Only people that were born in Sedilo town can participate in Ardia race. Many of them are not professional riders at all; they just keep a horse in the family to use it once a year to fulfill their duty for the St. Emperor Constantine.

The horse breed used in Ardia, is Sardinian Anglo-Arabian; these are strong and hardy horses. Most of them are bred directly in this town. These horses have already glorified in the famous Palio of Siena.

If you decided to visit the Feast, you have two possibilities to see it: in the evening at the 6^th of July or at the 7^th July, early in the morning.

The evening Ardia which is at 6^th of July starts at 6 o’clock p.m. with the ceremony where the priest of Sedilo gives out the flags for the first three riders on the town’s main square (Piazza San Giovanni Battista).

The ceremony of the giving out the flags for the first rideres.

Then, with an orchestra, the column of participants will move to the Temple.

Orchestra accompanies the riders to the Temple.

If you’re interested in only seeing the race, you can to take in advance a safety place with a good vision and wait there the arriving of horsemen.

After the evening Ardia there is a big concert in the town with the participation of various Sardinian folk groups.

If you missed a lot in the evening action, because of the “chaos” and the crowds, you can make it up in morning Ardia at the 7th of July. The ceremony will start on the main square at 07.30 am. The morning race will be less crowded, so you will be able enjoy better the performance.

The Feast of St. Constantine finishes 7th of July with the evening procession, where is transporting the statue of Saint Constantine in a cart through the all streets of the city.

WARNING! It is not recommended to visit Ardia with young children, people with health problems, and also very impressionable guests. For your safety you will be responsible for yourself.

We wish you olnly good impressions!!!

Text and photos

Yanina Antsulevich

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Horseriding excursion “Funtana Bona – 2016”

Hello my dear friends of the horse and nature!
I am organizing my 16th horse ride from Orgosolo to Funtana bona where you can admire our places and spend a day with friends and cheer.
Departure is at the 18th of June at the 9 o’clock from Via San Michelei, Orgosolo
The participation fee is only € 15 for the membership card of “SELLA SARDA” with the registration deadline no later than 16th of June.

Pietro Cubeddu

Riding excursion “Orgosolo – Funtana Bona”

40 Km, 6-7 hours of riding with picnic

The excursion starts in the town Orgosolo, which is located in the central eastern part of Sardinia and is built at the foot of a mountain about 650 meters above the sea level. The area of Orgosolo is about 22,200 and includes a small cultivated plain, and several areas in the hills, where are grown the sun-drenched vines – Cannonau, while in the mountains had cattle breeding in the wild. The type of mountains here are in source of shale and limestone.
The schistose mountains characterize by low Mediterranean scrub and small bushes, and offer a typical landscape of the mountains of Gennargentu.
The origin of Limestone Mountains provide diverse landscapes are rich in biodiversity and endemic species you may encounter various flora and fauna of the Supramonte. Being limestone, in the end have been shaped by water, and have long underground tunnels, canyons, gorges and towering heels.
The numerous caves were once used by primitive and then by the shepherds, and the most inaccessible and secret caves were the refuge of fugitives who in past decades were numerous in these territories.
The meeting point of the riders are on the outskirts of Orgosolo, and then embarks on a journey along the old mule tracks and paths frequented by nomadic herders.
The first stretch along approximately 5 km, you can see a forest of oak, then in the locality named ” Sirilo ” hidden by the vegetation can be glimpsed the ” Domus de Janas ” (fairy houses), which are consisted of rooms carved into the rock that had functions hide the dead during nuragic period.
After a few kilometers we arrive in area titled “Ventosu” (“the place of the wind”), continue our way towards the lake Olai, crossing a vast plateau where you can see grazing cows, pigs, sheep, goats and horses, cattle of Sardinian breed living in the wild.
From Olai we’ll climb towards Pihisone, a high mountain about 1400 meters above sea level. In these places you can admire the mountains to the west of Gennargentu (Monte Spada, Bruncu Spina and Punta la Mormora), while to the east the mountains of Supramonte Orgosolo. Here you can see wild boars, foxes, wild sheep, golden eagles and feral Sardinian horses.
From Pihisone we go down to the mountain Monte Fumai and we’ll take a way towards fresh karst spring called Funtana Bona and where there is a large area of Pic -Nic.
Once there take off saddles and bridles from horses, we lead them to water and then leave them to rest, then all the riders enjoy the shade of the live oaks and tasty lunch prepared by local pastors.
Lunch bases on typical local products: homemade bread, meat, cheese and wine Cannonau.
After the lunch, calmly takes a short but still spectacular way back to Orgosolo.

