"Maneggio Chiai: Where the Heart Meets the Gallop of the Soul"

In the vibrant heart of Sardinia, where the earth breathes ancient stories and the wind whispers through horses' manes, beats the soul of Maneggio Chiai. It's more than just a name; it's a whisper that evokes freedom, an infinite horizon that opens up every time a horse breaks into a gallop. Founded way back in 1985 by the visionary Franco Chiai, this place is far more than just a business. It's a sanctuary where the horse isn't just an animal, but a life companion, a master of emotions, a legacy of love passed down through generations, with the same vibrant passion as on day one. We had the privilege of stepping into this dream, meeting Doriana and Melania, Franco's daughters, who are the guardians and innovators of a legacy that shines with dedication and a promising future.

First Steps on Horseback: A Memory Etched in the Soul

"We still remember our first moments on horseback," Doriana begins, her eyes sparkling with a crystal-clear light, like the sea at dawn. "It felt like the whole world was opening up beneath us, an emotion so pure it took our breath away. Dad Franco didn't just teach us to ride; he taught us to feel the horse, to breathe with it, to become one with its untamed spirit. He passed on such a deep love, an invisible but powerful bond, which we still feel pulsating in every fiber of our being today." Melania echoes her, her voice full of tenderness: "Growing up with him and with our horses allowed us to experience the territory in a unique, almost magical way, sharing our most intimate passion with every tourist who arrived here, eager to discover Sardinia through our eyes and the gallop of our friends."

The Chiai Lineage: Horses with a Family Soul

The true uniqueness of Maneggio Chiai lies in its equestrian heritage, an ancestral bond that goes beyond simple ownership. "All of our horses have been part of the Chiai family for generations," Doriana explains, a hint of pride and tenderness in her voice. "This creates a special connection, a deep understanding, almost a familiarity that unites us with our animals. We know their stories, their peculiarities, their spirits. And this allows us to offer experiences that are not only safe but authentic, where the encounter between human and horse becomes an experience of the soul."

A Natural Cycle Between Summer and Winter: Freedom Rediscovered

Maneggio Chiai lives in perfect harmony with nature's immutable rhythms. "In summer, our horses become silent guides," Melania recounts, "accompanying tourists on unforgettable adventures through our territory. Every ride, every excursion is a journey to discover the hidden beauties of our island: from the salty scent of the sea to the Mediterranean scrub that envelops the senses, all while riding these magnificent animals that seem to dance along the trails."

But when summer fades and the air grows cooler, a period of peace and regeneration begins. "During the colder months," Doriana continues, her voice a hymn to freedom, "the horses remain free, wild, grazing in the pastures. They have plenty of grass available, a table set by nature itself. They can enjoy the purest freedom, well-deserved rest, regenerating body and spirit in preparation for the next season. It's a natural cycle that we not only respect but honor as fundamental for their deepest well-being."

Teku: The New Chapter of a Soaring Dream

Excitement ignites like a sacred fire in the eyes of the two sisters when they talk about the future, a dream about to take flight. "From October 2025," Doriana announces with a touch of emotion that makes her voice tremble, "we'll be opening our new center in Teku! This isn't just an expansion; it's an extension of our spirit, our vision. It will allow us to offer even more services, even more opportunities, to welcome more souls eager to connect with nature and with horses."

Horse Riding: A Bridge to Education and Inclusion

Beyond tourist adventures, Doriana and Melania dedicate their hearts to horse riding as a tool for growth and inclusion. "We offer courses for children of all ages," Melania explains, with infinite gentleness. "But our greatest commitment is to welcome and involve children with special needs. Horse riding, for us, isn't just a sport. It's a path, a bridge to self-confidence, body awareness, and a connection with a living being that doesn't judge but embraces. It's a therapy for the soul that brings incredible benefits, an embrace between two spirits."

Teku: A Treasure of Pristine Nature and Ancient History

The new Teku center promises to be a magical place, a crossroads of ancestral energies. "That location is special not only for its logistics related to the territory," Doriana emphasizes, "but for its indissoluble link with history and archaeology."

Indeed, the Teku area in Sardinia is a gem of history and culture. Here, the landscape is dotted with Nuragic archaeological sites, silent sentinels of an ancient civilization that has left millennia-old traces. These imposing and mysterious megalithic complexes tell stories of people who lived and loved this land. But Teku is also an embrace of the wildest and most pristine nature. Its coast, between Cea beach and Bari Sardo beach, is an ode to biodiversity: Posidonia oceanica meadows dancing in the crystal-clear waters, coralligenous formations concealing marine secrets, and a typical Mediterranean scrub flora and fauna that perfumes the air with wild essences.

The geomorphological features are a true spectacle: the prismatic columnar fractures of the basaltic rock, formed by the rapid cooling of ancient lavas, create breathtaking natural sculptures, visible along the coast like primordial works of art. The pillow lavas, circular pools of seawater, are like the eyes of the earth reflecting the sky. And then there are the "rope lavas," which dance among the rocks in sinuous forms. To the north, near Punta Niedda, the granite rocks sculpted by wind and salt are transformed into tafoni, rounded cavities that seem to tell stories of ancient times. This combination of wild nature, millennial history, and breathtaking beauty makes the new Teku center a unique starting point for cultural and naturalistic horseback excursions, a 360-degree immersive experience that nourishes both body and soul.

The interview with Doriana and Melania left our hearts full of emotion. It was a window into the untamed passion, unwavering dedication, and forward-thinking vision that animate Maneggio Chiai. It's a place where the love for horses blends in a deep embrace with the valorization of the territory, the most sincere inclusion, and a loving care for the well-being of every creature. With the opening of the Teku center, Franco Chiai's dream not only continues to live but expands, promising new, unforgettable adventures and authentic connections for all who wish to feel the gallop of the soul.

Are you ready to feel the heartbeat of Sardinia and embark on your next horseback adventure?