November 14-15: one of autumn's first cold weekends, rainy and damp. A rented minivan and four cars wind through the hills near Benevento, taking a wrong turn or two along the way.
On board are friends, young people, and parents from Fede e Luce, plus three wonderful children for good measure.
Question: What on earth are they doing?
Answer: Going horseback riding!
On horseback?
Yes, on horseback. We'd received an irresistible invitation.
Let me back up a moment. August: a mixed summer camp for the three Naples communities of Fede e Luce (Piedigrotta, Vigna, and Roveto Ardente) near Circello, outside Benevento.
One day we discovered Scuderia "Le Forne" right nearby, offering horseback lessons and rides to groups including people with disabilities.
After a scouting mission led by Daria, our trailblazer, we made a date: a morning on horseback for everyone!
It was magnificent. All the young people except one got on a horse, and many took multiple rides. The instructors were extraordinarily kind, attentive to our special needs, unflappable — they didn't flinch at a single wheelchair, didn't hesitate at any communication or motor difficulty, didn't balk at any weight limit, and we had plenty of all of those. With such reassuring support, even the most nervous kids found their courage, and it was wonderful to see the satisfaction on the face of someone who had just conquered their fear. There are no differences here: the only measure is overcoming your own limit. And everyone found their own joy — some were happy just to mount the horse, some were thrilled to pet it, some didn't want to dismount and kept asking for another ride as we left, and some of our friends would gladly have gone for a full lesson. Truly, there was something for everyone.
Shared joy is contagious and bears fruit. Not long after, our star PR person Daria — who'd kept in touch with these gallant horsemen (never was the term more apt) — forwarded us that famous irresistible invitation.
The stables wanted to host us for a weekend during their first conference on disability and the experience of meeting the horse.
They even arranged our lodging in nearby agriturismos at a special rate.
How could we say no? And there we were, on a rainy November weekend, driving through the Benevento hills and back to the stables to relive last summer's experience.
This time they were prepared. Our visit had inspired them to get ready properly for special learners. They'd even acquired technical equipment — a kind of winch — to lift someone who couldn't move independently from their wheelchair directly onto the saddle. They explained and showed us so much about horses, their habits, their quirks, how to handle them, how to care for them, what to watch for.
The horse is an extraordinary animal, humanity's companion since ancient times. Simply encountering one feels like adventure. We were all moved and excited: friends, young people, children. It was an experience for everyone.
Then came the conference, chaired by the mayor of Circello, though it felt more like a gathering of friends in the welcoming home of one of the stables' owners. After that, the fantastic grilled meat feast had the warmth and flavor of our own parties — guitars and songs included. The next morning brought another horseback experience for everyone. Another delicious, genuine lunch, and off we went home!
Not before promising to return in spring.
We want to thank the people of Scuderia Le Forne who gave us this weekend. We can confirm to them that a "contact" vacation with horses — whether a weekend or perhaps even a week — with groups like ours is undoubtedly a wonderful offering. We're grateful to have helped bring this project to life. Keep up the good work!
Emanuela Attanasio, 2010
Scuderia "Le Forne"
Scuderia "Le Forne" has existed in the Alto Tammaro region (Benevento province) for about three years. In the past, the stables focused almost entirely on competitive sports.
About a year ago, under new management and with the arrival of technical director Salvatore Corvino and his staff, things began to change direction.
They are working to spread the message that horses shouldn't be thought of only as competition animals for a select few, but as companions and therapeutic tools. They are also developing equestrian tourism. Given the stables' location, horses and riders can spend days in harmony with nature and the world around them.
The idea of the horse as a therapeutic tool came from a personal story that Salvatore Corvino and a friend tell: "During a competitive equestrian event, I noticed a disabled child crying because he wanted to approach a horse, but his parents were afraid. My friend and I decided to talk to them and convince them that petting a horse was safe. That fragile child who had been in tears suddenly had eyes full of happiness.
After leaving the event, we came up with the idea of a recreational riding program for people with disabilities. Our goal is to share the emotions we feel on horseback with people who don't have the chance because of their difficulties.
We've also created a safe space in our riding facility where everyone can approach horses and have contact with other animals like donkeys, goats, dogs, and more.
All of this is based on the principles of equine therapy, which was used historically to treat insomnia and is now recognized as a medical science that helps people overcome sensory, cognitive, and behavioral challenges.
I want to take this chance to greet and thank the Fede e Luce group "La Vigna" from Naples, who made it possible for us to bring our project to life.
