Ippogrifo Farm

Ippogrifo Farm is located inside the Monte Tezio natural park a few short kilometres from Perugia. The Farm olive groves and pastures extend over an area of approximately 15 hectares on a small hill of 600 m above sea level. The Farm was created in 2000 when owner Massimo Francone, horse-riding instructor, bought his first hectare of land and the "A.S.C.A. EL JINETE" Horse Riding Centre was born in affiliation with the Fitetrec A.N.T.E (National Association for Equestrian Tourism). The initial activity carried out at the Farm included riding lessons for riding licensing, horse-riding walks and one or more day trekking adventures. Starting in 2005, the other hectares of land were purchased. With the help of his wife, Fitetrec - A.N.T.E. guide, the Horse Riding Centre has also become specialised in training U.N.I.R.E. horses for TREC discipline and in the organisation of equestrian events at local and national levels. The Ippogrifo Farm produces extra virgin olive oil of high quality, from its raw material to its final product. This oil is sold directly to private buyers, mainly at local markets. The Farm also houses Martina Franca breed donkeys, beloved by the Farm owner, and Apennine breed ovines, raised for most of the year on the Farm pastures, as well as Apennine breed sheep and also lamb which are generally sold to private buyers, often as breed animals. Pecorino and mixed cheeses are produced on the Farm. Due to the small size of the farm area, the owners have focused on quality production as opposed to quantity. The Ippogrifo Farm is also an "educational farm." Throughout the year, many schools are welcomed to participate in different events: "The Oil Cycle," "The Ball of Yarn," "Getting Your Bearings," and many more. The entire Farm is managed by owner Massimo Francone and his wife, a graduate in animal production science and technology, who takes particular care of their farm breeding sector