Blessing of the Animals

Yes, we were there too, together with over 40 other horses and riders for the animal blessing organized by the Pro Loco of Fonteblanda in the township of Orbetello (Grosseto). Cats, dogs, tourists, friends and family all gathered on the beach to enjoy a spectacular day (both for the weather and for the event) and to meet Don Alessandro from the parish of Fonteblanda as he blessed the animals as tradition dictates.

We set off early from Antica Caletra (from where the technical director of the Association of Butteri di Maremma operates) and headed towards the coast riding through the amazing Parco dell'Uccellina. The views were fantastic and quite different from those of our Colline Metallifere and forested trails. Here there were endless olive groves, water canals, wild rosemary and, on the horizon, the ocean.

Despite the high number of new and unfamiliar horses, all the horses behaved themselves very well and the trail ride ended as every good Italian event should: with a large meal all together... at the Gastronomia dell'azienda Buratta Equitazione!