On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March, FAI (Italian Environment Foundation) will open to the public 660 monuments that are often inaccessible. The annual event is the 19th edition of “Giornata FAI di Primavera.” In Milan, the most eagerly awaited opening is that of the Caserma Santa Barbara, also closely associated with the mounted artillery regiment known as Voloire which played an important role in the battles leading up to Italian Unification in 1861. Today, the Italian Army has opened the Santa Barbara Barracks to host a daily therapeutic riding center for the disabled. The Santa Barbara barracks have thus become a link between the Army and the city.

The story of Santa Barbara and riding therapy is beautifully illustrated in a new book entitled “I cavalli della Santa Barbara” by Stefano Porro, published by Proedi Editore. Proceeds from the sale of the book (25 euros per copy at www.proedieditore.it) will go to ANIRE for the purchase of 5 beautiful new horses for child riding therapy purposes.