Horse Hikes

Horse hike to Cala Luna

Tour Level:II • III

Nowhere in Italy beaches are better than in Sardinia. Cala Luna is the best beach from the better Sardinian ones! It’is thus a paradise, which tend to attract most exacting tourists.
It is located on the northwest coast of the island, near the town Dorgali. The area between the beach surrounded by romantic grots filled with soft sand and decorated with impeccable pink oleander bushes. The shape of the shore and the beach when overlooking the Gulf of Orosei, looks like is a 700-meter long crescent (hence, in fact, the name). The lagoon is comfotably shallow, the water is blue and crystal clear. It is not easy to reach the beach Cala Luna, since the last 8 km of the way is a narrow mountain path, which offers spectacular views from every point!
This exclusive tour is designed for amateurs of active mountain trekking, where you can get to know a breathtaking mountain landscape of Sardinia, see many wild animals, and finally plunge into the crystal clear azure waters of the Mediterranean.
A few words about the Sardinian cuisine, which is legendary, as the most ecological in the world. In the high-quality products and the clean air is the secret of Sardinian longevity. Meals in the tour will be held on farms, where shepherds will prepare various local dishes, among which you will not find any product purchased at the store.
The itinerary of this hike is difficult, it is necessary to overcome various mountain chains and canyons, from time to time to dismount horses for passing complex plots. From the rider requires good physical preparation, possession of all three gaits and the ability to cope with the horse in all situations.
In spite of all the difficulties, this tour will give you a lot of new unforgettable emotions and impressions, as well as energize you for the whole year!
Gide and instructor – Pietro Cubeddu.

5 days (4 nights) / 3 days (4 nights)

136 km / 96 km

Program
Technical information
Prices

1° Day

I part of the trip, 20 km

5 hours ride

The hike starts from the town Orgosolo, which is located in the central eastern part of Sardinia.The town is built at the foot of a mountain about 650 meters above the sea level.
Until a few decades ago, the economy was based on agriculture and pastoralism, because its area is about 22,200 hectares. The cultivated area includes a small plain and several areas in the hills, where in those hills grows famous type of grape – Cannonau, while in the mountains is bred cattle in the wild. The mountains are the most typical source shale and limestone.
Given the peculiarity of the landscapes, the history and the richness of biodiversity these places are visited each year.
The meeting point of the riders is in Orgosolo, then start our journey following the old mule tracks and trails frequented by nomadic herders.
The first stretch along about 5 km, you can see a forest of oak, then in the area named Sirilò one can see hidden by vegetation the “domos de Janas” or fairy houses, which are rooms carved into the rock that had functions hide the dead in the Nuraghic period.
After a few km you arrive in an area Pic-Nic named Ventosu and after to Olai, cross a vast plateau where you can see grazing cows, pigs, sheep, goats and horses, cattle bred in wild.
After Olai we’ll go up towards “Pihisone” a high mountain about 1,400 meters above sea level. In these places you can admire the mountains west of Gennargentu (Monte Spada, Bruncu Spina and Punta la Mormora) while in the east the mountain range of the Supramonte of Orgosolo. Here you can see wild boars, foxes, wild sheep, golden eagles and Sardinian feral horses.
From Pihisone we ride down to Monte Fumai and then to an abundant and fresh karst spring called Funtana Bona and where there is a large area Pic-Nic.
Arrived here take off the saddles and bridles of the horses, will lead to watering and feed, and then leave them to rest until tomorrow morning, while the riders are enjoying the shade of oaks, a packed lunch with local products.
After eating and drinking with the transfer we’ll return back to the hotel (B & B) in Orgosolo, where you can rest.

2° Day

II part of the trip, 36 km

8 hours ride

Departure from Funtana Bona.
After the breakfast the transfer will take you to Funtana Bona.
We’ll saddle horses and take the direction towards mountain Monte Novu San Giovanni until you arrive to a river called Flumineddu. Here we are in an area that has the name Ingurtidorgiu where the river disappears because of a chasm, and at that point you can cross it.
The way continues along a steep path of 100 m where we are forced to get off the horses. Once up we are in the area of Urzulei S’Arenas in places where you will visit the Tombs of giants which have about 3000 years! Continuing the way we’ll cross the valley Fennau where you can meet wild and domestic animals to wild pasture (Sardinian cows, goats, pigs, donkeys and horses). In place called Janna ‘e rughe we cross the road SS 125 and continuing our hike by trails and dirt roads until we get to Teletodes, wild area near of the town Baunei. Being next to a small river we take advantage of a small break for a lunch with local food and wine.
After the lunch, we’ll ride between the beautiful mountains of Baunei for another 8 km until we reach the farm “Rifuggio ovile Carta”, where you will have a supper and beds.
The rooms in the house are provided with 2-4 bunk beds (with using the sleeping bag) with the small bathroom. Personal items will be brought into the fold by jeep.

