Murgia Park Horse Riding Tour near Matera

Across the ravine from the Sassi lies a very different Matera: a stony upland of scrub, wild herbs, stone walls and sheep tracks, protected as the Murgia Materana Park. For centuries shepherds moved flocks across this plateau, and riders still cross it on horseback. This guided horse riding tour lets you explore the park from the saddle, at a walking pace, with a guide leading the way. The product is unrated so far, so confirm the route length, the riding level required, what the price includes and the meeting point when you book. A ride gives you a feel for the landscape that a car or even a walk can miss. You move slowly through open country, hear the wind in the grasses and watch for birds of prey wheeling over the gorge. The terrain is rocky in places, so horses are sure-footed and calm, and routes are chosen to suit the group. With luck the path opens to a viewpoint where the Sassi appear across the canyon, a picture that feels more rewarding when you have earned it by riding. This is a good activity for travellers who like animals, who want a break from the old town or who simply enjoy being outdoors. Beginners are often welcome, though you should check, and experienced riders can ask about more adventurous options.

Preparation matters. Wear long trousers, closed shoes with a small heel, and clothing you can layer. Operators normally provide helmets, but check in advance. Bring sunscreen, a hat that fits under a helmet or can be stowed, and water. In summer, ask for an early morning or evening departure, since the heat can be intense and horses prefer cooler hours. In spring the countryside is green and flowers bloom, while autumn light is soft and warm.

Be honest about your experience. Guides will assess your level and match you with a suitable horse, and being clear about your confidence improves safety and enjoyment. Riders usually have to meet a weight limit, and the minimum age varies, so ask before you book if you plan to bring children. Pregnant travellers and anyone with back problems should check with a doctor and the operator.

The pace is generally slow, with walking and perhaps some gentle trotting. Photography from the saddle is possible if you are comfortable, but it is wise to keep both hands on the reins when the terrain gets uneven. Ask the guide about the best stops for photographs.

Combine the ride with a sunset belvedere trip or a rock-church trail for a day in the park, or follow it with a relaxed meal in town. It is not a thrill ride, but a calm, scenic experience that shows another side of Matera, one that locals know well and many visitors never discover.

Ask the guide about the shepherd paths you follow. Many of the tracks have been used for centuries, and the stone walls, sheepfolds and cisterns you pass are part of a pastoral heritage that sits quietly behind the more famous cave city.

Before you go, think about what you want from the ride. If you are mostly interested in the view, say so and ask the guide to include a stop at a viewpoint. If you want a faster pace, mention it. Honest conversation at the start helps the guide shape the outing, and it makes for a better experience for the whole group.