The preparations of famous the Palio of Siena begins with La Tratta, choosing of the horses which will participate in the race.

In the four days preceding the race, one of the major processes is La Tratta, the horse’s owners who want to be part of the Palio present their animals in the ancient Piazza del Campo.

The horses are given a veterinary inspection and ridden three times round the piazza to check their adaptability to the track.

Winning is not important during these trials as they are only trying to assess if the horses are able to race in the Palio.

A draw establishes which horse is to be given to each Contrada or neighborhood. From that moment, the horse belongs to the Contrada and the rider only has four days to train and familiarize with his steed. The horse will be lovingly cared for, and guarded.

Before the race the Piazza del Campo is covered with earth. It is difficult to find a place to see the race as these are booked up way in advance, La Tratta is ideal opportunity to feel the atmosphere during the days before the event and see one of the practice runs.

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• Comune Siena