3° Day

III part of the trip, 36 km

8 hours ride

Today we’ll get to our main destination – the magic beach of Cala Luna.
After finishing our delicious breakfast with Sardinian homemade food, we will saddle our horses and will take a road which leads us towards the beach of Cala Luna. Riding along this path, we will see many old abandoned farm of shepherds made out of stone. During the way we can see argalis, wild boars, mountain goats that live on the rocks of Arco di Sa Nurra. Ahead we see a chain of Serra di Cundgiada mountains, where we need to go over the tapering ridge to find ourselves in Sedda Heranu – Spring Valley. This valley got its name due to the fact that it is a flat area in the mountains, but free from stones, and because of it there are a lot of different vegetation. The last 8 km we overcome by the mountain path going down towards the beach. We will enjoy wonderful landscapes of unprecedented beauty. Having reached this beautiful place, we’ll have a big break for swimming and lunch in a small restaurant located next to the beach. Then again we return to the same farm, where we will be waiting for a delicious dinner and sleeping places.

4° Day

IV part of the trip, 30 km

8 hours ride

Breakfast and departure. We start to get back to Funtana Bona. We pass by Teletodes, cross the road SS 125 and arrive at Janna ‘Rughe. From here we climb up the mountain Punta Is grutta where we can admire a beautiful view. We continue the path of ancient mountain roads used for hundreds of years by shepherds. Then you cross a river and there will be a lonely fold, where you can see wild Sardinian donkeys grazing.
We stop for lunch in a fold mountain in the Valley Fennau, where you will enjoy the hospitality of the pastors that will make us taste their homemade products.
After the lunch we continue towards Gutturu Neoi, along a trail that at the beginning of ‘900 was used by coal miners to connect the forests of central Sardinia – Ogliastra the main ports.
After the trail continues on a dirt road that runs along the heel imposing limestone of Monte Novo San Giovanni, so called because the top of the mountain there are still the ruins of the church. A little more and we got to the national park Funtana Bona.
We arrive back in Funtana Bona and leave our horses to rest at Caserma Montes. The transfer takes you to Orgosolo where tonight we organize a nice evening with pizza.

5° Day

V part of the trip, 30 km

8 hours ride

After the transfer takes you to Funtana Bona in Caserma Montes, where we left our horses.
Today we have to do the last 20 km to return to Orgosolo. Along the way we cross a small river called Pulieddu. Then we drive along the lake Olai and passing the Hippodrome of Orgosolo we get to Hoosi where there is an area for picnic with tables and water provided by the source, where we have lunch at a lot.
Returning to Orgosolo in the stable we greet with carrots our horses who were inseparable companions throughout our trip.

Duration:

5 days (4 nights) / 3 days (2 nights)

Total length:

5 Days: 136 km
3 Days: 96 km

Departure from:

5 Days: from Orgosolo (NU)
3 Days: from Funtana Bona (Caserma Montes), 15 km from Orgosolo

Airports:

Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero

Transfer to Orgosolo:

Is available in an additional fee

Number of partecipants:

Groups min 4 persons

Experience level:

Professional and amateur riders

Accompaniment:

Accompaniment by professional instructors

All the way (except impassable places) accompanies SUV to transport personal belongings, drinks and food.

Language:

Italian, English and Russian

Clothing:

Special clothing for riding: jodhpurs or breeches, The change.

Boots with chaps or high boots.

Riding helmets can be released by our club.

Jacket and sweater (it can be cold in the mountains), swimming dress.

Sleeping bag.

Horses:

Sardinian Anglo-arabians, local sardinian horses of pony-class

Gait:

Pace, trot, gallop

Accoutrements:

British sport saddles, snaffle bits, Sardinian traditional bits “morso”

Accommodation:

2 nights in hotel/B & B in Orgosolo

2 nights at the farm “Rifugio ovile Carta”

Catering and food

Food in this hike is based on purely natural farm products: cottage cheese, prosciutto, homemade sausage, antipasti, fresh meat cooked over charcoal, house wine Cannonau, vegetables, fruit, pasta and homemade pastries.

