New Additions at La Fortezza

What a summer! It has been a guest-filled, and fun-filled summer in the countryside. We welcomed so many wonderful friends, not to mention our entire family.

I wanted to update you about an amazing addition to the La Fortezza team this year. Her name is Irelva. She was introduced to me by our groundskeeper, Gianluca early this spring. We immediately hit it off and I asked if she wanted to come and help the following week. Lucky for me, she said yes.

Along with Irelva came her menagerie. Irelva owns a horse named Sharon and a donkey named Ivo. She’s an avid rider, but unfortunately she cannot ride Sharon, since she has a bad knee. Sharon and Ivo were rescued, so this band of 3 amigos have a very special connection. Irelva will move her animal family to La Fortezza at the end of this month. We plan to add more horses to the family, starting with a horse Irelva can ride here in the mountains. Last week, we went to a beautiful farm outside of Florence to check out some horses. I think we may have found the perfect horse. Of course some research and a checkup from a veterinarian will be required. And we need to visit Apricot once more to see if she is the “one”. But something tells me she might be. Apricot has a white heart marking on her shoulder which we regarded as a sign. She was a bit jumpy and nervous when she was taken outside. But Irelva was able to horse-whisper her into cuddles within just a few minutes. It was remarkable! I always say that I manifested Irelva. I needed someone like her in my life. She is truly the light and energy that La Fortezza needs. I have the most magical team around me. And for that, I am very grateful.

Stay tuned for all the horse adventures. Make sure to follow me on Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. We just uploaded a tour of the town, so have a look. It’s really funny. Many more videos will be posting soon.

xx, Annette