Catering:

1° Day

•Lunch-Picnic

•Dinner in restaurant

2° Day

•Breakfast in hotel

•Lunch-Picnic

•Supper at the farm

3° Day

•Breakfast at the farm

•Lunch in restaurant at the beach

•Dinner at the farm

4° Day

•Breakfast at the farm

•Lunch with shepherds (pranzo con I pastori)

•Dinner in pizzeria

5° Day

•Breakfast in hotel

•Lunch-picnic

Price for 5 Days of the tour

Partecipant895 EUR

Partecipant with an own horse395 EUR

Price for 3 Days of the tour

Partecipant495 EUR

Partecipant with an own horse250 EUR

Price includes:

Rent a horse and accoutrements
Accompaniment
Accommodation
Full board
feeding horses

Price doesn't include

air ticket
transfer to Orgosolo

Slideshow

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Easter Monday in the Saddle!

Dear friends!

We invite you to celebrate the Easter Monday with us! A beautiful excursion on horseback in the mountains of Orgosolo, with a nice picnic lunch at the nature, accompanied with delicious homemade wine Cannonau, will give you the unforgettable emotions.

Reservations by calling +393313475401

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Horse hike “Hotel Supramonte”

Tour Level:III

Murgugliai, Su Sercone, Gorropu Canyon: two unforgettable days in the heart of Supramonte.
The mountain Supramonte covers a part of the center-east of Sardinia, which extends in the communes of Orgosolo, Oliena and Urzulei up to the beautiful beaches of Dorgali and Baunei. These karst mountains of rare beauty are rich of caves, ravines, sinkholes, canyons and summits, mysterious and inaccessible, full of ancient stories, which until a few decades ago were offering shelter for the bandits.
Our night refuge, which once offered rest to the hard work of coal miners, is surrounded by a dense forest of secular majestic oak trees.
Our traveling companions are the small Sardinian horses faithful and resistant, which will accompany us to discovery this wild and wonderful landscape of limestone cliffs inhabited by flora and fauna characteristics of places.
Istruttore e la guida – il vice presidente dell’associazione Pietro Cubeddu.

The whole year
2 days (1 night)
60 km

Programm
Technical information
Prices

1° Day

1° tappa, 20 km

5 ore a cavallo

Departure from our equestrian base located in the countryside of Orgosolo. We cross a part of the town until we get to the rural church of San Marco, where we shall take a path through oak woods and Mediterranean bushes. This way, which is passing through “Cuile Sos Pireddas”, we’ll bring us to the small river Cedrino; from here we will continue along the river bed which will allow us to observe the typical riparian vegetation such as oleanders, the blacks alders and willows, until we reach “Cuile Iserrai”. In location “Settile Perdosu” riders can have a pause for a picnic lunch and a little rest.
After the brake, we will go to “Cuile Disarche” where sometimes it is possible to observe the golden eagle, wild boars, wild sheep and other wildlife species that inhabit these places.
Soon we will arrive to location calls “Murgugliai”, where there is the house of our refuge for the night. The refuge was called “pantry”, which was used by charcoal. Recently it has been completely renovated by the town of Orgosolo for being used by hikers.
This place is also known because of the Police and army troops broke up a notorious group of bandits in 1899.
Leaving our horses for the night rest, we will turn on the fire to roast the delicious local meat for our dinner with a local vine Canonau.

2° Day

2° tappa, 30 km

8 ore a cavallo

After the breakfast, we will saddle our horses and will take an uphill road along the cliffs that will lead us towards the pinnacle of the Ridge of Supramonte Mountain, which calls “Scala de S’arenarju”. This place, which astounds you and takes your breath away, offers you the possibility to admire unforgettable and splendid panorama. Here we crossed the gate and found ourselves on a vast plateau, the heart of Supramonte, where we have to follow a narrow path between rocks, stones and the trees.
The substrate is chalky caves, sinkholes and ravines, so the water does not flow on the surface but in underground rivers; that’s why the animals that inhabit these places have to drink the water that is found in small puddles, which calls in the local dialect “presezzos”. The man, in ancient times, in order to get water had to immerse by themselves in caves.
The particularity of this place is that you can admire the varied scenery; crossing juniper, holm oak forests, expanses of scrubland and rocciai white shining until you reach the valley of Su Sercone, 200 meters deep and wide over 400 meters, it is generated by the collapse of the roof of a large cave.
Following the path you come to Campu Donianicoro, a large plateau rich game where you can admire ancient folds of those shepherds Pinnettos, built with calcareous stone basement and roof juniper wood with conical type hut.
The plateau is dominated by a Nuraghe, whose entrance is visible in the distance.
Continue to Janna Degori, an impenetrable forest of oak that inside has field where ancient caprari had built their pinnetti and shelters for their flocks. Today is only visible the sheepfold restored where you will pause for lunch in harmony with nature.
Coming back you will admire the view of the Canyon Gorropu, Nuraghe Mereu and Nuraghe Gorropu.

Period

The whole year

Duration:

2 days (1 nights)